All resulting debris (green waste) that we haul away is recycled in one fashion or another. Whether its mulch, compost, firewood, or workable lumber – Barren Tree Solutions ensures that its operations are sustainable and repurposed. If you would like to keep any or some of the debris from your project just let us know and we will accommodate however we can!
As a rule of thumb pruning or trimming should be performed only in the dormant part of the season. The dormant season is when trees are not actively growing; in Virginia this is typically between November and February. That being said there are plenty of exceptions to this and varies based on time of year, species, age, and pruning objectives. It is best to have a Certified Arborist to assess the conditions of concern and in order to accurately draft up pruning specifications including on when to prune.
In the tree care industry, companies that require a deposit can be a red flag that signal potential risk to the client. While deposits may be common in certain industries or projects, reputable and established tree care providers generally do not require deposits. Deposits suggest financial instability, lack of resources, fraud, or non-completion. Payment upon completion ensures that the client pays only when the agreed-upon work is successfully performed to their satisfaction.
A tree risk assessments evaluates structural defects, disease, and failure potential to determine if a tree is hazardous. Through a qualitative process it analyzes the likelihood of failure a tree or tree part may have, along with the consequences of said failure.
Tree risk assessments are important for identifying potential hazards that trees may pose to people, property, and infrastructure. They enable tree managers to make informed decisions about tree care and risk management.
While all Certified Arborists should have basic understanding of tree risk assessment, a formal assessment and report should only be conducted by a Certified Arborist with Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (T.R.A.Q.). These professionals have specialized training and education in the evaluation of tree health, tree structure, species profiles, and failure potential given surrounding variables.
The assessment provides a qualitative risk rating, classifying the tree’s risk level as low, moderate, high, or extreme. Often accompanied by options for risk mitigation based on the findings, this rating helps tree managers decide on the best course of action.
If you suspect a tree may be hazardous stay clear of the tree or limit access to the area below. Look for signs of failure such as cracks, excessive leaning, fungal growth, dead limbs, or root damage. Contact a T.R.A.Q. Arborist for a professional assessment to help you mitigate risk.
You can find a Qualified Arborist through professional organizations such as the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) or the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA). These organizations maintain directories of certified professionals. Use the https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist/findanarborist tool to find a T.R.A.Q. Arborist.
The ANSI A300 standards are the accepted industry guidelines for tree care practices, covering everything from pruning and risk assessment to root management and tree support systems. These standards ensure that tree work is performed scientifically, ethically, and with long-term tree health in mind. By following ANSI A300, arborists can avoid harmful practices like topping and ensure trees receive the best possible care.
Included bark occurs when two branches or codominant stems grow too closely together, forming a weak, compressed union. These areas are more prone to failure in storms or high winds, making early corrective pruning essential.
Cabling and bracing involve installing structural supports to reinforce weak or compromised tree limbs. This method is used when a tree has a split trunk, codominant stems, or heavy limbs that pose a risk of failure. Cabling should follow ANSI A300 Part 3 standards to ensure proper placement and tensioning.
Tree topping is the indiscriminate removal of large branches or the upper canopy, often done to reduce height. This practice is severely damaging, leading to rapid, weak regrowth, increased risk of failure, and severe stress to the tree. Proper reduction pruning is the only industry-approved alternative.
ANSI A300 guidelines recommend removing no more than 25% of live foliage per season, depending on the tree’s health and age. Over-pruning can stress the tree, reduce energy production, and increase vulnerability to pests and disease.
CODIT (Compartmentalization of Decay in Trees) is the tree’s natural defense system against injury, decay, and infection. Instead of healing like human skin, trees form barriers (walls) around wounds and seal to prevent decay from spreading. This is why proper pruning cuts at the branch collar are critical for tree health.
The critical root zone (CRZ) is the area surrounding a tree where its most essential roots grow, typically extending 1 to 1.5 times the canopy width. Soil compaction, trenching, or root cutting in this zone can lead to serious tree decline or failure.