If you have a few minutes before the crew arrives, keep reading. Knowing the right steps can protect your family, preserve your insurance claim, and prevent a bad situation from getting worse.

What to Do Immediately When a Tree Falls

The first 15 minutes after a tree falls on your property are the most critical. Resist the urge to run outside and assess the damage before you know it’s safe. Follow these steps in order.

When Do You Need Emergency Tree Service?

Not every tree situation is a true emergency — but many are, even when the tree hasn’t fallen yet. Call for emergency tree removal in Denver any time you’re dealing with one of the following scenarios.

• Tree on a house or structure. This is the clearest emergency. A tree resting on your roof creates immediate risk of further collapse, water intrusion, and structural failure — especially if rain or snow is in the forecast.
• Tree blocking a road or driveway. A fallen tree blocking a public road or your only exit is a safety and access emergency, particularly if emergency vehicles need to reach your property.
• A tree leaning dangerously and could fall. A tree that has shifted, partially uprooted, or developed a sudden lean after a storm may fall at any moment. Don’t wait for it to come down on its own.
• A split tree during a storm. When a trunk or major limb splits, the structural integrity of the entire tree is compromised. Half a tree hanging over your home is an emergency even if it hasn’t fallen yet.
• Large branches hanging over a house or power line. A widow-maker — a large dead or broken branch suspended overhead — can fall without warning. If it’s hanging over a structure or utility line, treat it as urgent.
• Uprooted tree. A tree with its root ball pulled out of the ground is unstable and should be removed promptly. The exposed root void also creates a tripping and fall hazard.

How Denver’s Weather Creates Tree Emergencies

Denver’s climate is beautiful — and genuinely brutal on trees. The city’s unique position along the Front Range creates weather patterns that stress trees year-round, and residents in neighborhoods from Highlands to Park Hill to Capitol Hill know firsthand how quickly a calm evening can become a crisis.

Spring snowstorms are one of Denver’s biggest tree-damage culprits. When heavy, wet snow falls in April or May — after trees have already leafed out — the weight can be catastrophic. Leafed branches act like sails, catching and holding far more snow than bare winter branches. A single major limb can hold hundreds of pounds of wet snow before snapping.

Summer microbursts and hailstorms hit with almost no warning. These localized, high-intensity wind events can snap mature trees or push them over entirely in minutes. The Wash Park and South Denver areas have seen entire streets littered with downed trees after a single summer microburst.

Early fall freezes arrive before many trees have dropped their leaves, creating the same dangerous snow-load conditions as spring storms. A first freeze can also weaken root systems and make trees more susceptible to falling weeks later.

Wind events along the Front Range are a year-round reality. Chinook winds can gust well above 60 mph, and trees already stressed by drought or disease are especially vulnerable to uprooting or major limb failure.

Certain species are particularly at risk. Cottonwoods are fast-growing but structurally weak, with shallow root systems that give out in saturated soil. Aging American elms — still common in Denver’s older neighborhoods — are prone to internal decay that isn’t visible from the outside until a branch or trunk fails suddenly.

What to Expect During Emergency Tree Removal

If you’ve never dealt with an emergency tree removal in Denver before, it helps to know what the process looks like once a crew arrives. Here’s how Tree Service Denver LLC handles a tree emergency from first contact to final cleanup.

• Rapid response. We aim to have a crew on-site within 30–60 minutes for emergencies in the Denver metro area, day or night. Our team is equipped and staged for quick deployment — we’re not calling contractors when you call us.
• Scene safety assessment. Before any cutting begins, a certified arborist walks the scene to identify hazards: compromised structure, power lines, unstable sections of the tree, and the safest approach angles for equipment.
• Specialized rigging and equipment. Emergency removals often require cranes, aerial lifts, and precision rigging to remove sections of a tree without dropping weight onto an already-damaged structure. We carry the equipment for these scenarios.
• Structural protection. Every cut is planned to protect your property. We use rope systems, lowering devices, and protective padding to control exactly where each section of the tree lands.
• Temporary roof patches. If your roof has been breached, we install temporary weatherproof patches to protect your home’s interior until a roofing contractor can make permanent repairs. This step matters — rain following a tree fall can cause thousands of dollars in additional water damage.
• Complete debris removal. We clear all wood, branches, and debris from your property. You won’t be left with a yard full of tree parts to deal with on top of everything else.
• Insurance documentation. Our team provides written reports and supports your insurance documentation process, including notes on how the removal was performed and what structural protections were applied.

