I sell information not tree work
My business is providing arboricultural information for a fee. The information I provide can enable a person to be a better and smarter consumer when selecting a tree service to do tree work...if work is needed. I have no business connection with a tree service and do not make a commission on pruning recommendations.
I do provide general pruning guidelines or, if requested, specific information on where each cut should be made. Invariably, my advice results in a lower total cost to the consumer because no unnecessary tree work will be done.
Green leaves make food (carbohydrates) for a tree through photosynthesis. The carbohgydrates are stored in the wood. Excessive leaf and branch removal stresses a tree by removing its stored carbohydrates and its carbohyradate production potential. Excessive removal of lower branches and interior branches can raise the center of gravity of a tree or branch making it less stable in the wind. It is important for the health and stability of a tree to have any pruning work done correctly.
Recently, I visited a home where the resident was about to contract a tree service for a "bargain" $1,600 offer to "prune all day." After looking at the trees, my conclusion was no tree work was needed. There wasn't even a significant amount of dead branches that needed removal.
Although this is an extreme example, it is unfortunately not that uncommon.
When having trees pruned, less cutting is better than more pruning for the health of the trees. And unfortunately there is a tendency of some tree services to push for tree removal when some corrective pruning may be all that is needed to make a tree safer.
Be a good consumer. Become informed before you buy tree services.
