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Importance of Professional Stump Grinding

6/13/2021

 
Tree Service Cedar Rapids IA Stump Grinding
After all the heavy lifting entailed in tree removal is done, you think that it is over until you see the stump. The job is not done until you do something with the stump the removed tree has left behind. Letting the stump sit in your yard for a long time can have disadvantages that you don't want to deal with.
However, eliminating an existing stump is not a piece of cake and is best performed by the experts. The following are the reasons you should let a professional tree company handle stump grinding in your yard.

Pests can live in old stumps. One of the worst things an old stump can bring is pests, particularly termites. You never want these creatures near your property because they can cause damage and other serious troubles in the future. If you have an enormous stump, it can attract other animals such as raccoons, squirrels, and even snakes. If you are not comfortable with the idea of hosting these dangerous pests and animals, have the stump removed by a professional.

Stumps can be a danger to gardening tools. Your garden routine maintenance will never be easy again with a stump on the way. It is challenging to maneuver around it, and it typically results in a broken lawnmower. Smaller stumps typically hidden by grass are especially hazardous, so it is best to have them eliminated sooner.

Digging a stump out of the ground is time-consuming and inefficient. If you plan to remove a stump by hand, you will use an ax, shovel, and a sledgehammer as your primary tools. The process will take much time and effort because tree roots are more extensive than you imagine. It will take time to remove the roots if you only use raw power to finish the project. To effectively eliminate a stump, you need specialized equipment such as a stump grinder, which a professional tree company will own.

Stumps are unattractive. Some homeowners try their best to turn things around and make an old stump look pretty. However, it is not worthwhile when the termites start to live in them. It is recommended to remove the stump to avoid annoying critters and pests on your property. After all, nothing is more pleasing than a pest-free home.

Professional stump grinding comes with these advantages:

1.  Removes the stump efficiently, even in tight spaces. Stump grinding is a very effective solution because it gets the job done, regardless of the situation of the stump. You don't have to waste your weekend trying to remove it or worry about potential insects breeding in it.

2.  Stump grinding makes sure the stump is below the ground. You don't have to think about getting your ankles hurt or breaking your lawnmower because stump grinding will ensure that the stump is beneath the soil line.

3.  Stump grinders are the right equipment for the job. The cutting-edge machine will handle everything by processing the stump into small chips.  Stump grinders have sharp blades that can harm anyone trying to use them without proper training or experience. For this reason, it is vital to ask for help from a professional tree company when it comes to eliminating a stump from your yard. Allow a skilled and experienced team to handle the task and see the results you want.

Call Cedar Rapids Tree Service, 360 30th St SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403, (319) 229-2427, for more information about stump grinding. 

Tree Trimming Tip for Healthy Trees

6/15/2019

 
​Tree trimming is more than just cutting branches and limbs. Certified arborists had to train for many years to learn the proper way to do it. For this reason, we understand why a lot of homeowners don't know how to trim their trees correctly. If you want to make sure your tree is properly cared for, consider the following tips that can help you have a better understanding of tree trimming so that you can do the job well.
 
Prune with Intentionality
Before trimming your tree, you first need to know specific things about it. Trees are much more challenging to trim than shrubs; that is why proper knowledge is a prerequisite. The first thing you have to identify is where the dead wood is and cut it. The rule of thumb is, cut a branch that is less than two inches in diameters. Be careful not to trim bigger branches because you may cause damage to the health of the tree, without knowing it. You have to know all the crucial information about the tree for you to trim it properly. Don't trim your tree haphazardly.
 
Know the Dangers
Many homeowners trim their trees without understanding what the process can do to their trees. Mindless cutting of your tree can lead to its eventual death. That is why we always stress the importance of proper knowledge and awareness. If you cut the tree incorrectly, the nutrients that should be transported to other parts of it will not be appropriately received this will cause a decline in its health. In trimming, every cut matters so make sure that you know where and what to cut, to ensure you don't affect the tree negatively.
 
