In the event of a tree emergency on your private property, do you know what to do? Chances are, you probably haven’t given much thought to a plan of action if you happen upon a downed trunk, fallen branch or another potentially hazardous situation.
 
Time is of the essence when it comes to any tree emergency. The faster you act, the easier it is to contain the damage. Below, we explain how to handle the most common issues you may encounter as a property owner.
 
If a Tree or Branch Is Near a Utility Line…
 
Don’t go anywhere near the downed trunk or branch, as the power line presents a clear danger of injury. Keep children, pets and onlookers well away from the area, and contact your local utility company for assistance.  
 
If a Tree or Large Branch Is on the Ground…
 
Contact a local certified arborist if you experience this type of emergency. An arborist can safely remove the obstruction without damaging your property. If the downed trunk or branch itself caused property damage, call your insurance agent.
 
If Snow or Ice Bends a Branch…
 
Keep everyone from walking or standing underneath the hazardous branch, then wait for the springtime thaw. The limb may return to its original state on its own but, if it doesn’t, call on a local certified arborist.
 
If the Soil Surrounding a Tree Is Flooded…
 
Check to see if the trunk is leaning or if the soil and grass around the roots have lifted. In either case, contact a certified arborist for an immediate safety assessment. Continue to monitor the situation, as symptoms may not appear for a year or more.
 
If a Contaminant Spill Occurs Close to a Tree…
 
When a faulty container or equipment malfunction dumps pesticide, fuel or any other potentially hazardous substance, the soil may become contaminated. To deal with this tree emergency, call a local certified arborist.
 
If a Car Crashes into a Tree…
 
Get the license plate number, contact information and insurance details of the driver, if possible, and document the event with photographs. Then, contact a certified arborist to evaluate and treat the damage caused by this situation.
 
As you can see, you’ll need to call on an arborist for expert help with most types of hazardous events. And, the best time to find a certified arborist with expertise in emergency tree care is before you come upon a problem.
 
If you live in northern Utah, you can trust all of your tree care to the team at Rivendell Tree Experts. Our certified arborists have extensive skill, training and experience dealing with hazardous situations – and our professional tree emergency service comes at an affordable price.
 
To learn more about our certified arborist services, or for around-the-clock assistance with a tree emergency in the greater Salt Lake City area, call Rivendell Tree Experts in Lehi, Utah, today.

When trees have poor structural growth, cabling and bracing – two effective tree preservation techniques – can stave off the need for removal.
 
Arborists install flexible, high-strength steel cables and rigid bracing rods to support weak branches, limit excessive limb motion and reduce structural stress. Proper cabling and bracing works to provide the support needed to encourage strong growth and help trees stand firm in severe weather conditions.  
 
Tree preservation using cables and braces can improve the structural integrity of many types of at-risk specimens. Below are five growth issues that can be addressed through cabling and bracing.
 
U-Shaped Branches
 
When a trunk grows to develop a pronounced “U” shape, the weight of the canopy is often enough to cause the branches to split and break. And, with severe weather, damage is more likely. To redistribute the weight load and prevent limb breakage, arborists often recommend cabling and bracing. 
 
Split Trunks
 
If storm-related damage or structural stress creates a vertical trunk crack, installing cables and braces can help prevent failure and encourage proper structural growth. However, if you don’t pursue preservation early enough, the crack may not heal and removal may be the only course of action.
 
Leaning Trees
 
A slight natural lean is usually not a problem, but when the trunk is leaning at a more pronounced angle, arborists may suggest preservation via cabling and bracing. The same goes for a trunk that develops a sudden lean after a severe weather event, though some specimens may require removal.
 
Uprooted Specimens
 
Most of the time, when a tree is completely uprooted during a severe storm, arborists recommend removal. In some cases, however, the trunk can be repositioned and held in place with cables and braces until the root system is strong enough to provide sufficient trunk support.
 
Multiple Trunks
 
Often, trees that have more than one trunk fail due to the unbalanced weight load the limbs must carry. To provide support, encourage healthy structural growth and prevent failure, arborists may advise cabling and bracing. 
 
Should You Consider Tree Preservation?
 
