January Storms

We've had some fairly reliable rain during the last few weeks and the soil has begun to do a pretty decent job of absorbing the increase.  That's good because it means we don't have standing water trying to get through hard-packed earth. Unfortunately we're finding quite a few trees succumbing to soft earth and beginning to uproot. In some cases they just fall over. Once a mature tree moves there is no practical alternative to removal. A large, destabilized tree can't be corrected through surgical cuts (we're being asked this more often).  Consider that once a tree hits the tipping point it's coming down. Examine your large trees by placing a carpenter's square or empty picture frame on a stable viewing surface and check the stance of your tree. Repeat that process as rains increase and note any increase in lean. Obviously a lot of trees naturally lean; our interest is in finding trees that are increasing their lean over a short period of time. If it was always obvious and always came after clear warnings, nobody would ever have a tree fall through the roof of their house. But it happens.  As I have said many times in this blog, all reputable tree companies give free estimates. Find one with at least one on-staff, certified arborist and give them a call if you have any questions. You don't need your estimator to be a certified  arborist but you need an experienced tree estimator under the daily supervision of a certified arborist. Ask. Bud's has been answering arboricultural questions for our neighbors since 1968. You're welcome to call the office: (916) 373-3980 or 1 (800) CUT-TREE.

We have been busy with these small recent rains. Many people are rightly concerned about the coming El Nino storms. January is traditionally a slower time for the industry because people have just gone through Christmas expenses are paying taxes. While this January is not as slow as we normally expect, we have dropped off from the rush of the last three months. This lull will continue, I expect, until the first week of February. If you've been debating about getting tree work scheduled--this is your time. Start with calling for an estimate or using our web site contact form.

A reminder about keeping costs down on tree work. The less the company has to do, the less they will charge you. If you have a friend who wants firewood, tell your estimator that you'll keep the wood. Some churches will pick up the wood to give to those who can't afford it. Wood removal is being increasingly expensive because of all the foolishness surrounding recycling laws. What we once dumped for free, we now have to transport further and pay to leave. If you have the ability to deal with your own wood (not everybody does), you can save a lot of tree removal expense. Most companies will be happy to cut the wood to manageable lengths. If you require them to cut it into firewood for you, the savings will disappear because of the time involved for the tree crew. So find somebody with the means to split his own wood and the means to remove it, and you'll significantly reduce your tree removal costs.