How Much Does Emergency Tree Removal Cost in Denver?

Cost is a real concern, and we believe in being transparent. Emergency tree removal in Denver typically costs between $800 and $3,500 or more, depending on several factors. This is higher than the cost of a scheduled tree removal — but the premium reflects the after-hours response, the speed of mobilization, and the complexity of working around a damaged structure.

Factors That Affect Emergency Tree Removal Cost

• Time of day. Nighttime and weekend calls carry a higher rate than daytime weekday emergencies.
• Tree size. A 30-foot ornamental tree is a very different job than an 80-foot cottonwood draped across a roof.
• Complexity and access. Narrow side yards, fences, parked vehicles, and overhead utility lines all increase the technical difficulty and time required.
• Whether a structure is involved. Removing a tree from open ground is straightforward. Removing one from a roof requires rigging, additional crew, and extreme care — all of which add to the cost.

The most important thing to know: homeowner’s insurance often covers storm-related tree damage to structures. Document everything before removal begins, and keep all receipts. Many Denver homeowners end up paying only their deductible out of pocket.

Insurance and Emergency Tree Removal

Understanding your coverage before a crisis happens will save you significant stress in the moment. Here’s how homeowner’s insurance typically works with tree removal claims in Colorado.

Most standard homeowner’s policies cover trees that fall on structures — your house, garage, fence, or other covered structure — when the damage is caused by a covered peril such as wind, lightning, or ice. The insurer typically pays for both the removal of the tree and the repair of the structure, minus your deductible.

Trees that fall in the yard but don’t damage a structure are generally not covered for removal under standard policies. If a large cottonwood comes down in your Park Hill backyard but misses the house entirely, you’ll likely pay for removal out of pocket.

Your deductible applies. Colorado homeowners increasingly carry higher deductibles — sometimes $2,500 or more — so run the numbers before filing a claim for smaller jobs.

To protect your claim, follow these steps:

• Photograph and video everything before any debris is moved.
• Don’t dispose of the tree or damaged materials until your adjuster has reviewed the scene or given approval.
• Keep all receipts for tree removal, temporary repairs, and any related expenses.
• Request a written report from your tree service documenting the removal process.

Our team at Tree Service Denver LLC is experienced with the insurance documentation process and can provide the detailed written records your adjuster will need. We’ve helped hundreds of Denver homeowners navigate this process successfully.

Why Choose Tree Service Denver LLC for Emergencies

When a tree falls on your home at 9 o’clock at night, you don’t need promises — you need a crew at your door. Here’s what separates Tree Service Denver LLC from other companies when it matters most.

But don’t take our word for it. Here’s what happened when one Denver family needed us most:

“We had a huge tree fall on our house at 9pm. No wind or anything it just fell. Tree Service Denver LLC was the only company that would take our call. They were here at 9:35 and began working immediately. Around midnight they had the tree off our roof and the holes covered with temporary patches.”

That’s what 24/7 emergency tree service in Denver actually looks like. On-site in 35 minutes. Tree off the roof by midnight. Temporary patches installed before rain could do further damage. That’s the standard we hold ourselves to on every call.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast can you respond to a tree emergency in Denver?

Our target response time for emergencies within the Denver metro area is 30 to 60 minutes. In many cases — like the Shawn B. situation above — we arrive even faster. Response time can vary slightly based on traffic, weather conditions, and crew location, but we will always give you an accurate ETA when you call. We maintain on-call crews specifically to ensure rapid deployment 24 hours a day.

