Common Questions and Answers

In our over 25 years of providing services, we have received just about every question regarding landscaping imaginable. We realize tree trimming, lot clearing, and the safety/machinery of landscaping are not something most people discuss in daily lives. When the time comes, however, that services are needed, people are often surprised at just how much work, planning, know-how, and effort goes into successfully providing professional, safe landscaping and land clearing.

Commonly Asked Questions

As arborists, we understand the take for granted just how technical our job can be. In this article, we have listed what we feel are the top 10 best and/or most asked questions with answers. We hope you enjoy!

• How long does it take to cut down and remove a rather large tree?

This question is a difficult one to answer due to the nature of “rather large” trees and its given location. There is no one answer because truly no two trees are exactly alike. The time it takes to remove any tree is entirely dependent on factors such as tree health, location, size, shape, and type/density of the tree. To honestly answer this question, a member of our team needs to visit to assess and evaluate what is needed to safely and efficiently remove the tree. Be wary of any company claiming a time frame without first evaluating the tree itself.  

• Can all trees be removed?

All trees can be removed, but pricing for the removal will vary based on the tree (or trees) and location. 

• What certifications and/or permissions does your company hold?

Action Tree Service is a team of experienced, insured, ISA certified arborists. We are fully insured and WorkSDafeBC covered. We are also the only company in Canada permitted to lift a person on the ball of a crane. This allows our company to be able to more easily, effectively, and safely complete jobs other companies simply cannot.

• What is a certified ISA arborist?

As per the International Society of Arboriculture, “To earn an ISA Certified Arborist® credential, you must be trained and knowledgeable in all aspects of arboriculture. ISA Certified Arborist® have met all requirements to be eligible for the exam, which includes three or more years of full-time, eligible, practical work experience in arboriculture and/or a degree in the field of arboriculture, horticulture, landscape architecture, or forestry from a regionally accredited educational institute.”

• Why do I need to grind my stump, won’t it simply rot away?

Simply put, yes, nature will break down and ultimately remove a stump given a period of time. Unfortunately, depending on the type of wood, health, location, and size of the stump, it can take anywhere from 6-7 years to over 1000 years for mother nature herself to remove a stump. 

• What machinery will be used to take down my tree?

This answer is entirely dependent on the tree and its location. In open areas, away from buildings, a simple saw may be all that’s needed to cut the tree down. In areas surrounded by buildings, our team can use a variety of equipment including cranes, ladders, saws, chainsaws, and/or axes. Once the bulk of the tree has been taken down, a stump grinder may be used to remove the tree’s base and root system.

• What exactly is lot clearing?

Lot clearing typically is completed when land is ready to be built upon. In many neighborhoods, for example, homes have not been built on all lots. These unprocessed lots are typically left in their natural state and have everything from full-grown trees to bushes and flowers growing as it would naturally. To use the land, the land must first be cleared. This clearing process removes most large trees and all smaller plants and underbrush. To do this, lot clearing companies must have proper tools, skills, clean-up capabilities, and know-how. 

• How is pruning different from trimming?

Pruning is typically done to remove broken or damaged tree limbs. This is done to help the tree grow healthy and not endanger any animal life or property below the tree. There are two types of pruning, they are topiary (shaping trees into desired shapes such as animals or geometric) and pollarding (trimming in a way to produce new shoots annually).

Trimming is typically done on smaller bushes and it is the process of maintaining the desired shape of a plant by taking off overgrown areas.

As always, our professionals at Action Tree Service are available any time to assist you with your home or business needs and encourage questions and discussion. We value our customers and hope to be able to assist you in the near future!