Popular Tree Care Questions & Answers

If you have any questions about tree care, please read below. If you do not see an answer below, please contact us. We are here to help

I have a question about my trees
501-686-2097   | 650 S. Shackleford, Suite 400-FF   |  Little Rock, AR 72211
mobile crane used to trim tall trees

Q.  What should I look for in a tree service company
A.  Because tree trimming and tree removal can be dangerous, you want a tree service company that’s dedicated to safety first, and has a track record in business of safe operation and good customer service.  Choose a company with a certified arborist to ensure you’re getting a trained professional in tree health.  Check to make sure the company is licensed and insured.  Capital City Tree Service checks all those boxes.


Q.  How long will it take to get an estimate, and what will it cost?

A.  We strive to get estimates to you within a day of your call, though if there has been a big storm and we’ve already had a lot of calls, it might take a little longer.  If that’s the case, we’ll let you know when you call.  All of our estimates are free.  Contact us at 501-686-2097 for your free estimate.


Q.  How much do you charge for tree trimming or removing a tree?

A.  Every situation is different.  The cost will depend on a number of factors, such as the amount of trimming that needs to be done or the size of the tree to be removed.  We have the equipment needed to work even in confined spaces or on slopes, but working in more difficult to access areas requires more time to get in and more time to haul limbs and other cuttings out after trimming or tree removal, which affects cost.  We really have to look at the job to give you a price, but our estimates are free and no obligation, and our rates are competitive with other professional tree services in Little Rock.


Q.  Do you haul away all the limbs and other debris?

A.  We do, unless you want the wood cut up for firewood.  Our cleanup after tree service is second to none.  If you’re having stump grinding done, you will have a pile of woodchips when it’s finished, but most customers like having them as free mulch.  Otherwise you can add them to a compost pile, or rake them out and allow them to decompose.


Q.  What payment methods do you accept?

A.  We accept cash, checks, and debit and credit cards – Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.


Q.  Do you offer any discounts?

A.  Yes, we offer senior and military discounts.


Q.  Do you climb the tree with spikes?

A.  Spikes should never be used to climb any tree unless it’s being removed, but thanks to our spider lift machine, we usually don’t have to climb trees for trimming or removal.


Q.  Do you top trees?

A.  We strongly discourage it.  Tree topping produces unhealthy growth patterns and weak branches.  If a tree is so overgrown for its space that you’re considering having it topped, removing it is a better option.  It can be replaced with a tree whose size and growth habit is better suited to the space.

Q. What is an arborist and how do they become certified?
A. An arborist is an individual with at least three years of full-time experience in the tree care industry. In order to become certified, they must pass an extensive arboriculture examination.

Q. Why should I hire a certified arborist to care for my trees?
A. Only a certified arborist is specially trained to properly care for the trees on your property. For everything from plant health to tree pruning, a thorough understanding of arboriculture is necessary to treat your plants and offer recommendations for their continued care.

Q. How does having a tree affect my property value?
A. Having a full grown tree increases your property value up to 25%. A tree is an investment so you will want to maintain its health for as long as possible. An experienced tree care company can help keep your tree and your property looking beautiful, which will increase the value of your home.

Q. What are some hazards that I should look out for in owning a tree?
A. You should keep an eye out for and try your best to protect against environmental hazards such as extreme weather conditions, disease, pollution, insects, and other pests. Man-made hazards to look out for are soil compaction and nearby construction. Capital City Tree Service can help protect your tree against these hazards, contact us!

Q. What is the difference between trimming and pruning a tree?
A. Pruning a tree is done to remove unnecessary branches and roots and maintain the health of the overall tree. The term can be used for other types of plants like bushes and landscaping.

Trimming is done to correct the appearance of your tree, either in terms of proper symmetry or to promote a healthier foliage

Q.  How often should I have my trees trimmed or pruned?
A.  Trees don’t require trimming all that often, unless they’ve outgrown their space and need to be frequently cut back so they won’t damage power lines or roofs. Corrective tree trimming helps establish healthy growth patterns so trees can go some time before they’ll need to be trimmed again. Dead or damaged branches, of course, should be pruned as often as possible, to avoid potential danger or property damage.

Q. What seasons should trees be pruned or trimmed?
A. Winter is the most popular season for tree trimming and pruning because trees are not actively growing. Spring is also acceptable, however, this does vary by tree.

Fall is NOT ideal from trimming and pruning, but exceptions can be made especially when you are preparing for winter’s extreme weather.

Q. If my tree has dead branches, does the whole tree need to be removed?
A. No, the tree does not necessarily need to be removed. It is recommended that you prune the tree to remove these dead branches as soon as possible so that it may still have a chance to grow back and thrive.

Q. How do I know if my tree might be in poor health?
A. There are a few signs that your tree might be in poor health. These include: dead, brittle wood; cracks or cankers within the bark; growing decay, like mold or mushrooms along the trunk; unusual or uneven growth pattern.

If you begin to notice that your tree is displaying any of these signs, contact Capital City Tree Service to diagnose the problem and give you the best set of options to solve it, such as tree injections to improve tree health.

Learn about tree injections

Q. Why should tree stumps be removed?
A. Tree stumps should be removed because they are eyesores in your yard and can disrupt your landscaping vision. If the tree had to be cut down because of disease, the stump left behind even has the potential to spread the disease to other plants in your yard.

TREE TRIMMING
Periodic tree pruning eliminates safety hazards while promoting safe and healthy growth patterns to enhance your tree’s beauty.

TREE REMOVAL
Removal of dead or unstable trees close to buildings is crucial for protecting safety and avoiding property damage and liability.

STUMP GRINDING
Get rid of unsightly tree stumps that get in the way of mowing and landscaping with quick, environmentally-friendly stump grinding.