Call the Professional
Tree care is hard work. You need the help of a professional to ensure the job is done efficiently and correctly. It is hard to risk the health of your tree only to save money on professional tree care. Certified arborists studied the craft of tree care for many years, and they continue to update their knowledge so they can perform the right tree care and maintain the health and appearance of your tree. There are just simply too many facets to proper trimming, and it is hard to get the job done if you don't know where to begin, in the first place. With the help of a tree professional, you can make sure your tree gets the best treatment possible.
 
Over Prune, Higher Cost
Pruning promotes new growth. When there is new growth, the higher the need for tree maintenance, which means higher cost. With professional tree service, you can be assured that you don't have to spend a lot on maintenance because they know how not to over prune your tree. They don't have to keep coming back to your property to trim your tree over and again. You can ensure the health of your tree while making sure you don't spend too much on maintenance cost.

Does homeowner's insurance cover tree removal after a storm

3/3/2019

 
As homeowners, we do everything to protect our trees because they provide us with countless benefits and add value to our property. However, storms can be inevitable, and they can cause severe damage to trees that can lead to property damage. Property damage means repairs that can cost you a hefty sum of money.

It is essential to know whether your tree is healthy enough to survive a storm. Also, it is as necessary to find out whether your homeowner's insurance will cover tree removal cost.
Tree damage due to a strong thunder storm
Does Home Insurance Cover Tree Removal?
In many cases, homeowners' insurance covers the cost of tree removals due to high winds and hail. However, if the tree falls and does not damage your home or any structures in your property, your policy will not cover the claims. To avoid a tree falling on your property, ask an arborist to assess its health before a storm hits.

How Much Do Tree Damage Insurance Cost?
The average claim for vehicles is around $4,000 while $24,000 is for the home claim. Most tree damage insurance claims come from tornado and winter storm damage. Tree debris and wind damage also contribute to the total number of tree damages.

Should I Pay for Tree Damage Insurance Claims?
Sadly, 2 of 3 homeowners don't have insurance that is why they are liable for any cost caused by tree damage. Also, according to III data, after filing a single claim, your insurance rate can go high by 9 percent. This is the reason why it is important to be insured to avoid these situations where you will be liable for the cost of tree damages.

What Measures Should I Take to Avoid Expensive Tree Damage Insurance Claims?
One of the best ways to avoid tree damage insurance claims is to have regular maintenance and inspection by tree care professionals. A certified arborist will know how to evaluate the health of your tree and determine if it needs to be removed or not. Prevention is still the best course of action to avoid costly and unwanted tree damage insurance claims.
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If you know the hazards that can happen to your tree and property, you will be able to plan a way to prevent the worst from happening. Aside from investing in homeowners insurance, keeping your trees healthy, routine maintenance and professional tree care help can help you save a lot of cash if a storm hits your area.

Call the tree service Cedar Rapids trusts for professional tree care and arbor advice.  

Five iowa trees for a colorful autumn

2/2/2019

 
Many people would agree that fall is the best season. Summer is too hot while winter is too cold. Spring gives us a fresh vibe since new sprouts are growing. But for most, nothing beats the grandeur of leaves changing their colors.
​
Autumn trees are magical that many people will drive a long way to see them. But you don't have to drive anywhere to enjoy the beauty of trees because there are local Iowa trees that you can add to your landscape for a more captivating view. 

Blackgum or Black Tupelo (Nyssa Sylvatica)

Blackgum tree in Cedar Rapids, IA park
Blackgums are very easy to grow, and they can be considerable. They have simple leaves that can turn from green to a vibrant scarlet red in autumn. They can grow well in moist lands throughout Cedar Rapids, IA. 

Common Dogwood (Cornus Florida)

Common Dogwood in Iowa state park
This tree is also famous for its beautiful spring blooms, but it can be even more amazing in fall. The leaves change to different shades of red, orange, and purple. They don't grow very which makes them ideal for smaller landscape spaces. 

