Services

We specialize in providing exceptional tree removal service for our customers. Our aim is to care for healthy trees. We do not like to recommend taking a tree down unless it is a threat to people or nearby structures. Legacy Tree LLC strives to provide excellent tree evaluations and offer honest advice for tree care, removal, and stump grinding.

MORE ABOUT TREE EVALUATIONS

When a tree goes into decline, it can become a hazardous situation rather quickly. Trees that are in close proximity to people and structures can pose a serious threat - especially in a storm. Hazardous trees must be removed that endanger people or structures. Not to say most trees in close proximity should be cut down, because that is certainly not the case. Many trees are actually just fine, even when they are close to a house. Some warning signs to look for:

• Signs of decay in tree trunks or roots

• A mound around the base of the trunk is a sign of potential uprooting

• Trees with a heavy lean towards a structure or heavy traffic area

• Dead, diseased, or dying crown of the tree

• Cracks, splits, or discoloration in the trunk's bark

There are many potential factors that can cause a tree to go into decline. Usually, it is an abiotic condition that puts a tree in distress, such as environmental issues like extreme temperatures or drought. Other biotic conditions, such as insect or fungal diseases can also cause harm, however, these are mostly secondary issues. It is highly recommended to have your trees evaluated yearly.

WHY HIRE A TREE SERVICE?

It takes many years to become a tree expert in this highly skilled area of expertise. Taking down large trees in close proximity to homes or structures requires many skills and experience. We have professional tree climbers that perform this task on a daily basis. Our climbers are true experts with many years of experience in safe and efficient climbing, rigging, roping, removal, and ground work. When you hire us, you are dealing with truly some of the very best in the business!

If a tree must be removed, a resident home owner or commercial customer should rely on professional tree services that have the proper experience and are insured to handle tree removals. Tree removal is a talent and specialized skill that tree climbers take years to achieve.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A TREE SERVICE COMPANY

• Fully licensed and insured - full comprehensive & liability insurance is a must

• Easy to work with - efficient communication, prompt scheduling, and a company that cares a lot about honesty, integrity, and ethics

• Employees & Reputation - experienced personnel, especially in the field providing tree work is a must - reputation is the lifeblood of any business

• Safety Conscious - safety is the absolute most important aspect of tree work

• Industry Standards - make sure the tree company follows ANSI Z133 standards for tree operation

• Proper Equipment - a tree company should have proper equipment in good condition

Legacy Tree LLC can provide recommendations based on specific tree needs. Every tree is different and the plan for each customer and their trees vary. Our job is to focus on the care and management of trees in urban forestry. Our arborists have expert opinions and only recommend the best pruning methods for our customers' trees.

TREE CUTTING & PRUNING METHODS

CROWN CLEANING

Crown cleaning a tree involves pruning the deadwood, diseased, and dying limbs out of the canopy of a tree. Crossing and rubbing limbs are also generally pruned. This type of pruning is extremely beneficial for the health and longevity of the tree.

CROWN THINNING

Crown thinning a tree involves lightly pruning the interior limbs of a tree canopy. Generally, this is done to achieve more sunlight on a customer's lawn, or to prevent storm damage. Lightly thinning the interior allows for wind flow to better flow through the canopy, thus reducing chances of limb failure in a storm. Usually it is recommended to only cut approximately 10-15% of the live growth in the interior, and to avoid lion tailing.

CROWN RAISING

Crown raising a tree involves elevating or cutting the lower limbs of a tree canopy. This type of pruning is usually done to achieve visibility, or to allow lawn mowers to be able to mow grass underneath without a tree limb in the way, or anything else such as cars and people to be able to pass underneath the tree's canopy. Elevating the low limbs on a tree can also allow for structure or clearance pruning as described below.

CROWN REDUCING

Crown reducing a tree involves lightly thinning out the top of a tree's canopy. Do not mistake this for tree topping. Topping is NOT a recommended pruning method and should be avoided. A proper crown reduction will reduce the overall crown height and canopy, without altering branch integrity. This type of pruning minimizes storm damage and reduces the chances of larger, taller trees falling or uprooting in a storm. We often call this type of pruning a "light thinning" or "selective pruning" in the top of the canopy. Usually there won't be a lot of brush or limbs coming out of the tree, but only a selective set of branches are cut.

CLEARANCE PRUNING

Clearance pruning a tree involves cutting a tree's limbs away from a structure by a certain number of feet. Proper cuts should be made according to ANSI standards, always cut back to the nearest lateral growth, never cut in the middle or inter-node of a branch. Clearance pruning is usually done to clear houses, roofs, sheds, cars, and such of encroaching limbs.

SHAPING

Shaping a tree canopy should really only be done on shrubs and bushes - not trees. Larger trees can be shaped but only a selective prune with proper cuts - not topping. Small shrubs and bushes, like Holly trees or bush hedges, can be shaped how you like them. Some green should always be left or the plant has been shaped too hard and faces the chance of declining. Usually hand shears are used for this method of pruning.

STUMP REMOVAL EQUIPMENT

Stump grinding machines are very efficient if they can access a tree stump for removal. They are configured with a grinding wheel that has teeth. The wheel spins and is operated with hydraulics back and forth to slowly grind a stump. A stump is usually ground out to a depth of approximately 8" - 12" below ground. It is not recommended to plant a new tree in the same spot where the stump previously existed and was ground out.

STUMP GRINDINGS & SHAVINGS - POST GRINDING

After a tree stump is ground out, stump grindings (or shavings) can be left in a pile in the hole, or hauled away. There is an extra charge of half the price of the grinding for the stump grindings to be hauled away. Large stumps that are ground out can leave a huge pile of grindings, so please be aware and make sure to discuss this detail with an estimator.

SURFACE ROOTS

Surface roots are another option to be ground. The root system in a tree is very critical to tree health. Any cutting of a tree's roots can cause a tree to go into decline rapidly. Request a consultation to discuss options if a tree can be saved upon cutting its roots. Many times, if roots need to be cut or pruned, the tree will need to be removed in its entirety. Grinding surface roots is another separate cost aside from grinding a tree stump.

UNDERGROUND UTILITIES

It is necessary when hiring a company to grind stumps to call 811 to mark all underground utility lines. Our company does this for our customers. It can take 3-5 business days for Alabama Line Locate to come out and mark the ground.

WHEN TO EXPECT THE STUMP CREW UPON APPROVED WORK ORDERS

Rarely, the stumps from a tree removal job will be done the same day as the removal itself. Stumps to be ground out from a tree removal job are sometimes scheduled separately from the tree removal job.