All posts by Texas Tree Surgeons

Emerald Ash Borer in North Texas 2022 Update

by Texas Tree Surgeons Resources, Tree Health Care

As previously reported, the emerald ash borer beetle (EAB) has been making its way into North Texas in recent years. In 2016, specimens were found in Harrison County, Texas, near the Louisiana border. By 2018, the beetle had spread to Tarrant County. By 2022, EAB had been confirmed to be present in eight Texas counties: Bowie, Cass, Dallas, Denton, Harrison, Marion, and Tarrant. These areas are now under a Texas Department of Agriculture quarantine that restricts the movement of ash trees and tree materials, as well as firewood from all hardwood species, unless properly handled or treated.

While not the most common tree in our North Texas urban forest, ash species do make up 5-13% of the trees in the DFW area. While EAB poses a serious threat to the health of ash trees, there are preventative measures that can help slow the spread of the beetle and protect unaffected trees.

How Do I Tell If I Have Ash Trees?

Ash tree identification can be a little tricky if you are not used to it. Many North Texas can easily spot the distinctive leaf shapes of many oaks or maples, but the leaves of ash trees may cause them to be identified as pecans or other trees with similar leaf structures. One distinctive feature of ash trees is the seed pods that appear in the fall, and can be seen spiraling down as they drop to the ground.

  • There are several types of ash tree seen in North Texas; most commonly:

    • Arizona ash (Fraxinus velutina or Fraxinus berlandieria)

    • Green/red ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica)

    • Texas ash (Fraxinus albicans Buckley or Fraxinus texensis)

  • All ash varieties have similar characteristics:

  • Compound leaves

  • Tan to gray fissured bark

  • Unique seed pods

If you are unsure about what kind of trees you have, contact a local certified arborist who can help with identification.

What Should I Do about EAB If I Have Ash Trees?

With the spread of the emerald ash borer beetle, ash tree owners need to be particularly mindful of the state of their trees.

  • Preventative insecticide treatment can be effective

    • Must be administered before EAB is present

  • Diseased or damaged ash trees should be removed

    • EAB is attracted to the dead/dying wood and points of decay

  • Watch for signs of EAB

    • Dieback in upper canopy

    • Shoots/suckers along branches

    • Splitting/shedding bark with insect trails (“galleries”) underneath

    • Increased woodpecker activity

    • D-shaped holes in or under bark

  • EAB-infested trees

    • Once EAB is present, little can be done

      • Insecticide can slow decline in some cases

      • If more than 50% of canopy is dead, treatments are not effective

    • EAB kills trees in 2-5 years

EAB and Freeze-Damaged Trees

Trees in North Texas have been stressed by the freezing weather in recent years and are therefore more susceptible to pests of all kinds, including EAB. Dead branches in the crown of a tree may be a holdover from freeze damage or may be a sign of an infestation. Proper after-freeze care can help a tree regain its health and vigor, but any stressed ash trees should be assessed by an ISA Certified Arborist to ensure that EAB is not present. Preventive systemic insecticides are strongly recommended for stressed ash trees.

The tree on the right was treated with preventative EAB pesticide. The tree on the left was not treated due to frost damage. Both were exposed to EAB.

At Texas Tree Surgeons, we love trees and we love our community! The continuing spread of emerald ash borer in North Texas is a serious threat to our urban forest. Our arborists are staying up-to-date with guidance from the Texas A&M Forest Service and the Texas Department of Agriculture to provide the highest level of care to our customers. If you have ash trees, even if they look healthy, give us a call to discuss whether preventative treatment is recommended for your area. If you have sick or stressed trees of any species, we offer full-service plant health care programs and can give your trees the best chance to survive and thrive. Get in touch today!

Why Does Tree Work Cost So Much?

by Texas Tree Surgeons Resources, Tree Removal, Tree Trimming

Since most of us don’t get tree work done more often than once or twice a year, it can be difficult to predict the cost. Even after getting an estimate from a tree service, understanding the costs that go into trimming or removing a tree can be challenging.

