Consulting
Ponderosa Tree Service provides tree consultations by ISA Certified Arborists. We take an analytical approach to diagnosing tough tree problems. With over 50 years experience in the tree business and an avid interest in Arboriculture, we have become adept at the trade through years of ongoing training as ISA certified arborists.
A good consulting arborist knows how to observe the subtle differences in a tree exhibiting abnormal appearance based upon familiarity with what is normal vigor for that species. This comes from years of observing trees in their environment, both from the ground and up in the canopy.
Practical Arboricultural consulting starts with sound knowledge of the different characteristics that different tree species have, and their individual horticultural needs.
We look at the site and assess the soil, climate, horticultural practices, construction impact, pests, diseases, plant competition, and all the interactions of these influential factors upon your tree. We recommend the appropriate and approved treatments to correct plant maladies. Tree hazard evaluation is an important part of what we do at Ponderosa. Knowledge of dangerous decay organisms and the conditions they thrive in is critical to the diagnostician. Spotting internal defects in trees is a skill we have developed based upon arboricultural education and experience that comes with years of observing actual tree failures in the field and dissecting the wood during the course of removing them. We use diagnostic tools such as the resistograph decay detection device to assure accuracy in diagnosing internal defects.
Our knowledge of tree health care and decades of experience working in the field give gives us a broad foundation to draw upon. From tree related health and assessments, view issues, construction approval, real estate evaluations – we have the experience to help guide you. We are particularly skilled at dispute resolution and tricky neighbor issues, as well as property line/shared tree negotiations.
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Tree Service Consultation FAQs
When should we water our trees?
The age of your tree, the soil type, and the seasonal rainfall will all be determining factors in what may be necessary. Extended periods of drought can lead to additional stress and must be monitored as tolerance is once again variable. NOTE: Be careful as overwatering is possibly the most common error in the residential setting as it’s often the first attempt at solving an unknown problem. Excess water especially when delivered in an injurious way or direction can cause more problems than it solves.
When should we fertilize our trees?
Most mature trees should require no additional supplements. Young trees can benefit if the soil is of poor quality, depleted of nutrients or pH isn’t appropriate.
How far/deep are the roots on our tree?
Roots are opportunistic by nature so we often discover them wherever it’s most beneficial for the tree’s success. Here in California, that often means root location is in the upper 18” of the soil since our rainfall penetration is limited. Underground streams/creeks and even household sewer lines can be extremely beneficial to a tree’s success, as can runoff from neighboring properties. Common failures are often seen in lawn areas where roots remain on the surface due to the scheduled watering by automatic irrigation systems. This can lead to damage from mechanical tools such as lawnmowers and weed trimmers. This can often be avoided with proper planting and watering when trees are initially planted.
Can you prepare an Arborist Report?
Arborist Reports can be prepared in varying levels of detail depending on the goal. These are often required during development projects or complete landscape projects. Of course, they are also beneficial when attempting to settle a dispute when other methods have not resolved the issue.
Is a permit required for our tree work?
Each community has decided what level they wish to govern both private and public trees. There is a wide range of requirements that we monitor and update to remain in compliance. Fees may be required depending on the jurisdiction, as well as waiting periods for administration and inspection by city/county arborists. Planting additional trees in lieu of a removed tree will often be required as a way to maintain the urban forest. Please refer to your community’s website or consult with our arborists.
Can we keep the mulch/wood chips from our tree project?
YES! Tree mulch is readily available for no charge and can be wonderfully beneficial to the landscape. From reducing evaporation to suppressing weeds to aerating the soil by decomposition, your tree mulch can be a great addition to your landscape. Please confirm quantity before ordering a delivery as our trucks can be quite large (20-30 cubic yards) and do require substantial overhead clearance and a large delivery site (8 feet wide by 20 feet long by 4 feet tall).
Can you provide a Certificate of Insurance?
Verification of all insurance coverages is standard with our policy information readily available upon request. This includes Workers’ Compensation to protect you and our employees in case of injury, general liability to protect your property as well as surrounding areas, and various additions for trucks and equipment.
Is our tree safe?
Answering this question requires a site visit with an opportunity to inspect surrounding areas, root zone, tree geometry, age, existing defects, pests, diseases, and fungal growth. Please schedule a visit with one of our arborists.
Should we be worried about the lean of our tree?
Visually a leaning tree can be quite concerning but in many cases, they may be safer than they appear. Please don’t make a rash decision to remove a tree solely based on its lean. Our arborists can provide a professional assessment to determine if tree removal is necessary.
Is it okay to add mulch under our trees?
Mulch is beneficial in most situations and can often populate the entire area under the drip line of the tree canopy. Care should be taken not to encroach upon the main stem where it meets the ground, as this is a very delicate portion of your tree. Keeping the mulch away from the root crown is mandatory.
Can we replace our damaged driveway over the roots?
Please consult with an arborist as the first step in determining which options and driveway surfaces may be most successful with the least amount of injury to your tree. Aggressive root pruning can be overwhelming to your tree. Damage done during driveway replacement may not be obvious for several months and difficult, if not impossible, to remedy. Please consult with an arborist as your first step.
Does your company plant trees?
How big? YES. Trees are available in various container sizes from our wholesale nurseries with the most common being 15-gallon buckets and 24” box crates. Also available are 36” box and 48” box, which may require heavy equipment operation both for excavation and placement on site. A site inspection should be completed as step #1 to determine the feasibility of the desired size. NOTE: Never begin digging without first verifying underground utilities. A free service exists in Northern California for site inspection by all utility companies which will clearly mark locations for any known underground wires or pipes. We work with USAN (Underground Service Alert North), and so can you by calling *811 from any phone.
Do we need “No Parking” signs?
In both the residential and commercial portions of our communities, parking restrictions must be planned for in advance. Posting in advance can help by alerting neighbors so they can also plan their day with the least amount of inconvenience. Since most of our projects include wood chipping on-site, a sizable area is necessary with 60 feet in length the average space required.
Is traffic control included?
Often in high traffic areas safety can be improved with additional signage and traffic management professionals. During the initial visit, our arborists will identify risks and how to manage both pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Can you make sure my neighbor’s yard is clean when you’re done?
Assuming access permission is granted in advance we will also clean your neighbor’s property of any debris our project created.
Can you provide us with referrals?
In this modern era most referrals are done through online analysis. Vendors such as Yelp, ANGI (previously Angie’s List) and others are often very helpful in determining a company’s relationship with their clients.
What can we do to get better fruit?
Fruit trees encompass a wide range of species that all have their own needs. Sometimes two trees of the opposite sex are needed for pollinization or zero production will occur. Learning the optimal season to prune your trees is one of the best ways to improve fruit quantity and quality.
What happens if you encounter wildlife in the trees?
Wildlife is protected, and tree care professionals follow government guidelines so as to not disrupt migration or mating schedules. Certain mammals are also protected, and when discovered must be respected both for their safety and ours.
Is my tree diseased?
Given the vast amount of potential biological impacts on your trees, careful inspection and analysis are required. Sometimes this includes taking samples and culturing them for laboratory analysis in order to confirm suspected ailments.
Is there anything you can do about the bugs on my tree(s)?
The first thing to do is identify the pest and determine if aesthetics is the only injury or if something more serious is in progress. Not all bugs are bad, but many can be a nuisance that can often be managed.