Trimming that makes trees safer, not just smaller.
A good trim takes out the dead and weak wood, lifts branches off your roof and driveway, and lets wind pass through the canopy instead of catching it like a sail. Done right, your tree looks natural and holds up better when the next storm comes through.
We trim from the bucket truck, so we can reach high limbs cleanly and precisely without climbing spikes damaging the tree.
What we trim for
Deadwood removal: dead branches are the first thing to fall in a storm. Taking them out is the single best thing you can do for a mature tree near the house.
Clearance: we lift limbs off the roof, gutters, driveway and the lines to your house, and raise the canopy so you can walk, mow and park underneath.
Thinning: we selectively remove crossing and crowded branches so light and wind move through the tree. It's healthier for the tree and puts less strain on it in high winds.
Shaping and view: we balance lopsided trees, and open up a view or let more sun reach your lawn or garden.
What we won't do
We don't top trees. Chopping the whole crown back to stubs might look tidy for a season, but it starves the tree, invites rot, and grows back as a thicket of weak shoots that break easily in the next storm. If a tree is too big for its spot, we'll talk you through proper reduction cuts or, if it really has to go, removal.
When to trim
Most trees in Eastern North Carolina can be pruned any time of year, and dead or dangerous limbs should come out whenever you spot them. Late winter, before spring growth starts, is ideal for a lot of shaping work because the branch structure is easy to see and the tree heals quickly as the weather warms up.
Before hurricane season is a smart time to have big trees near the house checked over and any weak limbs taken out.
What’s included
- Free estimate: we walk the tree with you and agree what comes off
- Trimming from the bucket truck, with no climbing spikes
- Clean cuts at the branch collar so the tree heals properly
- All branches chipped and hauled away
- Yard raked when we're done
What affects the price
Every job is priced on site, for free. These are the things that move the number, so you know what we’re looking at when we walk your yard.
A few low limbs is a short visit; a full canopy thin on a tall oak takes longer.
Deadwood-only is quicker than a full thin and shape.
Whether the bucket truck can reach, or parts need climbing work.
Limbs over roofs, pools and lines have to be lowered carefully rather than dropped.
How often should trees be trimmed?
Mature shade trees usually benefit from a check and deadwood removal every three to five years. Younger trees grow faster and do well with lighter, more frequent shaping. Any time you see dead or hanging limbs, get them out.
Will trimming hurt my tree?
Proper pruning, with clean cuts in the right places and not too much at once, keeps a tree healthier. What hurts trees is topping and heavy, careless cuts. We don't do either.
Can you trim branches near power lines?
We can clear branches from the service line to your house when it's safe to do so. Limbs touching the main lines along the street are the utility's responsibility, and we'll point you to the right people.
Tell us about the tree. We'll take it from there.
Send a few photos and your address. We usually get back to you the same day.
Rather talk it through?919-738-3333