Does homeowner’s insurance cover tree removal?

It depends on where the tree fell. If a tree falls on a covered structure — your house, garage, or fence — most standard homeowner’s policies will cover both the removal and the structural repair, minus your deductible. If the tree falls in the yard without damaging a structure, most policies do not cover removal costs. Always document damage thoroughly with photos before work begins, and call your insurer to open a claim as soon as the immediate emergency is handled. Our team can provide detailed written documentation to support your claim.

What should I do if a tree is leaning but hasn’t fallen yet?

Can I remove a fallen tree myself?

For small trees and shrubs, a careful homeowner with the right tools can sometimes handle cleanup. But for any tree that has fallen on a structure, is near power lines, or is large enough to cause serious injury when sections are cut, this is a job for trained professionals. Stored tension in a fallen tree can cause cut sections to kick back violently and unpredictably — this is a leading cause of chainsaw injuries. When the situation involves your roof or a hazardous environment, the risk is not worth it. Call us first and let a certified arborist assess whether any DIY work is appropriate.

24/7 Emergency Tree Service — We Answer Every Call

A tree emergency doesn’t wait for business hours, and neither do we. Tree Service Denver LLC has served Denver homeowners for over 15 years with rapid-response emergency tree removal, ISA Certified Arborists, and $2M in liability coverage to protect your home from the moment we arrive.

Whether you’re in Highlands, Park Hill, Capitol Hill, Wash Park, or anywhere in the Denver metro area — help is one call away.

If you’ve ever wondered when to trim trees in Denver, you’re not alone. Timing matters more here
than almost anywhere else in the country. Denver’s semi-arid climate, with its dramatic temperature swings, late
spring freezes, scorching dry summers, and surprise early-fall snowstorms, creates conditions that can either
support healthy tree growth — or undo it — depending on when you pick up the pruning shears.

Trees in the Denver Metro area face unique stressors that don’t apply in more temperate regions. A mid-April
hard freeze can devastate freshly pruned trees. A July heat wave can turn an open pruning wound into an entry
point for insects and disease. Getting the timing right is one of the most important things a homeowner or
property manager can do for long-term tree health. This seasonal guide will walk you through exactly when — and
when not — to schedule tree trimming in Denver, broken down by season and by species.

If you have an ash tree in your yard, this is the most important article you’ll read this year. Emerald ash borer (EAB) is no longer a distant threat creeping toward the Denver metro — it is already here. In 2025 alone, Colorado State University confirmed EAB in Aurora, Denver, Golden, Edgewater, Wheat Ridge, and Berthoud, bringing the total to more than 20 confirmed Front Range cities. Acting now is the difference between saving your tree and paying to have it removed.

At Tree Service Denver LLC, our ISA Certified Arborists have been monitoring the EAB outbreak across the metro area and are ready to help. Whether your ash tree looks perfectly healthy or is already showing signs of decline, read on — your next step matters.

What Is the Emerald Ash Borer?

The emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) is a small, metallic-green beetle native to Asia that was first discovered in the United States in Michigan in 2002. Since then, it has killed hundreds of millions of ash trees across North America, devastating urban forests from coast to coast. In Colorado, it was first confirmed in Boulder in 2013 by the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS).

EAB is dangerous not because of the adult beetle itself, but because of what its larvae do beneath the bark. After adults lay eggs on the surface of an ash tree, the hatching larvae bore into the tree and feed on the phloem and cambium layers — the tissue responsible for transporting water and nutrients throughout the tree. As those S-shaped feeding galleries multiply over the years, the tree’s vascular system is slowly destroyed.

Most ash trees die within two to four years of initial infestation, often before the homeowner realizes anything is wrong. Critically, EAB attacks both stressed and healthy ash trees — no ash is immune without treatment.

Where Has EAB Been Found in Colorado?