Cabling and bracing are effective tree preservation techniques, but sometimes removal is the only option. Uprooted trees and those with a significant lean or split can’t always be saved with cables and braces, nor can some specimens with major cracks covering the main trunk.
 
For expert advice on whether tree preservation is the right solution for the at-risk specimens on your northern Utah property, call on Rivendell Tree Experts. Our certified arborists have the training, knowledge and expertise to determine when installing cables and braces is the right approach – and if it is, our team can complete the job properly, at an affordable price. 
 
Rivendell Tree Experts offers practical, cost-effective services throughout the greater Salt Lake City area, and our team strives to provide exceptional customer care. To schedule a free, no-obligation tree preservation consultation, contact our Lehi office today.edit.

At a basic level, tree pruning involves removing limbs that are dead, damaged or structurally weak. Unlike trimming, which is focused on beauty and aesthetics, pruning is done to improve tree health and reduce the risk of injury or property damage from falling branches.​

Regular pruning can help protect your trees from disease and insect infestation, ensuring that they continue to flourish for years to come. However, to get the best results, you need to use the correct techniques and tools

Poor pruning practices can damage trees, stunting their growth. The following techniques are not recommended:​

• Topping to reduce size by cutting the trunk and upper main branches down to stubs
• Lion’s tailing to thin the interior, leaving foliage only at the top of the crown
• Rooster tailing to thin out palm branches for protection from heavy wind

When pruning, you need to use the right tools. 

Hand pruners are appropriate for cutting limbs that are less than an inch wide. Branches that are roughly two inches in diameter can be cut with either lopping shears or a pole pruner. Larger limbs require pruning saws. ​

Whichever tool you end up using, make sure it’s sharp. And if you’re pruning diseased limbs, sanitize the blade between cuts.

Before pruning, the tree species must be properly identified. While you can technically prune year-round, tree experts recommend strategic timing, based upon the growth response of the particular species. Pruning during dormancy, in the winter, is often best – but that isn’t always the case.

As you prune, take care to make sharp, clean cuts. Stick close to the buds, leaving just enough space above to prevent die back. In addition, make your cuts at the buds that are aimed in the direction you want the branches to grow -- doing so helps create a naturally beautiful and shapely appearance as the tree matures.

When pruning, tree experts caution against removing more than 25 percent of the branches in any single year. Prune away too many limbs, and plant stress can lead to detrimental effects.

Tree pruning can be dangerous work, and limbs shouldn’t be removed without careful consideration. For those reasons, getting a local certified arborist to take on the task is often the best course of action. 

If you live in the greater Salt Lake or Utah County area, the professionals at Rivendell Tree Experts have the skill and expertise to properly prune trees so that they’ll continue to grow healthy, strong and beautiful.​

A northern Utah industry leader, Rivendell Tree Experts strives to provide quality service and stellar customer care at an affordable price. To schedule a free, no-obligation tree pruning estimate with one of our professional certified arborists, contact our Lehi office today. We also offer a 30-minute pruning consultation service for those who would like to learn to care for their own trees.

Typical Costs for Tree Removal

The cost for removal depends largely on height, although girth, species, drag distance and nearby targets are also factored in.

The price can range wildly, and although most homeowners can expect to pay a few hundred dollars, it's possible for the price to be much higher or lower, depending on your individual situation. We recommend getting a price quote before beginning work, so that you don't have a surprise when the bill comes due.

How Tree Removal Cost is Determined

When it comes to the total cost of removal, height isn’t the only consideration. The price is also based upon these additional factors:

• Diameter: Thick specimens take longer to remove than those with thin trunks. So, as a general rule, the wider the trunk, the higher the cost of removal.
• Condition: Removing a tree that’s dead, leaning or significantly decayed can be costlier, as the work can be more dangerous and require the use of extra safety equipment.
• Location: Trees situated near power lines, buildings and other obstructions – and those that are difficult to access – are more complicated to remove, so the price is higher.

Extra Tree Services 

When you hire a professional for tree removal, extra services usually come at an added cost. Unless otherwise stated, you can expect to pay a separate fee for stump removal and log splitting. Limb chipping and removal may or may not be included, so make sure to ask.

