FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions

Your tree care questions answered: Find solutions and expert advice on our Frequently Asked Questions page.

What areas do you service?

We proudly serve Eugene, Oregon, and the surrounding areas, including Springfield, Cottage Grove, and Junction City and all cities and towns within a 50 mile radius of Eugene.

How do I know if my tree is sick or dying?

Look for "the big three": discolored leaves, premature leaf drop, and brittle or breaking branches. Other red flags include trunk mushrooms (fungal conks), deep cracks, or sawdust-like material at the base. If the crown looks thin or "see-through," it’s time for a professional check-up.

Are you licensed and insured?

Absolutely. We are fully licensed, bonded, and insured for your peace of mind.

When is the best time of year to prune trees in Eugene?

For most species, "dormant pruning" in late winter (January–February) is ideal. It’s easier to see the tree’s structure, and the tree heals faster in the spring. However, deadwood can be removed any time.

How often should my trees be professionally inspected?

We recommend a professional assessment every 2–3 years for mature trees. If you have older "legacy" trees near your home, an annual inspection is safer to prevent storm damage.

What are the signs my tree is diseased or hazardous?

Signs include dead branches, fungal growth, leaning, cracks, or hollow cavities. If you're unsure, our certified arborist can assess your tree.

What is Emerald Ash Borer, and is it in Oregon?

Yes, the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) was detected in Oregon in 2022. It is a highly invasive beetle that kills Ash trees. If you have an Ash tree, preventative treatments are now essential to ensure its survival.

Why is there sticky liquid dripping from my tree onto my car?

That "honeydew" is actually waste from aphids or scale insects. While it’s a nuisance, it usually doesn't kill the tree, though it can lead to black sooty mold. We can treat the tree to stop the "rain."

Do you use "neonicotinoids" or harsh chemicals?

We prioritize Integrated Pest Management (IPM). This means we use the least toxic methods first, such as trunk injections—which keep treatments inside the tree—rather than spraying chemicals into the air.

Does a leaning tree always need to be removed?

Not necessarily. Many trees grow with a natural lean toward the sunlight. However, if the lean is new, or if the soil at the base is "heaving" (lifting up), it is a high-risk emergency.

How do I know if a tree is a "hazard"?

A hazard tree has both a structural defect (like a large cavity) and a "target" (your house, driveway, or power lines). We use a formal Risk Assessment to determine if the danger is high or manageable.

What are the best trees to plant in the Eugene area?

We love recommending native or climate-resilient species like Oregon White Oak, Incense Cedar, or Vine Maples. They handle our wet winters and dry summers much better than non-native species.

What is your cancellation policy?

We understand that plans can change. Please give us 24 hours' notice for cancellations to avoid any fees.

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Eugene?

It depends on the tree’s size, species, and your specific zone. Eugene has specific "Tree Preservation" ordinances. We can help you navigate the permit process to ensure you’re in compliance with city code.

How do I get started with your services?

Simply contact us for a consultation, and we'll schedule a convenient time to assess your needs.

Do you have references I can contact?

Yes, we are happy to provide references from satisfied customers upon request.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept cash, checks, credit cards, and online payments for your convenience.

Do you offer tree stump grinding services?

Yes, we offer stump grinding to remove unsightly stumps and reclaim your yard space.

What kind of insurance should a tree service company have?

A reputable tree service company should have liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance.

Can you help me with tree planting?

Yes, we offer tree planting services to help you establish new trees on your property.

How can I tell if my tree is healthy?

Healthy trees have vibrant foliage, strong branches, and no signs of disease or pest infestation. Our arborist can conduct a thorough assessment.

Can you save a tree that has been damaged by a storm?

Often, yes! Through structural pruning and sometimes "cabling and bracing," we can support a damaged tree so it can heal and remain a safe part of your landscape.

How can I prevent my trees from getting diseases?

Proper watering, mulching, and regular maintenance can help prevent diseases. Our arborist can recommend preventative measures specific to your trees.

Do you offer organic or eco-friendly tree care options?

Yes, we can discuss organic and eco-friendly approaches to tree care, such as using organic fertilizers and pest control methods.

What qualifications does your arborists have?

Our certified arborists have extensive training and experience in tree care, ensuring that your trees receive the best possible care.

What is an "Air Spading" service, and why would my tree need it?

Air Spading uses high-pressure compressed air to safely remove soil from around a tree’s roots without damaging the delicate root bark. We use this for Soil Decompaction and to investigate root rot or "girdling roots" that might be strangling your tree below the surface.

How do Tree Trunk Injection Treatments work compared to spraying?

Instead of spraying chemicals into the air (where they can drift), we inject nutrients or medicine directly into the tree’s vascular system. It’s like an IV for a tree—it works faster, uses less product, and is much safer for your family, pets, and local pollinators.

What is the difference between a "Tree Health Assessment" and a "Risk Evaluation"?

A Health Assessment looks at the tree’s vitality (is it growing well and free of disease?). A Risk Evaluation is a formal safety check that identifies structural flaws to determine the likelihood of a branch or the whole tree falling. Both are essential for long-term peace of mind.

Why is "Tree Root Zone Aeration" necessary for urban trees?

In a forest, the ground is soft and full of nutrients. In Eugene’s urban yards, foot traffic and construction pack the soil down like concrete. Aeration breaks up that "hardpan" soil, allowing oxygen, water, and nutrients to finally reach the roots so the tree can breathe again.

Can "Deep Tree Root Fertilization" revive a dying tree?

While it can’t bring a dead tree back to life, it is a powerful "multivitamin" for stressed trees. By injecting liquid fertilizer 15–30 cm below the surface, we place nutrients exactly where the feeder roots are, bypassing the grass and weeds that usually steal surface-level fertilizer.

What is "Tree Cabling & Bracing," and is it permanent?

Cabling and bracing are structural supports used to reduce the risk of failure in trees with co-dominant stems (V-shaped trunks). We install high-strength steel cables or braces to limit movement during high winds. These are long-term installations that require periodic inspection to ensure they are still doing their job.

When do I need a formal "Arborist Consultation & Report"?

You typically need a written report for real estate transactions, insurance claims, neighbor disputes, or when the City of Eugene requires documentation for a tree removal or preservation permit. It is a legal-grade document backed by professional credentials.

How does "Urban Tree Protection Planning" work during construction?

If you are building an ADU, a new deck, or a driveway, your trees are at risk from heavy machinery. We create a "Protection Plan" that maps out the Critical Root Zone (CRZ) and sets up physical barriers to ensure your legacy trees survive the construction process.

What does "Tree Canopy Structural Care" involve?

This isn't just a "haircut" for your tree. Structural care involves selective pruning to improve the tree's architecture. We remove competing leaders and balance the weight of the canopy to prevent the tree from splitting apart during an ice storm or heavy wind event.

How can "Storm Damage Preventative Care" save me money?

Emergency tree removal after a storm is significantly more expensive than preventative care. By identifying weak crotches, overextended limbs, or internal decay now, we can prune or cable the tree to withstand Eugene’s winter gusts, potentially saving your roof—and your tree.