The spread of emerald ash borer in Colorado has accelerated dramatically in recent years. According to the Colorado State Forest Service, EAB has now been confirmed in more than 20 Front Range communities — a milestone that underscores just how rapidly this pest is moving through the region.

Here is a timeline of confirmed Colorado detections:

• 2013: Boulder — Colorado’s first confirmed EAB detection
• 2013–2022: Spread through Boulder County communities including Longmont, Lafayette, Louisville, Westminster, and Broomfield
• 2023: Carbondale — a surprising westward jump detected by CSU
• 2025: Aurora, Denver, Golden, Edgewater, Wheat Ridge, and Berthoud confirmed by CSU’s College of Agricultural Sciences

Notably, Thornton, Arvada, Littleton, and Lakewood are all within the active expansion zone. The CSFS has stated that Castle Rock and Colorado Springs should expect confirmed detections within the next five years. If you live anywhere in the Denver metro — from Highlands Ranch to Thornton, from Arvada to Aurora — your ash trees are at risk right now.

Because EAB can infest a tree for up to four years before visible symptoms appear, the actual footprint of the infestation is almost certainly wider than confirmed detections suggest. Ash trees make up an estimated 15% or more of all urban trees in Colorado, which means thousands of trees across the Front Range are vulnerable.

How to Identify EAB Damage on Your Ash Trees

Catching EAB early dramatically improves the odds of saving your tree. Here are the key signs to look for on your ash trees in Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, or anywhere across the Front Range:

D-Shaped Exit Holes

Adult beetles emerge from the bark in late spring, leaving behind distinctive D-shaped exit holes approximately 1/8 inch wide. These small, flat-sided holes are the most reliable visual indicator of EAB. Look carefully across the entire trunk and main branches — a magnifying glass helps.

S-Shaped Larval Galleries

If you peel back a section of bark on a suspected tree, you may find serpentine, S-shaped tunnels packed with sawdust-like frass. These galleries are carved by the feeding larvae as they destroy the tree’s nutrient-transport tissue. Their presence confirms active infestation.

Crown Dieback Starting at the Top

One of the earliest above-ground symptoms is thinning foliage and branch die-off beginning in the upper canopy. This happens because the larvae disrupt the flow of water and nutrients upward through the tree. If your ash tree looks thin on top while the lower branches still have leaves, take it seriously.

Vertical Bark Splits

As EAB damage accumulates, the bark may develop vertical cracks and splits along the trunk. This is a sign of advanced infestation and indicates that the tree’s cambium layer has been severely compromised.

Increased Woodpecker Activity

Woodpeckers love EAB larvae and will hammer into infested trees in search of food. Unusual or intensified woodpecker activity on an ash tree — especially blonding (large patches of outer bark stripped away) — is a strong indicator that EAB larvae are present under the bark.

Epicormic Sprouting (Water Sprouts)

When to Treat for Emerald Ash Borer in Denver

Timing is everything with EAB treatment in Denver. The most effective treatment window aligns with the beetle’s biology — you want insecticides moving through the tree when larvae are actively feeding and adults are beginning to emerge. According to Colorado State University Extension, the optimal application window is mid-May through late June, shortly after bud break when the tree is actively moving water.

Trunk Injection: The Gold Standard

Trunk injection with emamectin benzoate is the most effective method for controlling EAB and is the approach favored by professional arborists for medium and large trees. This treatment delivers insecticide directly into the tree’s vascular system, where it kills feeding larvae and adult beetles. When applied by a licensed professional, a single trunk injection typically provides two years of protection, and in some cases up to three years.

Soil-applied treatments using imidacloprid or dinotefuran are also options, particularly for smaller trees, but are generally less reliable in Colorado’s dry, clay-heavy soils without consistent supplemental irrigation.

Don’t Wait for Symptoms to Start

Because EAB can be present in a tree for years before visible decline begins, preventive treatment is strongly recommended for any ash tree within a confirmed EAB zone — which now includes all of the Denver metro area. If your tree is currently healthy and you live in Denver, Aurora, Golden, Lakewood, Thornton, or any surrounding community, now is the time to act.