How is Tree Work Priced?

Tree trimming prices are usually based on man hours for the work requested and amount of debris to be hauled away. Factors such as location, timing, equipment needed, and safety requirements can also increase the price of tree work. If additional work is added the day of the job, this may not be included in the original estimate.

What to Look for in Tree Work Price Estimates

Whether it is called a bid, work proposal, or estimate, reputable tree trimming companies will always submit job pricing in writing for customer approval. In addition to pricing, this document should contain the basic information about the company, including the legal name, address, and contact information. There will also be certain legal language, terms and conditions, that both the tree company and customer agree to follow. Sometimes these terms are printed on the bid, and sometimes they are online and simply referenced. Always be sure to ask to see the terms and conditions before agreeing to an estimate.

The “Big 3” Considerations When Hiring a Tree Service

  • Reviews/Reputation

    • What can you find out about a tree trimming company online?
      • Google, Yelp, Facebook, Nextdoor, and similar sites can not only provide a star rating or score, but feature reviews and feedback from actual customers.
    • Is it easy to find contact information for a tree service?
      • Are there multiple contact options? (Phone, email, text, live chat)
    • When reading reviews, pay attention to how the business responds to both good and bad feedback.
      • Do they try to resolve customer concerns or just ignore criticism?

  • Insurance

    • Tree trimming and removal can be tricky; reputable tree services will always have insurance, usually several types, to cover any unforeseen occurrences.
      • Commercial General Liability
        • Provides basic coverage for when the company is at fault for damage or injury
      • Vehicle
        • Covers damages related to motor vehicles and their operation
      • Personnel
        • Covers the tree service’s workers
      • Umbrella Coverage
        • Overlaps with other types of insurance to provide greater protection
    • In many states, there are no requirements to carry specific insurance.
      • Ask a prospective tree service about insurance to make sure you are protected if something happens while they are on your property.

  • Credentials

    • Reputable tree services will employ ISA Certified Arborists
      • The International Society of Arboriculture is the premier arborist training and certification organization in the world.
    • Most states do not offer a license in arboriculture.
      • With few exceptions, a “licensed arborist” is not a real credential
    • Contact your local ISA chapter or agricultural extension service to see if there are additional credentials specific to your area
      • In Texas, for example, ISA Certified Arborists can obtain the Texas Oak WIlt Qualification, reflecting additional training in management of the oak wilt disease
    • Experience and credentials go hand-in-hand
      • Be wary of professionals saying that they have experience and don’t need training

Additional Factors in Tree Service Pricing

  • Haul Away/Clean Up

    • Does the work estimate include hauling away the debris?

    • What is expected in the clean-up process after work is completed?

  • Seasonal Considerations

    • Are there additional expenses during a particular time of year?

      • For example, painting cuts on oak trees during oak wilt season

  • Recent Events/Weather

    • Was there just a big storm? Access for private companies to municipal resources like a greenfill might be restricted or the fees increased.

    • Increase in pricing and availability of fuel or equipment may lead to increased costs or reduced availability.

Don’t always go with the lowest estimate! When our owner, Amy Langbein Heath, was starting out as an arborist, she gave a bid to a friend to remove a tree with a rotten trunk. The friend decided to go with a removal estimate that was about half the price of Texas Tree Surgeons. Amy reminded her friend to ask for the company’s insurance, especially because it was a potentially difficult and dangerous removal.

A few hours into the removal, the tree crew dropped part of the trunk onto the garage and power lines. Rather than take responsibility, and probably because they were not insured, the tree trimmers left, and Amy’s friend was unable to get in touch with them. Trying to save a little bit on the tree work led to damage to her home and power outages that cost well beyond what Amy’s friend would have paid to a reputable company.

