Tree Services in Houston

When the time comes to invest in reputable tree services, Houston’s Houston Arbor Care Tree Service is here to serve you. We’re the tree care professionals who trim overhanging branches, remove hazardous trees from your property, and ensure your thriving trees are in top condition.

Request our valued tree maintenance services whenever you’re in need. You can reach us at (281) 599-8733 to schedule a consultation.

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How Can You Benefit From Professional Tree Services?

The trees on your property provide shade, reduce energy costs, improve air quality, and more. They also play a critical role in supporting local wildlife and promoting biodiversity. By maintaining the health and vitality of your trees with our expert services, you ensure that these benefits are maximized.

It doesn’t matter whether we’re trimming, pruning, or removing entire tree limbs from the trees on your property; we always conduct our services with the health of your trees in mind. Invest in our tree services when you want to boost the overall health and beauty of your property. Together, we’ll create a safer, more attractive, and environmentally friendly space for you.

Houston Arbor Care Tree Service’s Full Suite of Tree Care Services

When it comes to maintaining the health and aesthetics of your trees, our tree care services make all the difference. Our arborists beautify your property while also eliminating any tree-related safety hazards. Below is an overview of our extensive array of tree services:

Tree Trimming Services

Pruning and trimming are essential components of tree care, promoting healthy growth, improving aesthetics, and reducing the risk of property damage from overhanging branches. Whether for aesthetic purposes or hazard mitigation, our skilled arborists utilize industry-best practices to deliver precision trimming services tailored to your specific needs and preferences.

Some of our tree trimming methods include:

  • Crown thinning
  • Crowning raising
  • Crown reduction
  • Deadwooding
  • Selective pruning
  • ...and more

How Often Should You Get Your Trees Trimmed?

As a general rule of thumb, most mature trees should be trimmed every three to five years. Younger trees may require more frequent trimming every one to two years to establish proper structure and form.

These aren't hard and fast rules, though. Fruit trees typically need annual trimming for optimal fruit production. Fast-growing species like willows, poplars, and silver maples may require trimming every two to three years to control growth. Trees in high-traffic areas or near buildings should be trimmed more regularly to manage size and remove hazards.

To know the best maintenance schedule for your trees, our arborists will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your trees.

What Time of the Year Is Best to Trim Trees?

The most beneficial time to trim trees is during their dormant season when no leaves are present. For most tree species, dormant season falls in the second half of the winter or early spring before buds break. Trimming during dormancy minimizes stress and sap flow from pruning cuts.

Some trees, like maples, birches, and walnuts, should be trimmed from summer through early fall to avoid bleeding issues. We generally advise avoiding major trimming from spring through early summer when trees are expending energy to produce new growth.

What Is Tree Crown Thinning?

Crown thinning is a pruning technique that selectively removes branches from the outer canopy to increase light penetration and airflow throughout a tree's crown. Thinning reduces the density of interior branches and carefully spaces out the canopy without altering the tree's overall size or form.

This pruning method helps mitigate certain defects, such as codominant stems, crossed branches, or poor structure. Crown thinning can also reduce wind resistance and weight on heavy limbs. It's a preferred practice over excessive interior pruning, which sometimes creates unhealthy voids.

What Is Deadwooding?

Deadwooding is the process of removing dead, dying, or diseased branches from a tree on a property.

Benefits of deadwooding include:

  • Safety: Removing deadwood reduces the risk of falling branches, which can cause injury or damage to property.
  • Tree health: By eliminating dead or diseased branches, you prevent the spread of disease and decay to other parts of the tree.
  • Aesthetics: Deadwooding enhances the appearance of a tree, making it look healthier and more vibrant.
  • Growth: Removing dead branches allows more light and air to penetrate the canopy, promoting healthy growth and reducing the risk of pest infestations.

Why Is Flowering Season the Best Time of Year for Selective Pruning?

Flowering season is the best time of year for selective pruning because it allows us to enhance your tree's health and appearance while minimizing stress on the tree. During flowering, trees are in a state of active growth that allows them to heal more quickly from the cuts made during pruning. Faster healing makes for a reduction in the risk of disease and pest infestations. During this stage, we’re also able to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches that might not have even been visible before the tree bloomed.

Another reason the flowering season is ideal for selective pruning is that carefully removing specific branches can shape the tree to enhance its natural form and encourage better flower production in the future. Pruning at this time can also help increase sunlight penetration and air circulation within the canopy, which are crucial for the health of the tree and the quality of the blooms.