How to Avoid Tree Removal in the Future

If you want the rest of your trees to remain in good shape for many years to come, you may want to consider additional services. Proper pruning, trimming and fertilization can go a long way toward protecting healthy specimens from disease, pest infestation and the effects of harsh weather. Arborists charge extra for these services, of course, but you may pay a lower price if you have the work done along with your tree removal.

Do you suspect that one of your trees might need to be removed? For a free, no-obligation consultation and service estimate in the greater Salt Lake and Utah county region, turn to Rivendell Tree Experts.

Our team of certified arborists has the training and expertise to nurse many ailing trees back to health. If it cannot be saved, however, we also have the skills for safe and efficient removal. 

The Rivendell Tree Experts team is known for integrity, reliability, and exceptional customer care. Our focus is on providing quality workmanship, and we only recommend cost-effective, practical services. For more information, or to schedule a free tree removal consultation and estimate, contact our Lehi office today.

The signs of disease and infestation vary depending on the condition and the type of tree, but here are problematic symptoms to watch for: 
 

• Leaves that fall much earlier than normal 
• Leaves with gray, brown or green spots
• Leaves that turn pale
• Leaves that are contorted 
• Insect exit holes in tree branches or trunk
• Sawdust around base of the tree

 
The moment you notice your tree is sick, given its symptoms, it’s time to explore the right treatment. ​

A range of fungicides and insecticides could help your tree defeat the outside threat. It’s best to start by getting a proper diagnosis from an arborist. You should know what disease is affecting the tree before you unleash a chemical spray. General pesticide sprays may not eradicate the problem, and can expose your landscape to harsh chemicals for no reason. 
 
Second, make sure you time the treatment correctly. A professional arborist helps by identifying the stage of the disease. Many tree diseases or infestations must be treated within a certain window of time, or else the chemical intervention will not work. 
 
On the other hand, your tree might need a series of sprays in order to fully treat the problem. Your arborist will be able to help you select the right product. ​

You need to call an arborist anytime there is a clear emergency involving tree damage, especially if it may involve your home or car. But an emergency isn't the only scenario that warrants a professional's attention. Many seemingly mundane situations can quickly turn precarious if they aren't managed by an arborist. 
 
Below are four instances where it’s helpful to call an arborist at Rivendell Tree Experts. 

When There’s Storm Damage
 
After a big storm, maybe feel thankful that no trees fell on your home. But then, the cleanup begins. Before you get out the chainsaw, think about your trees: Do you know the best way to prune and trim them following significant damage? 
 
If storm damage pruning isn’t handled by a pro, you could wind up with a sick tree. Tree damage that isn’t resolved correctly through pruning and treatment can lead to decay and future weakness. It’s not worth it to try to DIY — you could put your tree at risk. Call us instead. 
 
When Branches Look Like They Might Fall
 
Maybe there hasn’t been a storm, but you’re still feeling nervous about the leaning branches that get lower by the day. If a branch is thicker than 2 inches, it can cause serious damage if it falls. Look at the trees on your property, especially the trees close to your home, shed, car or pool. If you suspect a problem, get peace of mind by calling an arborist. 
 
When Roots Are Exposed
 
According to experts, 80 percent of tree problems typically begin in the root system. Suddenly exposed or broken tree roots, or mounding near the trunk are signs of trouble. It’s key to catch stability issues early, as this can jeopardize the tree’s health and the safety of nearby people and structures. Schedule a consultation with an arborist as soon as you can.
 
When You Want to Plant New Trees
 
Proper planning is the key to healthy trees. Don’t just choose a tree you like the looks of and plant it. Come up with a plan that takes into account the type of soil on your property, the amount of sun your tree will get and the how far away the surrounding trees and structures are. 
 
Not only will you bypass a lot of confusion, you’ll get professional recommendations from an expert that has your property value in mind. 
 
Rivendell Tree Experts is a local arborist team that fully understands the challenges of Utah’s climate. We are here to help you correct tree problems and manage new plantings to deliver the highest value and the most enjoyment for the property owner. Call us today to set up a consultation!
 