When is the Best Time to Trim a Tree? It Depends!

by Texas Tree Surgeons Resources, Tree Trimming

Research into the best way to care for trees is constantly being conducted, and it is critical to keep up-to-date on the best practices. Traditionally, the general rule has been that fall and winter are the best times to trim trees, but new research has shown that this is not always the case. Trimming a tree during the peak growing season (generally spring or early summer) means that the tree has more energy to devote to healing cuts made while pruning. When cuts are made during dormant periods, trees are unable to heal as efficiently and completely, and there is a greater chance that decay, disease, and insects will be able to prey on the exposed wood before healing can begin in the next growing season. However, it may still be the best practice to trim certain trees during dormant periods if there are specific disease or insect considerations, or fruiting/flowering is desired.

What to Consider When Trimming a Tree

  • Why is the tree being trimmed?

    • Is this just maintenance pruning, or is there a specific objective?

  • Is the tree healthy?

    • Sick or stressed trees need extra care, and should not be trimmed as aggressively as healthy ones.

  • What kind of tree is it?

    • Certain species of tree handle the stress of trimming better than others, and different kinds of trees sometimes have different yearly growth patterns.

  • Are there active diseases/pests in the area?

    • Many tree diseases have cycles of infection risk throughout the year.

    • Insects have periods of higher activity and dormancy.

  • Contact an ISA Certified Arborist to assess your trees before trimming.

    • Local arborists will be aware of area-specific concerns.

Recommended Timing for Tree Trimming

  • Winter

    • Fruit trees for production

  • Spring

    • Heavy pruning and large limb removal

    • Aesthetic trimming and shaping

    • Structural pruning of young trees

  • Early Summer

    • To stimulate food storage

  • Late Summer

    • Trees that flower on previous year’s growth

  • Fall

    • Older trees that need to increase energy reserves

  • Fall/Winter

    • Oak tree trimming in North Texas to avoid oak wilt season

  • Special Considerations

    • If a tree has suffered root damage, avoid trimming for at least two years to reduce stress and encourage recovery.

    • Dead, broken, or hazardous limbs should be removed when possible to avoid risk to persons, animals, and structures.

    • Storm- or frost-damaged trees may need remedial pruning out of season.

At Texas Tree Surgeons, we love trees and we love our community! We are committed to staying up-to-date on emerging research in arboriculture, and doing our part to keep North Texans informed about how best to care for their trees. Through continuing education and internal training, our team of ISA Certified Arborists ensure that their advice and guidance is accurate and in keeping with the highest standards of practice. As always, if you wonder when is the best time to trim, or have any other questions about your trees, let us know!

What are “Tree Surgeons?”

by Texas Tree Surgeons Ask Texas Tree Surgeons, Resources

There are many different names used to identify people who care for trees: tree trimmers, arborists, landscapers, etc. In Europe and other parts of the world, professionals who care for trees are often called “tree surgeons.” While that term is not in common use in North Texas, it does a great job of describing the level of care and attention that goes into properly trimming a tree.

What is the Difference between an Arborist and a Tree Surgeon?

Like “arborist,” the term “tree surgeon” could be applied, generally, to anyone who trims or otherwise cares for trees. In the US, there is no standard definition of “tree surgeon,” “arborist,” or any other general term. While some states have licensing for tree workers, there is no state arborist license in Texas. Luckily, the International Society of Arboriculture(ISA) has established a world-wide standard for tree worker education, training and certification. No matter what city, state, or country you are in, finding an ISA Certified Arborist(r) guarantees that the individual has experience and proven knowledge in the field of tree care. For more information about certified arborists, read our previous post.

How Can I Find a Reputable Tree Surgeon Near Me?

While anyone can call themselves a “tree surgeon” or “arborist,” there are a few important considerations to keep in mind when hiring a tree care service:

  • Credentials

    • The most important credential a tree worker can have is ISA Certified Arborist

      • Find certified arborists in your area at https://treesaregood.com

      • This shows a proven understanding of tree health and biology, as well as industry-standard tree care practices

      • Additionally, there are specializations that an ISA Certified Arborist can attain

        • Tree Risk Assessment Qualification – for evaluating and remedying hazards related to a tree’s structure

        • Texas Oak Wilt Qualification – a local specialization for managing the oak wilt disease in Texas

        • Utility, municipal, etc. specializations – for arborists working in specific practice areas

    • If a company is applying pesticide or other regulated chemicals, they must employ someone with an applicator’s license

      • In Texas, these are administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture

    • Other certifications offered by organizations such as the Tree Care Industry Association or individual state licensing boards may indicate training or experience, but are not as comprehensive or universal as ISA certification.