Tree Planting

As advocates for environmental stewardship, we also specialize in tree planting services to enhance the beauty and sustainability of your landscape. Whether you’re looking to add shade, increase property value, or contribute to local ecosystems, our experts can assist you in selecting the right species, location, and planting techniques for optimal growth and longevity.

Considerations for Planting Trees on Your Property

When planning to plant trees on your property, several important factors should be considered to ensure the health of the trees and the overall aesthetics of your landscape.

  • Budget for distance between structures: Your trees should be planted at least 2 meters (approximately 6.5 feet) away from sidewalks, driveways, and other structures to prevent root damage and allow for proper growth.
  • Account for space between trees: The space between your trees should be determined based on their mature size. Proper spacing prevents overcrowding and ensures each tree has adequate access to sunlight, water, and nutrients.
  • Consider your goals: Consider what you want to achieve by planting trees. Are you looking for shade, windbreaks, privacy, or aesthetic enhancement? Different tree species serve different purposes, so choose accordingly.
  • Consider shade and placement: If your goal is to provide shade, position the trees where they will cast shadows on the areas you want to keep cool, such as patios, windows, or play areas.
  • Check Homeowner’s Association (HOA) restrictions: Are you part of a Homeowner’s Association? If so, check the HOA guidelines before enlisting us to plant new trees. Some HOAs have rules about the types of trees that can be planted, their placement, and their height. Ensure your plans comply with these regulations to avoid potential issues.

The Importance of Fertilizer for New Trees

Newly planted trees require adequate fertilization to take root and achieve healthy growth. Transplanting causes considerable root loss during the process, so fertilizer temporarily compensates for reduced nutrient uptake while new roots develop.

An appropriate starter fertilizer provides essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Proper fertilization, which comes in both granular and liquid formulations, gets new trees off to a vigorous start and helps them withstand stresses.

Fertilizing trees during the planting phase and for two to three years after helps trees quickly regenerate robust root systems and become self-sufficient.

What Is Soil Amendment for Trees?

Soil amendment refers to adding health-promoting materials like manure, compost, or other organic matter to improve soil quality around trees. Urban and disturbed soils are often compacted, drained of nutrients, and lacking in organic matter needed for root growth.

Amending soil can increase moisture retention, aeration, drainage, and nutrient availability for healthier trees. However, the right amendment type and application rate depend on the tree species and existing soil composition. Consulting our tree specialists will ensure proper soil preparation and amendment are correctly done.

Tree Stump and Tree Removal

Unsightly tree stumps not only detract from the visual appeal of your landscape but can also harbor pests and pose obstacles to future landscaping projects. Our advanced equipment and skilled technicians ensure efficient and thorough stump and tree removal, including root excavation, to restore the integrity and usability of your outdoor space.

What Is the Difference Between Stump Grinding and Stump Removal?

You might hear neighbors and friends use “stump grinding” and “stump removal” interchangeably, or maybe you just don’t know how the two differences differ. In either case, we’re here to inform you of the differences between these two services.

Stump grinding involves professionals using a machine to grind the stump down to below ground level. The stump is turned into small wood chips, which can be used as mulch or removed from the site. The root system is left intact underground, where it will eventually decompose naturally.

This method is less invasive and more cost-effective than full stump removal. It’s quicker and leaves the area ready for landscaping or other uses with minimal disruption. However, it doesn’t completely remove the stump.

At Houston Arbor Care Tree Service, we practice stump removal. Stump removal involves extracting the entire stump along with its root system from the ground. Though it requires more extensive digging and may involve heavy machinery this method ensures that no roots are left behind, which is ideal if you plan to replant in the same spot or if the roots pose a risk to underground utilities or structures. It also ensures there’s no chance of the tree returning in the future.

When Is Tree Stump Removal Necessary?

Stumps can be tripping hazards, especially when concealed by lawn growth, and they can also regrow new sprouts that require ongoing herbicide treatments. Therefore, removing remaining stumps is often the best course of action for safety, aesthetics, or to fully utilize a property after tree removal.

From a landscaping perspective, stumps are unsightly and prevent new plantings or construction in that area. In some cases, larger stumps may even rot and attract pests like termites or carpenter ants. Regardless of the size of the stump or its condition, grinding is often the most efficient way to prevent issues from occurring and to level the ground for new landscaping.

