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  • Average homeowner rating star icon4.8
    Average homeowner rating
  • Verified reviews icon295
    Verified arboricultural services reviews

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Aldo's Tree Service, LLC
4.7(
60
)
Tree TrimmingTree Stump - RemoveTree Removal+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 rate85%
10 neighbors recently requested a quote
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Arborists questions, answered by experts

Cutting down a tree next to power lines is never a DIY job, and it’s a good idea to contact your utility company first. In most cases, the utility company will need to take care of any tree problems within 10 to 15 feet of power lines. If you want to remove the tree for aesthetic reasons, hire a pro to do the job. Trying to cut trees near power lines yourself can create many safety hazards, and you could be liable if you inadvertently cause damage to electrical equipment.

It may not be worth it to rake every leaf in your yard, but it’s necessary to remove the majority of leaves to prevent them from smothering grass growth on your lawn. However, raking leaves isn’t your only option for leaf removal. You can remove leaves easily with a leaf blower or compost or mulch them with your lawn mower to repurpose them to help grow your garden or yard.

Completely topping a plum tree is a risky business. Cut too much, and you’ll kill your tree. That said, you do need to trim the top of your tree to encourage bushy growth, maintain your tree’s vase shape, and limit size. 

A plum tree's central leader (or trunk) should never extend more than 3 feet above the highest branch. When you first plant your tree, cut the central leader so it’s 2 to 3 feet tall. As it grows, cut it back 12 to 20 inches until it reaches its desired height. Never prune more than one-third of the new growth.

You can never truly stop a maple tree from growing taller, but you can rein in its growth by pruning. Proper pruning helps maintain a safe size for your tree without causing permanent damage. It’s important to start pruning a tree while it’s young, long before it becomes a problem. Otherwise, you may be left with too many hazardous branches to remove at once.

In general, trees should be planted no closer than 15 to 20 feet from your foundation. For larger trees with far-reaching roots like maples, oaks, or poplars, a good guide is to plant as many feet from your home as the tree’s height is expected to reach at maturity. Some trees, like elms and willows, should only be planted far from where their roots may encounter sewer or water lines.

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.