  • Insurance

    • Make sure that the company has coverage for damages or accidents that occur on your property

      • Ask to see a copy of their Certificate of Insurance, and don’t be afraid to call their insurers to verify coverage

  • Reviews

    • Online reviews can give a good idea of past customers’ experiences with the company

      • Be wary of fake-sounding reviews

      • Keep in mind that some review platforms may allow companies to pay to remove bad reviews

    • Neighborhood-based social networks can be a good source for word-of-mouth referrals

  • Customer Service

    • Any company you contact should have a easily-understandable procedure and good communication

    • Ask questions up front (such as about insurance, etc.) to avoid surprises later

    • Be wary of high-pressure sales tactics or too-good-to-be-true claims

      • Always feel free to get a second opinion

At Texas Tree Surgeons, we love trees and we love our community! We are proud to call ourselves “tree surgeons,” and are dedicated to providing the best in tree care and customer service. We have ISA Certified Arborists on staff, who are ready to answer any question you have about caring for your trees. In addition, we have several ISA Board Certified Master Arborists, and an ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist, each of whom have years of experience and have undergone extensive training and examination to attain those credentials. Just like medical practices, we are a team made up of individuals with different specialties and responsibilities, from the ISA Certified Arborists who evaluate your tree care needs, to the TDA Licensed Applicators who perform our Plant Health Care treatments, to our customer service professionals who ensure that communications among all parties happen seamlessly and efficiently. Want one of our professional tree surgeons out to take a look at your trees? Let us know!

Water Your Trees Now!

by Texas Tree Surgeons Extreme Weather, Resources, Tree Health Care

Why should I water my trees in the winter?

After the extreme weather events in recent years, trees in North Texas are having a rough time.

  • Currently, 86% of Texas is under drought conditions, while North Texas is suffering from “severe drought”
    • Lack of water leads to a weakened immune systems in trees and higher susceptibility to disease and insects
  • Repeated, long-term stress can lead to tree decline
    • To avoid this, trees need extra attention and care NOW
  • While DFW-area trees are normally dormant during this time of year, warm temperatures have caused some to start budding out early, before the recent freeze
    • Producing new buds and leaves is a significant drain or a trees energy and water reserves

How should I water my trees?

  • Trees have different water needs than other landscape plants and turf grass
    Sprinkler systems are not sufficient for watering trees

    • Using the “slow soak” method every 7-10 days is best
  • A soaker hose around the entire root zone of the tree is recommended
  • If using a garden hose:
    • Place the hose 1-2 feet from the root flare
    • Run water at a volume enough to spread, but not so much as to puddle or stream away
    • Move hose throughout entire canopy area, ensuring complete coverage
    • Remember to let the ground dry between waterings to avoid over-watering
  • Non-native species, newly-planted trees, or stressed/sick trees may need watering more often
  • For more watering info, visit our watering guide or this publication from the Texas A&M Forest Service

What else can I do to help my trees during drought?

Mulch!

  • After watering, mulching is the most beneficial treatment for all trees
    • Mulch helps regulate soil temperature and moisture, prevents competition in the root zone, and adds beneficial nutrients to the soil
    • To learn how to properly apply mulch to your trees, visit our mulching guide
  • Remove any dead or damaged branches before spring
    • Dead wood is a magnet for insects and disease, and can become sites of rot and infestation
    • Branches that are dead or dying present a hazard, as they are prone to falling during inclement weather

Oak Wilt Season is Almost Here!

