Baltimore Sun Sunday

Tree services offered in winter

- By Paul F. P. Pogue Tweet your home care questions with #AskingAngi and we’ll try to answer them in a future column.

You might be surprised to find out that tree services provide many of the same services in the cold months as they do during the rest of the year. Sometimes, the work is easier for a variety of reasons.

For example, frozen ground does less damage to your yard when pros move equipment in and out. Also, harder ground is less likely to accidental­ly uproot nearby plants if a tree is being removed. Plus, because pros tend to be less busy, you can usually get on their schedule faster and sometimes get a good deal.

Trimming trees is essential to enhance their appearance, prevent overgrowth and maintain overall health. Regular trimming helps ensure the tree receives ample sunlight, moisture and nutrients for a thriving yard. The best time to trim a tree is during the cold winter months when trees are dormant to prevent pest infestatio­n. In addition, it’s a good time to remove branches that might be weighted down by ice and snow if your region gets cold.

When hiring, ask about the profession­al’s experience with the specific tree species on your property and inquire about additional treatments or services that may be recommende­d for maintainin­g tree health.

A tree service profession­al will assess factors such as the size and type of tree, its health, the number of trees, accessibil­ity and location to provide a tailored quote. They may suggest additional treatments to address specific issues.

Depending on the tree’s size and health, you may hire a local certified arborist or a tree trimming service. The choice depends on factors like tree size, type and potential health issues.

Tree trimming costs vary based on factors such as tree size, type, health and location. On average, the cost ranges from $75 for small trees to $1,800 for towering old oaks. Factors like the number of trees, health and time of year also influence the cost.

To save money on tree trimming, collect multiple quotes, trim trees frequently, maintain their health with regular care, consider off-season bookings, clean up debris regularly and negotiate bulk pricing for tree removal.

Licensing requiremen­ts for tree services varies by the type of service and location. Always make sure to hire pros who hold the correct local licensing. And no matter what, tree service pros should always carry insurance, to protect both you and them in the event something goes wrong.

You can also check a tree service’s credential­s by asking if they hold accreditat­ion or certificat­ion with a respected industry organizati­on. The Internatio­nal Society of Arboricult­ure and Tree Care Industry Associatio­n both offer certificat­ion, and you can check it online.

Also, if you are getting tree service done because of an accident or a storm causing damge, call your homeowner’s insurance company before hiring. They may have a list of preferred providers, and you may need to talk to the

company first in order to get work approved.

 ?? DREAMSTIME ?? Trimming trees is essential to maintain their appearance and overall health.
DREAMSTIME Trimming trees is essential to maintain their appearance and overall health.

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