Frequently Asked Questions
What is a certified arborist?
Certified arborists are credentialed professionals who have achieved a level of knowledge in the art and science of tree care based on standards set by the International Society of Arboriculture. Certification is granted and maintained by passing a comprehensive examination given by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Certified arborists are also required to continue their education in order to maintain their certification, ensuring their knowledge is updated on the latest arboriculture techniques.
Why hire a certified arborist?
Hiring a professional to care for your trees is an important investment. A Certified arborist specializes in the care of trees and has the experience and education, along with the knowledge of the latest developments and techniques in the industry. In addition, when you hire a certified arborist, you can be sure they will abide by the ISA code of ethics, providing the best possible quality care for your trees.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes, Charter Oaks & Landscaping Co., Inc. is a fully licensed and insured corporation, including comprehensive liability and workers compensation coverage. Read More
Is tree work expensive?
Caring for your trees and other landscape is an investment that will pay dividends for generations. Healthy trees and landscape increase in value with age and with regular and effective maintenance and care will continue to offer enjoyment and value for years to come. Ask us about a free estimate.
What are my pruning options?
We prune in strict adherence to the professional standards of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).
Read our pruning definitions
Why is stump grinding necessary?
In the past, it was believed that stump grinding was completely optional. Conversely, according to National Arborists, failing to grind away tree stumps could result in other trees becoming infected. Fungi can infect tree stumps that have been left after a tree has been cut down. This can lead to fungi spores being released into the soil and then spread to your healthy trees. This in turn causes your healthy trees to be infected and further damage occurs. Contact Charter Oaks if you see any signs of an unhealthy tree.
When should cabling and bracing be used?
Cabling and bracing are methods of stabilization that should only be used if these supports successfully reduce the risk of tree or limb failure to acceptable levels. Cabling can be used to support dangerous or damaged limbs as well as junctions known as crotches. Bracing on the other hand uses steel rods to provide more rigid support when needed. Certain trees will be more prone to these issues than others. The professional arborists at Charter Oaks will be happy to visit your property and evaluate your trees in order to best advise you on which branches and crotches may need this type of protection and support.
What does cabling and bracing entail?
Using common anchors such as eyebolts combined with thimbles and cables, cabling can support tree branches and protect them from failure. There are a number of different cabling systems that our arborists may choose from in order to best support the horizontal branches of your tree. This is particularly useful for unusually large and heavy branches.
Bracing is used to repair split crotches, or stabilize weak crotches, as well as holding limbs either together or apart as necessary. This involves placing machine threaded or wood screw rods through the adjacent branches. The size of the rods will vary depending on the tree or crotch that is being braced.
As with many other tree care activities, the proper technique for cabling and bracing is extremely important. The professional arborists at Charter Oaks are well-versed in the proper techniques and have completed cabling and bracing in Columbus, OH many times for residential and business customers alike. We also know that returning for regular inspections of these systems is equally important for protecting against tree failure. These techniques may also be used to provide you with lightning protection for your trees when necessary.
Supplemental structural support systems should only be installed based on a thorough inspection and evaluation of tree structure by our certified arborists. Materials and techniques must comply with published industry standards (American National Standards Institute A-300 Standards). If trees have lightning protection systems, the conductor must be attached to any support cables in the crown.
How can I save on the cost of tree care?
Schedule work well in advance. Allowing us to plan for your work and evaluate discount opportunities that may be available. Also talk with your neighbors about tree maintenance needs on their properties—as we offer group discounts over smaller individual jobs. >>See our Discounts Available
Do I need to be home/at the job site during the time of the estimate or service?
It is helpful for you to be present, but not a must. Meeting face-to-face gives the opportunity to address all of your concerns with the arborist. However, estimates can be provided without the property owner on site.
How soon can you do my job?
In all cases, we try to have your work done as soon as possible. Let us know what your timeframe is and we will do everything in our power to accommodate your needs.
I‘ve received several quotes to have my work done, and there’s a wide range of pricing for the same kind of work. Why is that?
This is the number one question we hear as a tree care company. It is impossible to price a tree removal or pruning job over the phone or without viewing the tree. Every tree and location is different and the cost to remove or prune a tree is based on various factors. This is the primary Charter Oaks does not charge a fee for coming out and providing homeowners with a detailed, written estimate for the services they need. Price is based on the size of the tree, the method of removal, the location of the tree and its accessibility, and safety factors such as electrical lines nearby or trees that may be over a house. Make your decision carefully. The low bid may not always be the best for your trees or your property. Unskilled (and uninsured) hackers, improper tools and unsafe techniques can cost dearly, and wreck your trees, even your property. Compare experience, insurance coverage, reputation, and written proposals to see if you’re comparing apples to apples. Get it in writing! Your contract should detail everything you agreed upon.
My trees are getting too tall! Should I have them topped?
Never is topping a tree a recommended practice! Topping severely injures and infects trees. The new shoots, which grow after topping, are usually long, thin, brittle and improperly attached. Unseen, but no less important, is the damage done to the root system. Deprived of foods stored in the crown of the tree, the roots cannot obtain sufficient nutrients. In the long run, topping is very expensive and creates an unsafe and unattractive tree.
Can you trim my trees at any time of the year?
Yes, we work year round. In summer (the growing season of a tree), it is easiest to evaluate the health of the tree and do minor trimming or thinning. However, during November through March (a tree’s dormant stage), it is the best time for the health of a tree to do heavier pruning.