Treatment Is Far Cheaper Than Removal

Professional EAB trunk injection treatment typically costs $200–$400 per treatment cycle, depending on tree size. Compare that to the cost of ash tree removal — which commonly runs $2,000 or more for a large, mature specimen — and the math is clear. Treating proactively is not just the best choice for your tree, it’s the smartest financial decision you can make as a homeowner.

Should You Treat or Remove Your Ash Tree?

The 30% Rule: When Treatment Makes Sense

Research supported by CSU Extension indicates that ash trees with less than 30% canopy loss have a strong likelihood of recovery when treated with professional-grade trunk injections of emamectin benzoate. If your tree still has most of its canopy and you’ve caught the infestation early, treatment is almost certainly the right call.

When Removal Is the Better Choice

Once an ash tree has lost more than 50% of its canopy, or shows extensive crown dieback, major trunk damage, and advanced larval galleries, removal becomes the safer and more cost-effective option. A severely infested tree becomes structurally unstable — large branches can fail without warning, posing a serious safety hazard to your family, neighbors, and property.

Other Factors Our Arborists Consider

• Tree size and species: Larger, healthier trees generally respond better to treatment and are worth the investment
• Location: Trees near structures, power lines, or high-traffic areas may need removal regardless of infestation level
• Overall tree health: Pre-existing disease, root damage, or drought stress reduces treatment success
• Proximity to other ash trees: A heavily infested neighbor tree can reinfest a treated tree more rapidly

The bottom line: there is no one-size-fits-all answer, and you shouldn’t have to figure this out alone. Our arborists will give you an honest, expert assessment — not just a sales pitch.

How Tree Service Denver LLC Can Help

Tree Service Denver LLC has been serving homeowners across the Denver metro for 15+ years. Our team of ISA Certified Arborists is specifically trained in EAB identification, damage assessment, and treatment protocols — and we stay current with the latest guidance from the Colorado State Forest Service and CSU Extension.

Free EAB Inspections

Not sure if your tree is an ash, or if it’s showing symptoms? We offer free EAB inspections for homeowners across our service area. One of our certified arborists will walk your property, examine your trees, and give you a clear, honest answer about what you’re dealing with and what your options are.

Customized Treatment Plans

If treatment is the right path, we develop a customized EAB management plan tailored to your tree’s size, health status, and location. We use professional-grade trunk injection treatments proven effective by CSU research, applied by licensed commercial pesticide applicators as required by the Colorado Department of Agriculture.

Safe, Licensed Tree Removal

Service Areas

We serve homeowners throughout the Denver metro, including Denver, Aurora, Arvada, Boulder, Lakewood, Littleton, Westminster, Thornton, Golden, Castle Rock, and Highlands Ranch. If you’re unsure whether we cover your neighborhood, just give us a call — we’re happy to help.

Frequently Asked Questions About EAB in Colorado

How do I know if my tree is an ash tree?

Ash trees (Fraxinus species) have several distinctive features. Look for compound leaves with 5–11 leaflets arranged in opposite pairs along a central stem, with a single leaflet at the tip. The bark of mature ash trees has a distinctive diamond-shaped ridged pattern. Ash also have paddle-shaped seeds (samaras) that hang in clusters. If you’re not sure, send us a photo or schedule a free inspection — our arborists can identify your tree species in minutes.

Can a tree survive emerald ash borer?

Yes — but only with professional treatment, and only if the infestation hasn’t progressed too far. According to CSU Extension research, ash trees with less than 30% canopy thinning have a strong chance of recovery when treated with trunk injections of emamectin benzoate. Trees caught early and treated consistently can survive indefinitely with ongoing management. Trees that have lost more than 50% of their canopy are generally past the point where treatment is practical.

How much does EAB treatment cost in Denver?

