Although trees are an integral part of every property, trees oftentimes do not get cared for until a problem occurs. Whether a storm is knocking the whole tree over or creating hazardous branches above like in the ice storm last winter, or tree limbs growing large enough to block signage or parking lot lights, we get little requests for pre-emptive tree care. However, we do oftentimes propose tree care as a part of most annual property maintenance budgets.
We do occasionally have customers question why tree care is not a part of the annual maintenance program. The simplest answer is that the work is subjective and non reoccurring on an annual basis, thus difficult to fit into an annual maintenance program and price. For example, most trees do not need to be pruned for the first 5-10 years after being planted. At that point, pruning needs are based on the tree, its location, and the surrounding building and landscape. Most street and parking lot trees should be limbed up every 3-5 years to enable vehicle and pedestrian traffic. Trees next to signs and lights need to be evaluated and trimmed to allow view and light to shine where desired. And somewhat controversial, some tree plantings are too close together and before a problem occurs thinning should be considered, as allowed by local tree ordinance.
Trees are a part of the property's asset and should be managed accordingly. If allowed to grow without thoughtful evaluation of potential growth and age related negative impacts to the property and surrounding landscape, a greater cost will likely occur without preventative maintenance and care.
