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  • Verified reviews icon295
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Aldo's Tree Service, LLC
4.7(
60
)
Tree TrimmingTree RemovalTree Removal - For Business+3 more

Serving Santa Barbara, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1995

Free estimates

Customers say: Quick response

"Manuel is so focused on what the client wants and has an expert eye for aesthetic tree trimming. I had four unruly, giant Juniper trees that had never been trimmed, and now they are beautiful. The crew came right on time and cleaned up the yard well before they left. Fairly priced, responsible and professional!"
Response time1 day
12 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by96%of homeowners
Avatar for Shofar Landscape Contracting
Shofar Landscape Contracting
5.0(
13
)
Tree TrimmingTree RemovalTree Removal - For Business+3 more

Serving Santa Barbara, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Shofar was wonderful to work with; they repaired our patio slab. Removed /tore up damaged concrete, tore out the tree roots which had caused the problem. and then laid a new slab. They were so professional, timely, efficient, and communicative! I highly recommend this company!!!!"
Response time1 day
Response rate87%
8 neighbors recently requested a quote
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Arborists questions, answered by experts

The amount of time it takes for a tree trunk to rot depends on several factors, including the tree’s size, species, and environmental conditions. It can take anywhere from a few years to several decades for a tree’s trunk to rot. A tree stump, on the other hand, can take up to 10 years to disappear after it’s decayed naturally.

The best time to trim trees is in late fall through winter when the tree has slowed its growing for the year. Cold weather stops insects and fungal growth from attacking a new tree wound. Summer and fall are considered the worst times to trim trees, but it’s permissible in certain scenarios, such as tree disease, damaged branches, or small, aesthetic cuts.

Unless there’s some sort of rule in your community’s homeowners’ association that requires you to remove a stump, there’s no law that says you have to take it out. If you’re not wedded to the idea of removing it, there are plenty of ways to get creative with this tree remnant. Using the stump as the medium for a wood carving or turning it into a planter are just two examples of ways to repurpose a tree stump.

Trees are beneficial to the environment and wildlife. If you have an old tree, but it’s healthy, it may be best to avoid cutting it down. However, if it’s showing signs of bug infestation, disease, or is potentially hazardous, then you should contact a tree removal company to cut it down. 

If you are unsure whether you should have it removed or not, then speak with an arborist to determine what is best.

Generally speaking, you’ll want to avoid flush cuts, which are cuts made as extremely close to the trunk or main branch. These cuts can weaken your tree, lower its natural defense mechanisms, and even cause decay. You’ll also want to avoid tree topping, which is the total removal of the leader and upper main branches of a tree. 

Most pros will advise against either of these methods, which is why hiring a pro is often the best choice when it comes to tree trimming.

The Santa Barbara, CA homeowners’ guide to arboricultural services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.