Professional EAB trunk injection treatment in Denver typically runs $200–$400 per treatment, depending on the size of the tree. Because the most effective treatment (emamectin benzoate) lasts two years per application, your annual cost averages $100–$200 per year — a fraction of what removal costs. For a free, no-obligation quote specific to your tree, call us at (720) 807-2785.

Is EAB in my Denver neighborhood?

Almost certainly yes, or very close. In 2025, CSU confirmed EAB in Denver, Aurora, Golden, Edgewater, and Wheat Ridge, and the Colorado State Forest Service now lists more than 20 confirmed Front Range communities. Because EAB spreads naturally through adult beetle flight and can travel several miles from known infestations, any ash tree in the greater Denver metro should be treated as at-risk. The CSFS maintains a public detection map — and the trend is clear: EAB is spreading faster than ever.

When is the best time to treat for EAB in Colorado?

Protect Your Ash Tree Before It’s Too Late

Emerald ash borer is now confirmed across the Denver metro. Every season you wait makes treatment less effective and removal more likely. Our ISA Certified Arborists are ready to inspect your trees, give you an honest assessment, and help you protect one of your property’s most valuable assets.

Free EAB inspections are available now for homeowners in Denver, Aurora, Arvada, Lakewood, Littleton, Westminster, Thornton, Golden, Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, and surrounding communities.

This Colorado Front Range tree care calendar covers every season.Colorado’s Front Range climate is unlike anywhere else in the country. Rapid temperature swings, high-altitude UV exposure, heavy wet snows, drought cycles, and freeze-thaw patterns create a unique set of stresses for trees. What works in Texas or Ohio doesn’t always work here. This calendar gives Colorado homeowners and property managers a month-by-month guide to keeping trees healthy year-round.

Winter Tree Care: December – February

Pruning Season Begins

Winter is the best time to prune most deciduous trees on the Front Range. With leaves down, the tree’s structure is fully visible, making it easier to identify dead, crossing, or structurally weak branches. Most pathogens and insects that enter through pruning wounds are dormant in cold weather, reducing infection risk.

Best species to prune in winter: Cottonwood, Maple, Oak, Elm, Aspen, Fruit trees (after hard freeze), Ornamental trees

Storm Damage Assessment

Colorado’s wet, heavy snowfalls — especially the “cement snow” events of March and April that arrive before spring leaf-out — can cause major limb failure. After each major snowstorm, walk your property and look for hanging branches, split crotches, or leaning trunks. Address hazards promptly; a hanging limb over a walkway or roof is a liability.

Spring Tree Care: March – May

Your complete Colorado Front Range tree care calendar. Learn when to trim, fertilize, treat, and inspect trees in Denver and surrounding communities year-round.

Denver’s last frost date averages around May 7th, but late frosts can occur into mid-May. Trees that leafed out early — especially Maples and Oaks — can suffer frost damage to new growth. Frost-damaged leaves look brown and curled but are rarely fatal. Do not prune frost-damaged growth until you’re sure what is dead vs. recovering.

EAB and Insect Monitoring

Spring is when Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) adults begin to emerge and lay eggs. If you have Ash trees, spring is the time to schedule preventive treatments. EAB has been confirmed in the Denver metro and along the Front Range — untreated Ash trees face near-certain death within 3–5 years of infestation. Systemic treatments applied by a certified arborist in spring are highly effective.

Soil and Root Zone Care

Colorado’s alkaline soils and freeze-thaw cycles compact the soil around tree roots over winter. Spring is an excellent time for deep root watering, soil aeration, and mulching. Apply 3–4 inches of organic mulch in a wide ring around your trees (keeping mulch away from the trunk) to retain moisture as temperatures rise.

Summer Tree Care: June – August

Deep Watering During Drought

Colorado’s summer heat and low humidity can stress trees quickly, especially in drought years. Deep, infrequent watering (soaking the root zone 18–24 inches deep) is far more effective than frequent shallow watering. Most established trees on the Front Range need supplemental watering June through August — especially Blue Spruce, which suffers from Rhizosphaera needle cast when drought-stressed.