Oak wilt is a devastating disease that affects all species of oak trees. Spread through root systems and pruning cuts, the insects and fungi that cause oak wilt infections are most active between February and July every year. As always, we recommend avoiding all oak trimming, except for removing dead or damaged branches, during oak wilt season. If oak trees need to be trimmed during this time, we follow recommended protocols such as painting the cuts, which adds a fee of 20% to trimming prices. For more info about oak wilt, visit our post on the topic.

REMEMBER: Anyone who says that oak wilt is not a serious concern is incorrect. There is no known proven cure for oak wilt, and oak wilt treatments are expensive and do not have a high success rate. Prevention is the best approach!

Woman-Owned and Women-Strong

by Texas Tree Surgeons Resources

Texas Tree Surgeons is proud to be woman-owned and women-managed, and in January 2022, we celebrated another milestone as a third member of our team, Meaggan Reid, became an International Society of Arboriculture Board Certified Master Arborist® (BCMA). Meaggan joins our owner, Amy Heath, and our managing arborist, Hannah Edinburgh in an achievement that recognizes arborists who have reached “the pinnacle of their profession,” and which is held by fewer than two percent of all ISA Certified Arborists. In fact, there are only four women who are ISA BCMAs in the state of Texas, and three of them are at TTS! Meaggan is a recent addition to the family of women that make TTS strong, and we are proud of her achievement!

Amy Langbein Heath

since 2007

Amy’s journey to become an arborist began with a hike along the Appalachian Trail in 2005. Since then, Amy has dedicated herself to the care of trees and the education of tree-owners. First as an arborist, then as the owner, Amy has made Texas Tree Surgeons into a tree care company founded on a love of trees and a love of our community. Amy has endeavored to bring strong female leadership and innovation into a field historically dominated by men, and has inspired others to follow her example. Amy became the first woman in Texas to achieve BCMA status in 2019.

Hannah Edinburgh

since 2011

In 2011, Hannah’s parents had a tree fall in their backyard. Fortunately, Amy was the arborist they called to evaluate it. Amy’s passion for tree care and education inspired Hannah to turn her own love of the outdoors and wildlife into a career, and Hannah has since gone on to become a BCMA and a Registered Consulting Arborist.

Meaggan Reid

since 2021

Although she didn’t start her career in tree care at TTS, Meaggan was inspired by Amy’s example to seek a place on our team. Meaggan’s drive to offer the highest level of tree care and customer service was a natural fit, and her love of education and level of arboricultural knowledge was formally recognized with her achieving BCMA status in 2022. Meaggan has already shown her desire and support for the culture we seek to spread at TTS, and we are proud of her achievement and grateful to have her as part of our family!

Lindsey Brammer

since 2009

Amy’s first hire, Lindsey is a long-time believer that our success as a company is dependent upon our closeness and familial culture. Her care extends to her customers, and she is able to take her intelligence, skill, and training and communicate with those who may not know the first thing about trees.

Emily Long

since 2014

Emily found TTS through a friend of Amy’s, and she has brought outstanding customer service and sales, married with dedication to her community. A resident of Rockwall, she has developed a loyal customer base who value her expertise, guidance, and personality.

In addition to our arborists in the field, our office and management staff is women-led and organized under Jade Nowell, our operations manager, who has been with TTS longer than Amy! Jade exemplifies our ideals of strength, versatility, and customer care. From answering the phones, to bookkeeping, to crew dispatch, Jade is able to keep the wheels of TTS turning through storms, pandemics, and staffing shortages. Arborists, field crews, and office staff have all been able thrive and grow with Jade as their support.

At Texas Tree Surgeons, we love trees and we love our community, especially all the women who work to improve the lives of others in every field. We are honored to have partnerships with other women-led organizations, such as Genesis Women’s Shelter and Turn Compost. Our sister company, Burn This Firewood, is woman-managed as well, with Maria Castro Gutierrez serving as the “Jade” of firewood. As we continue to grow, we hope to offer more opportunities for women in a male-dominated industry. Know of a woman who is interested in trees and would like to know more about what it means to be in tree care? Let us know!