Removing dead trees isn’t a task to put off until next spring — it needs to be done now! It’s OK if you procrastinate on landscaping tasks like weeding your flower beds, but when it comes to large, dead trees, don’t leave anything to chance. 
 
Why should you take action today? Six reasons.
 
1. Pests Love Dead Trees
 
Termites and other bugs aren’t the type of wildlife you want in your yard, but it’s exactly what your dead tree will attract. Even though it’s already past rescuing, a dead tree that becomes infested will soon become unstable. There’s also a risk these insects could start feeding on your home next.
 
2. They’re a Hazard
 
You don’t want to worry about a tree falling on your home when the wind picks up. Dead trees can’t be trusted, and if one falls on your house, garage or car, it’s not just property damage you have to worry about — there’s the potential it could harm you or a loved one. 
 
3. They’re a Fire Risk
 
Dry, dead wood can easily catch fire. If you live in an area where wildfires rage, you need to remove dead trees right away. A tree that catches fire near your home could cause property damage and pose a risk to you and your family. 
 
4. It’s Less Expensive to Remove Now
 
It’s easier to remove a tree that has died but is still standing, and it’s also cheaper. Once it falls on a home, electrical wires or any other property, the process gets harder because workers must minimize further damage to these objects. Save money and just remove it now!
 
5. Your Other Trees Could Get Sick
 
Why did it die? This is a question an arborist can answer for you while they are removing it. It’s important to know the reason so you can prevent other trees on your property from experiencing the same fate. Also, the sooner you remove a dead tree, the lower the risk surrounding trees will catch the disease. 
 
6. They Don’t Look Good
 
Finally, think about how it looks to those passing by. Dead trees detract from your home’s curb appeal. Remove dead trees when you want to spruce up your home’s appearance or if you’re getting ready to sell.
 
Removing dead trees won’t take up your whole weekend if you depend on Rivendell Tree Experts. We handle the job safely — for your landscape, your home and your family. Get in touch with us when you have a dead tree that needs to be attended to — we’re at your service.

Tree removal isn’t always what homeowners want, but sometimes it’s what they need. How can you tell? 
 
Schedule a consultation with an arborist and get an expert opinion on the health of your property’s trees. Below are some signs you should get an arborist on site soon.
 
Trees Teetering Dangerously 
 
When trees begin to lean, they are at serious risk of falling. What you don’t want is the tree falling on your family members, house, shed, garage, car, etc. So any significantly leaning tree is cause for concern because you don’t know what to expect. Will it fall away from your house? Should you get it removed proactively? 
 
Teetering trees mean it’s time to get an expert opinion on the best route to take. 
 
When Power Lines Are at Risk 
 
If you see a dead or dying branch or tree near a power line, don’t wait until the next big storm. Preserve power to your home and address the issue right away. In many cases, full tree removal isn’t required if a simple pruning will effectively reduce the risk posed to nearby power lines.
 
It’s Clear the Tree Is Dead or Dying
 
Even if the tree is standing up straight and doesn’t pose a threat to power lines, other signs can indicate its health is not up to par. Does the tree have a significant amount of peeling bark? Are there cracks in the trunk? Does it have dead branches high up in the crown? 
 
When a tree is dead or dying, there are ways to successfully execute tree removal in a way that is safe and nonthreatening to the surrounding landscape, and your arborist knows these methods. 
 
Drastic Root Damage
 
Even if what’s high above the ground looks vibrant and healthy, tree longevity is dictated by more than the color of its leaves and the number of buds. It also is predicted by the health of its root system. 
 
If you know your tree recently sustained serious root damage, give us a call. Whether you were digging up your sewer tank or installing a new swimming pool, damaging your trees’ roots can have serious implications. While signs of root damage might not show up right away after an accident, trees that have gradually lost root health over the years may show fungi growing at the base of the trunk or heaving soil underneath the leaf canopy. 
 
Why You Should Trust a Pro 
 
Trees are a central part of life, but it’s not always easy to understand how or when you might need tree removal. This is where an experienced, licensed arborist can provide you with facts and data, and use their skills to effectively make your property safer, both for you and the surrounding landscape. Trust Rivendell Tree Experts when you need tree removal services for the hands-on, highly professional care your trees deserve.