Freeman Maple (Acer X Freemanii)

Freeman Maple tree outside of Cedar Rapids, Iowa
This magnificent tree is a hybrid of two local trees in Iowa, silver maple and red maple trees. It has the shape of a pyramidal crown and can grow as much as 40-60 feet. The leaves of this tree magically turn into deep burgundy in fall. 

Common Serviceberry (Amelanchier Arborea)

Common Serviceberry tree in autumn
If you prefer a small tree that is not hard to maintain, you should go for common serviceberry. This multi-branched tree grows up to 15-25 feet and is common in Iowa woodlands. They can be a great addition to your yard because it produces fruits that you can eat during summer and yields white flowers in spring. Ultimately, its leaves change to a combination of yellow, orange, and red in autumn. 

Scarlet Oak (Quercus Coccinea)

Scarlet Oak tree in cemetery
Scarlet oaks are typically found in the hilly lands of Eastern Iowa. This oak can grow fast and can become as tall as 120 feet upon maturity. During autumn, its leaves turn into a beautiful shade of red. Pro tip: plant this tree in an area where it can grow to its full size and make sure the soil is well-drained and not moist. It yields acorns twice a year which serves as food for much wildlife. 

Plant the Tree in the Right Place

If you want your tree to look amazing fall, the secret is to plant in an area where it can have access to the direct sun. Also, make sure that you choose the appropriate size of the tree that will fit your landscape. Keep your trees healthy because if they are under stress, they will not produce vibrant colored-leaves in fall. Provide them with additional water supply during summer to help them survive the scorching hot season.

You should ask help from professionals if you don't know how to plant these trees for best results. You can plant more than one type of these trees in your yard, and you will see how stunning they can look in autumn. 

Call Cedar Rapids Tree Service for information about other tree species that provide vivid autumn colors.  

How to tell if a tree is dangerous

1/30/2019

 
Two leaning trees that may be dangerous
​Ensuring that you and your property are safe from any tree hazards is a serious matter. Instead of being an asset, your tree can be a liability if you don't keep them in check. If you want to be sure that your tree is not a potential danger to any of your loved ones or properties, it is essential to have your trees assessed by the professionals. To help you further, we listed seven tell-tale signs that your tree is dangerous. 

Broken, Hanging, and Damaged Limbs

Damaged limbs are one of the most visible signs of a dangerous tree. However, if you are not very skilled, you might miss this sign that your tree can be hazardous. It is especially hard to inspect limbs in the top of the tree. That is why professional arborists will use binoculars to have a better look of the tree top.

Dead Limbs

Not only damaged limbs are hazardous, but also dead limbs. You may not know it but your tree limbs may be dead and will fall anytime. Dead branches can cause the entire tree to decay if left unaddressed. If a dead limb is a problem, think of the trouble a whole dead tree can cause you.

​Changes in the Bark

Barks that develop too close to each other forms a "V" shape that can be in danger of splitting or breaking in the middle. Typically, proper pruning can resolve this issue. However, a lot of trees don't get regular pruning which results in this kind of tree concerns.

Leaning Tree

One of the first things the tree inspector would consider is the length of time the tree has been leaning. The tree expert will also discuss where the tree is leaning. If it leans towards your home or an area where many people pass, then it is a serious matter and needs to be resolved right way. There are trees that naturally lean, but if you are not sure, it is best to ask the professionals.

Root Damage

Roots are the foundation of the tree. If the root system is damaged, the whole tree will suffer. If not attended to immediately, the entire tree will gradually die. If your tree is wilting and the foliage is thinning, or there are many dead branches, maybe your tree needs help with the roots.

​Weakened Trees

If you have eliminated or cleared some trees in your yard for construction purposes, the remaining trees become exposed to the strong winds and other factors. They can be vulnerable to damages brought by the wind. Trees should be regularly inspected to avoid them from becoming weak.

Poor Structure 

Trees that grow in the forest compete with other trees when it comes to sunlight and nutrients. However, landscape trees create full canopies that can weaken through time. If your tree has a weak structure, it will be susceptible to damages that can make your tree dangerous to you and your property.