Summer Pruning for Select Species

Mid-summer (July–August) is the recommended time to prune stone fruit trees, including Cherry, Peach, Plum, and Apricot. Pruning during warm, dry conditions significantly reduces Cytospora canker infection risk. Summer is also a good time to do light corrective pruning to reduce canopy weight and improve wind resistance before fall storm season.

Fall Tree Care: September – November

Do Not Prune in Early Fall

Avoid pruning deciduous trees in early fall (September–October). Pruning stimulates new growth, and new growth that doesn’t harden before winter freeze is highly susceptible to cold damage. Wait until after the first hard freeze (typically late October to November in Denver) before beginning fall pruning.

Anti-Desiccant Treatments for Evergreens

Blue Spruce, Austrian Pine, and other Colorado evergreens can suffer winter desiccation — needles drying out and browning due to wind and sun when the ground is frozen and roots can’t uptake water. Applying an anti-desiccant spray in late October or early November helps evergreens retain moisture through winter. Water deeply before freeze-up.

Pre-Winter Hazard Assessment

Licensed | Insured | ISA Certified | Family Owned Since 2011 | 4.9 Stars | 200+ Google Reviews

In Colorado, anyone can call themselves a tree service company. There’s no state licensing requirement for tree work — meaning the person knocking on your door with a chainsaw and a pickup truck can legally claim to be a “professional.” This guide explains exactly what separates a certified arborist from an uncertified tree guy, and why it matters for your property, your trees, and your liability.

What Is a Certified Arborist?

An ISA Certified Arborist is a tree care professional who has earned the credential issued by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) — the world’s leading tree care organization. To earn this credential, a person must:

• Have a minimum of three years of full-time, hands-on professional tree work experience
• Pass a rigorous written examination covering tree biology, pruning science, soil management, tree risk assessment, aerial operations, and safe work practices
• Maintain the credential through ongoing continuing education (CEUs required every three years)
• Adhere to the ISA Code of Ethics

As of 2024, there are approximately 30,000 ISA Certified Arborists in the United States. That might sound like a lot until you consider there are hundreds of thousands of tree service workers across the country. ISA certification represents a small fraction of people doing tree work.

What Is a “Tree Guy”?

There’s no formal definition, but “tree guy” typically refers to someone offering tree services without formal credentials, certification, or verifiable training. This includes door-to-door solicitors, Craigslist tree crews, landscapers who also “do trees,” and companies that advertise low prices without specifying credentials.

Some uncertified tree workers are experienced and do good work. But without a credential, there’s no independent verification of their knowledge, and no accountability structure if something goes wrong.

The Real Differences: Side by Side

Why Improper Tree Work Is Dangerous

Bad tree work doesn’t just look bad — it can kill trees worth thousands of dollars and create safety hazards that cost far more to address later. Specific risks from uncertified work include:

• Hat-racking / flush cutting: Removing too much of a tree’s canopy or making flush cuts that destroy the branch collar, leaving large open wounds that invite disease and structural decay
• Lion-tailing: Stripping interior branches and leaving weight at the end of limbs, making trees more susceptible to wind failure
• Improper rigging: Using the wrong rigging points or knots during removal, risking dropped sections that damage property or injure people
• Topping: Cutting the top off trees — a practice universally condemned by arboricultural science that leads to rapid decay, structural weakness, and eventual tree failure

The Insurance and Liability Issue

If an uninsured tree worker is injured on your property, you could be held liable. If their equipment damages your roof, fence, or neighbor’s property without adequate insurance, you may be left holding the bill. Tree work involves chainsaws, climbing equipment, chippers, and heavy logs — it is inherently high-risk work that demands proper insurance.

ISA-certified companies typically carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage as standard practice. Always ask for certificates of insurance — not just a verbal claim — before allowing any tree work on your property.

How to Verify a Certified Arborist