Question: Will my landscaping be damaged?
Answer: The beauty of being a climber based company is that we have a very small “footprint” without the need for large heavy boom trucks. This allows us to move in and amongst structures and delicate landscaping without leaving your yard looking like a war zone.
Question: When is the best time to prune my trees?
Answer: The best time to prune a tree is while the tree is dormant during the winter months, but that doesn’t mean you have to wait to have your trees worked on. According to the International Society of Arboriculture, as long as we don’t remove over 20% of the tree’s total foliage, we can prune a tree without throwing the tree into shock (this is why so many trees that are topped end up dying). The only exception to the rule of 20% is for trees that are considered old for their species in which case we should not exceed 15%.
Question: Do you provide entertainment for birthday parties?
Answer: YES - It seems as though we are always attracting a crowd of onlookers with our high rope acrobatics. So why not - Element Arbor loves to educate the younger generation about proper tree care practices and climbing techniques. We partner with Outdoor Mission Camp in Maggie Valley for a fun filled day in the tree canopy on high/low ropes courses. Otherwise, you're always welcome to sit back at a safe distance and enjoy the show as we work on your trees.
Question: Can you get my cat/Drone out of a tree?
Answer: You bet we can. Just give us a call when you spot him and we’ll be right out to give him a safe ride to the ground.
We have also have recovered remote controlled airplanes/drones!
Question: Why don’t you use a bucket truck?
Answer: We believe that climbing trees allows us to deliver the very best in both value and quality to all of our customer while giving us the flexibility to have access to even the most remote back yard trees. Plus, climbing trees is a ton of fun.
Question: Is tree climbing safe?
Answer: Professional tree climbing is very safe. It has long been widely accepted within the arboriculture industry as the standard of efficiency and excellence due to its safety and low impact on surrounding landscapes.
FAQ'S
What do you think of tree topping?
Answer: Topping a tree is one of the most destructive “tree trimming” practices that exists today. Tree topping does irreparable damage to the structure of the tree. Often times trees die shortly after they are topped due to “defoliation”. Of those that live, they are forever wrought with decay and weak limb attachments due to the prolific growth of suckers (epicormic sprouts). The trees become incredibly susceptible to inclement weather after being topped. We find this is ironic since the homeowner's chief concern in requesting tree pruning is often fear of what will happen to their trees in a storm. Topping the tree only makes it more dangerous.
Unfortunately, it is a rampant “standard procedure” for many tree services, especially in the Southeast. There have been numerous studies done that support this fact. The only question that remains among true arborists, is why do tree services still top trees?
Are you insured? If so, can your insurer provide me with a copy of your proof of insurance?
Answer: Yes, Element Arbor is properly insured, and we are always happy to have our insurance company send you proof. This can be faxed or mailed.
Are there alternatives to topping?
Answer: Fortunately for homeowners with very large trees close to structures, there are two other good options that exist. The first is a pruning technique known as drop crotch pruning. This technique preserves the structure of the tree while still reducing the overall density and mass of the trees crown. The second technique is to Pollard. This is a pruning system in which the upper branches of a tree are removed, promoting a dense head of foliage and branches. It has been common in Europe since medieval times and is practiced today in urban areas worldwide, primarily to maintain trees at a predetermined height.
Do you prune live trees using climbing spikes or spurs?
Answer: Arborists often use spikes to help them climb trees. Using spikes on live trees scars trees by leaving hundreds of open wounds in the bark and shouldn't be done unless the tree is to be removed. This makes it susceptible to disease or decay. Using spikes to prune trees is simply unacceptable given the body of research that condemns it.
Can I keep the firewood - wood chips?
Answer: Of course! We are always happy to give to our communities. Wood - Wood Chips.