If you are unsure about your tree's health status, we are the best tree service in Cedar Rapids to trust with dangerous trees.  

The Value of Professional Tree Trimming Services

12/2/2018

 
​Trees offer a number of benefits to your home – provided they receive proper tree care. There are situations, however, when trees can create a significant hazard to your landscape and even to your business or home. Thankfully, removing a tree is not the only option you have; professional tree trimming services in Cedar Rapids, IA can be an effective solution to many tree problems.

Tree Care

​Unlike wholesale tree removal service, professional tree trimming helps you prevent tree-related issues and prevents the requirement to cut down the tree.  This is the best alternative for property owners who don't want to kill a tree for merely causing a minor issue.  Tree trimming may not always provide a permanent solution as it will have to be done regularly (every 3-5 years), but many property owners believe it as a reasonable compromise.

​Professional Service

​Many property owners believe that tree trimming is simply a matter of just cutting a few limbs, but the job demands experience and the proper equipment. Tree service companies can easily trim a tree in a fraction of the time it would take the average property owner.  Additionally they go through extensive safety training to minimize the risk of an accident.  Remember the rule of thumb for property owners trimming their own trees: always call a professional if your feet need to leave the ground.

Trimming as Maintenance

​Tree trimming greatly benefit the tree itself. Some property owners will want to contact a tree trimming services even if a tree poses no danger to life or property.  Trimming as maintenance is performed to address overgrown trees by re-shaping them.  Further, dead or dying branches can be removed thereby improving a tree's appearance.  

​Tree Removal as the Last Option

tree trimming in cedar rapids, ia
​In certain situations, tree trimming will not be enough to solve the problem  There are situations where the only reasonable, prudent choice is to cut down the tree.  Cedar Rapids Tree Service can help you make an informed decision to remove a tree vs. just trimming it.  Our certified arborists can assess the tree for you and determine the best course of action.  And unlike many of our competitors, we won't always recommend the tree be removed, which generates more revenue vs. trimming.  Instead, we will help you make the best decision for you and your landscape - not our business interests.  

Regardless if you need a tree trimmed or removed, we will be more than pleased to provide you with a free consultation and written estimate.  We are the most trusted tree service company in Cedar Rapids, IA.  Call us at 319-229-2427 or you can contact us by clicking here and completing the contact form.  

Why hire a tree service company

10/9/2018

 
​There are certain situations in which the removal of a tree is essential. It can be because the tree is already dead. It can also be because a construction is about to be done and the tree is getting in the way. Removing a tree is not easy, especially ones that are extremely large. This is why you should consider getting professional tree removal service. Here are some of the reasons why you should consider hiring a tree service in Cedar Rapids.
 
Ensures safe removal of the tree
Removing a tree is not as easy as just taking it down using an axe, a saw, or whatever tool. You also got to ensure that the tree or any of its branches won’t hit anything. You also have to consider removing the stump, which is a completely different challenge in itself. Removing a tree is an immense challenge that is not for everyone. If you want to ensure safe removal of the tree in your lawn, it’s best to leave the job to the pros.
 
Protection for your home and surrounding buildings
A tree carries immense destructive potential, especially once it falls down. Getting the right tree removal service will ensure that a tree is taken down safely, preventing damage to your home or any surrounding structures. They will cut down the tree in such a way that it or any of its branches won’t hit any surrounding structures. It will also ensure that the roots get safely removed, preventing potentially serious property damage from underneath the surface.
 
They provide professional advice
Professional tree removal services are also valuable for another reason: experts can provide you with professional advice. They can let you know of the best ways to remove the tree from your property, lay out your options, and proceed with the choice you think is best. They will also give you recommendations on how you can improve your lawn further after the removal of the stump.
 
Now that you know the importance of getting professional services if you need to have a tree removed from your property, the next step is to pick the right service for your needs. For your tree removal needs, you should choose us. With years of experience in the industry, we have served countless clients in and around the area. We also have the right equipment in our arsenal, ensuring that the job is done in the fastest and safest way possible. Contact us today to learn more about our tree removal service. 

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