Pruning is the cutting or removing of branches or parts of trees for improving the shape or growth of trees. This is the most common tree maintenance procedure. Usually, trees are pruned preventative or as a corrective measure to remove dead or broken branches (which can decay and wick moisture into the mainstem and weaken the tree), crowded or rubbing limbs, eliminate hazards, and increase light and air penetration. Since each cut to a tree has the potential to change the growth, it is important to consider that branches be removed for a reason.

Matt's Tree Service will use a crane to remove very large, unstable or fallen trees. Normally, our crew can rig ropes throughout a tree to lower limbs safely. However, when a tree is severely damaged by wind; is falling or leaning, or perched on a roof, or the ground area needs protected, normal removal procedures may not work and a crane can be used. We have access to 17 to 100 ton cranes to complete any job.

Trees are essential to our world, offering a wide range of benefits to our environment. However, trees become hazardous liabilities if they fall and injure people or damage property. Proper consistent maintenance will help prevent and identify when a tree becomes dangerous. Evaluating the seriousness of a tree's condition is best done by a professional Certified Arborist.

For view/sunlight enhancement, we use special pruning techniques to improve views from the house without deviating from the existing 'treescape'.

There are several methods of removing tree stumps. Mechanical grinding is the quickest method. Stump grinding machines generally operate with a large flywheel equipped with cutting teeth. The operator moves the cutter head over the stump, grinding it away a little at a time. The self-propelled machine that we currently use is on rubber tracks with a very powerful flywheel. Mechanical stump grinding is fast, efficient and well worth the cost.

When a hazard tree evalutaion or consultation is required for permits or appraisals, Ian Scott is our staffed Certified Arborist.

The word "mycorrhizae" literally means "fungus-roots" and defines the close mutually beneficial relationship between specialized soil fungi (mycorrhizal fungi) and plant roots.

About 95% of the world's land plants form the mycorrhizal relationship in their native habitats. It is estimated that mycorrhizal fungal filaments explore hundreds to thousands more soil volume compared to roots alone.

The benefits include improved nutritional and water uptake, root growth, plant growth and yield, as well as, reduced transplant shock and drought stress.

Soils in natural settings are full of beneficial soil organisms including mycorrhizal fungi. Research indicates, however, many common practices can degrade the mycorrhiza-forming potential of soil. Tillage, fertilization, removal of topsoil, erosion, site preparation, road and home construction, fumigation, invasion of non native plants, and leaving soils bare are some of the activities that can reduce or eliminate these beneficial soil fungi. In many man-made landscapes we have reduced or eliminated the soil organisms necessary for plants to function without high levels of maintenance.