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Departments > Natural Resources > Forestry > Tree Care

Tree Care and SelectionTips

Looking to Plant a new Tree? View information about what species of trees might work in your yard >>> Once you've selected a tree need to know how to plant it?

View information about how to plant bare root trees >>>

Link to the U of M Extension Service site for information on how to plant trees >>>

Think Your Tree is Sick? View information about common tree diseases and conditions and how to treat them >>>

Winter is an excellent time to prune trees. Many trees, such as oak, elm, locust, and fruit trees, should only be pruned during this dormant season to prevent disease infection. Here are some general guidelines that may be of assistance >>>

Thinking about Trimming Your Trees? Winter is the best time to trim your trees. It is easy to trim those low hanging limbs (the ones that always seem to hit you in the head when mowing the lawn) yourself. View a diagram on proper pruning techniques >>> But what do you do about the large old oak and maple trees that are just too big to tackle yourself. You know that these trees are beautiful, supply oxygen, provide shade, cut your summer cooling bills, and add to your property value. According to some experts, they add as much as 15 percent to your property value. But how do you protect your investment? Hiring a professional arborist is one way to keep your trees healthy and safe.

Selecting an Arborist? View a list of suggestions from the Tree Trust to help you shop for an arborist >>>

The following is a list of suggestions from the Tree Trust to help you shop for an arborist.

whether they provide free written estimates

specific services and costs

cleanup - who would be responsible for it, what it would include

referrals - names and phone numbers of customers; locations where they have worked recently

are they ISA (International Service of Arboriculture) certified?

are they licensed for your municipality?

do they have liability insurance coverage

do they have worker's compensation insurance coverage

It's a good idea to:

establish a clear, mutual understanding of what work needs to be done and why

in the written estimate (see below)

get estimates from more than one company

ask for proof of insurance

check references and qualifications - look at recent work

ask to see the id card of an ISA-certified arborist

get a written estimate for the work to be done

verify licensing with your municipality

The written estimate should include:

details on the work to be done

start and end date

total price, including all taxes, discounts, etc. - how any overruns would be handled

cost and procedure for additional work

penalty provisions, if any, for failure to perform as outlined

The National Arbor Day Foundation also makes a few recommendations in their Tree City USA Bulletin #6, "How To Hire an Arborist". These are as follows:

a good arborist will offer a wide range of services such as pruning, fertilizing, cable and bracing, and pest control.
never let yourself be rushed by bargains, "If you sign today…"
a conscientious arborist will not use climbing spikes if the tree is to remain in the landscape.
a good arborist will recommend topping a tree only under rare circumstances (such as to save the tree after severe physical damage to the crown), avoid arborists that routinely top trees.

Content updated on: 13-Jul-2006

City of Apple Valley
7100 West 147th Street | Apple Valley, MN 55124
(952) 953-2500 | info@ci.apple-valley.mn.us
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