Tree Cabling and Bracing

Trees with weak or compromised structures can benefit from supplemental support systems such as cabling and bracing to mitigate the risk of limb failure and prolong their lifespan.

Cabling involves installing flexible steel cables or rods between branch unions to limit outward movement and share weight loads. Bracing uses rigid rods or bars to provide direct support to weak forks or cavities. These methods are sometimes used independently or together, depending on the needs of the tree.

Whether administered separately or together, cabling and bracing allow valuable trees to be preserved safely rather than removed. However, proper installation angle and cable and rod sizing are critical for effective load distribution.

Our customized solutions are designed to provide structural reinforcement while preserving the natural aesthetics of your trees, promoting safety and stability.

How Long Will Your Trees Remain Braced?

Properly installed tree limb support cables and braces, put in place by our professionals, can last between 20 to 40 years if the tree needs them for the rest of its lifespan. However, most trees only require bracing for a year or two to restore their health and ensure proper growth. The exact length depends on the size of the tree and the extent of the damage or growth issues.

While the maintenance required after brace installation is minimal, it remains crucial to ensure the system's longevity—and that’s why we recommend periodic inspections. During tree inspections, we’ll check for any signs of damage or corrosion in the hardware and the anchoring trees.

Offering 24/7 Emergency Tree Removal Services

Turn to our tree maintenance specialists when you’re in need of emergency tree removal services. Our team is equipped to handle tree removal and debris cleanup, minimizing risks and swiftly restoring safety to your property.

Our services are often sought for urgent tree removal due to:

  • Storm damage: High winds, heavy rains, or lightning strikes can cause trees to become unstable, leading to the risk of falling limbs or uprooting.
  • Structural instability: Trees with weakened or diseased structures may suddenly fail, posing immediate dangers to nearby structures, vehicles, or individuals.
  • Fallen trees: Trees may fall unexpectedly due to various factors such as decay, soil erosion, improper planting, blocking roadways, or causing property damage.

How Do You Remove Large Trees From Your Yard?

Large tree removal is a complex process that requires proper planning, equipment, and expertise. We often utilize bucket trucks, cranes, and chainsaws while removing a large tree to ensure each segment is carefully lowered to the ground.

The steps in removing a large tree may include:

  • Careful assessment for hazards like nearby utility lines and structures
  • Tarping or covering of nearby landscaping to protect it during removal
  • Rigging ropes and pulley installation to section off large branches
  • Dismantling of the tree from the top down, using ropes to control descent
  • Collection and responsible disposal of tree limbs, trunk, and other debris
  • Stump grinding to fully clear the area

What's the Average Cost of Large Tree Removal?

If you anticipate your trees will need to be professionally removed, you're likely curious about how the cost is determined. Tree height, diameter, and species play a major role, with taller and denser trees generally being more expensive.

Access and workspace issues, such as nearby structures or slopes, and hazards such as utility lines, can further increase costs due to additional labor, equipment, or crew requirements. Stump removal or grinding, if needed, can also be an additional charge on top of the tree removal itself.

For large or complex tree removals, we can provide you with a detailed quote to help you prepare.

How to Tell if Your Tree Is Dead

There are several signs that indicate a tree is dead or dying.

To see if your tree's health is failing, do the following:

  • Check the bark for peeling, cracking, or missing sections
  • Inspect branches for any green growth, buds, or living tissue under the bark
  • Assess the leaves and branches to see if they snap easily
  • Inspect the canopy for lack of new leaf growth or wilted, brown leaves
  • Check the main trunk for cavities, rot, fungus growth, or structural issues

Should You Let Dying Trees Go Untouched?

It might be tempting to let a decaying or already-deceased tree on your property go untouched but think again. Allowing a dying tree to remain on your property poses several risks for yourself, your property’s inhabitants, and the property itself.

Dying trees are structurally compromised, which increases the likelihood of branches or the entire tree falling. This can result in injury to people and animals, as well as damage to nearby buildings, vehicles, and power lines. Additionally, dying trees are more susceptible to pests and diseases, which can spread to healthy trees and other plants in your landscape, causing further damage.

Speak With Our Arborists Today

Our arborists are the reputable professionals to call when you need eco-friendly and prompt tree services. Call (281) 599-8733 to request our services.