There is a fairly common phenomenon among some species of our Northern California trees that requires homeowner attention.  Occasionally a tree will divide as it grows and develop two competing tops. These co-dominates are a serious problem because the tree is not naturally prepared to support the additional weight and the crotch where the co-dominates meet tends to be significantly weaker than a healthy straight, single spar trunk. Co-dominates are a major reason that professional arborists will refuse to top trees; cutting the tops off of trees often prompts the growth of co-dominate tops.  Wind, rain, heat (causing increased water intake), and drought are often more than co-dominates can withstand. The answer is to remove one of the tops, preserving the most viable of the two. Co-dominates can most often be remedied up to the time they fail. After failure, tree removal tends to be the only safe alternative. Many people reasonably assume that however the tree grows is fine because its a natural manifestation. There's truth to that when talking about trees in the wild, where the premature death of a tree has no real impact on the forest. But losing the tree that shades your home and took over eighty years to grow is another matter. Having a 2,000 lb. piece of wood drop through your roof also removes some of the charm of a natural act. Failure will likely occur without noticeable warning. Some trees have several vertical spars but that does not mean they have co-dominate tops. Ask a certified arborist. At Bud's, written, no-obligation estimates are free, and our neighbors are always welcome to call the office for information. 

We have finally gotten some rain in the valley. The saturation point has apparently been reached with a remarkable number of home owners reporting falling trees. The soil isn't holding the roots. Everyone with a large tree in reach of their home needs to pay attention for rising roots or increased lean angle. We'll likely have a few weeks of falling trees until the earth processes the water and the rains drops off.

Stumps grinding can be done almost anywhere provided the stump grinder can fit through gates and passageways, the stump is not surrounded by hardscape, and safety concerns can be addressed. Unfortunately, there are many places a stump grinder can't reach. In those cases, a licensed chemical applicator may be able to destroy the stump with chemical injections. Obviously the rotting process takes time and there are concerns about which treatments can be used around certain plant life but a licensed arboriculture applicator will be able to assess that for each client.

If you have a fireplace consider saving some money on tree work by agreeing to keep fireplace sized wood. Tree companies must pay to have wood debris processed. So the less wood they have to handle the less they will charge. Also, getting firewood early in the year allows the wood to naturally dry before next winter. Save money twice by reducing the cost of a tree removal and not having to buy expensive dry firewood next fall.

Bud's Tree Service has now been in business for 48 years. We're still growing and that is largely due to word-of-mouth advertising from our satisfied customers. Bud knew how to treat customers; many of you have been with us for a very long time. Thank you.