Frequently Asked Questions

This is dependent on the species and location of the tree, and many other factors. Fall tends to be a popular time for tree-pruning. Conifers can be pruned any time of year, but pruning during the dormant season may minimize sap and resin flow from cut branches. Hardwood trees and shrubs without showy flowers should be pruned in the dormant season to easily visualize the structure of the tree, to maximize wound closure, reduce the chance of spreading disease, and to discourage sap flow. Trees and shrubs that flower in early spring such as dogwood should be pruned immediately after flowering. Trees and shrubs that flower in the summer and fall should be pruned during their dormant season. Dead branches can be removed any time of year.

An arborist is an individual trained in the art and science of planting, caring for, and maintaining individual trees. Certification provides a means to assess an individual's knowledge and competence required to provide proper tree care. Although certification is not a measure of standards of practice, it can attest to the tree knowledge of an individual. Certified arborists are individuals who have achieved a level of knowledge in the art and science of tree care through experience and passing a comprehensive examination developed by some of the nation's leading experts on tree care and includes proficiency in the following areas:

• Nutrition/Fertilization
• Installation/Establishment
• Tree Biology
• Diagnosis/Treatment
• ID/Selection
• Safety/Climbing
• Pruning
• Soil/Water Relations
• Cabling/Bracing

Certified arborists must also continue their education to maintain their certification. Therefore, they should be up-to-date on the latest techniques in arboriculture. Information is from the International Society of Arboriculture

Sometimes, yes, a permit is required to remove a tree. The experts at Titan Tree Service are familiar with the regulations throughout Sacramento and Placer Counties and can help you determine if you need a permit and the proper procedures to obtain the permit. If your county does not approve your permit application, we can recommend alternative plans of action.

The main reasons for pruning trees include to reduce the risk of limb failure, health, and aesthetics. Pruning for reducing risk involves removing branches that could fall and cause injury or property damage. Pruning for health involves removing diseased or insect-infested wood, end-weight reduction and minor thinning to eliminate crossing and damaged branches. Pruning can best be used to encourage trees to develop strong structures and reduce the likelihood of damage during severe weather. From an aesthetic perspective, pruning can help make a tree look better or provide you with a better view of your property or horizon. If you are thinking about pruning a tree, be sure to use a Certified Arborist. Unskilled and uneducated workers can damage your trees and property.

A stump grinder is a machine that has a cutter wheel specifically manufactured to grind a stump and its root flares into a mulch-like fiber. Typically they penetrate about 8" below grade. The most obvious benefits to stump grinding are:

• Aesthetics- stumps are unsightly
• Utilization- removing a stump will allow you to use the space again
• Safety- no more tripping over the stump
• Maintenance-you won’t have to mow around it anymore

Alternatives to stump grinding are having stumps dug out. Digging up stumps is expensive and leaves you with a large hole to fill in and a big stump to dispose of.