Question 1

Is there a charge for Tanner to come look at my trees?

Accepted Answer

No. Quote visits are free anywhere in Ozaukee, Washington, and Sheboygan counties. Tanner walks the yard with you, answers questions, and puts a written price in your hands. There's no pressure to book, and plenty of people keep the quote for later.

Question 2

Can I get a price from photos without a visit?

Accepted Answer

Photos texted to our number give Tanner a head start and sometimes a rough idea of cost. The written price still comes after he sees the tree in person, because hidden rot, nearby wires, and tight gate access can change the job a lot.

Question 3

How soon can you usually start after I say yes?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the season and how busy storms keep us, but many jobs land on the calendar within days. If a tree is dead or cracked and getting worse, Tanner will try to squeeze it in sooner. One customer got a call to move up their date.

Question 4

Do I need to know my property line before the quote?

Accepted Answer

If a tree sits near the line, yes, it helps a lot. Survey pins, the county plat map, or a friendly talk with your neighbor all work. We only cut trees you have the right to cut, so settling it before work day avoids hard feelings later.

Question 5

What if the weather turns bad on my work day?

Accepted Answer

High wind and lightning make climbing unsafe, so we'll call to move the date rather than rush it. Light rain usually doesn't stop the work, but a soaked lawn might push back heavy machines so we don't leave ruts in the grass.

Question 6

What should I move out of the yard before the crew arrives?

Accepted Answer

Move cars out of the driveway and away from the tree, and bring in patio furniture, grills, flower pots, and kids' toys near the work area. Unlock any gates we'll need. If something can't be moved, like a shed or play set, just point it out.

Question 7

Is it safe for my family to stay home during tree work?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as long as everyone keeps clear of the work zone. We mark off the area where limbs and logs come down, and a ground worker keeps an eye out. Keep kids and pets inside or well back, and we'll let you know when it's safe to come out.

Question 8

What does ISA Certified Arborist actually mean?

Accepted Answer

It's a credential from the International Society of Arboriculture. To earn it, a person needs hands-on tree experience and must pass an exam on tree biology, pruning, and safety, then keep up with ongoing training. Alpha has one on staff to make the judgment calls.

Question 9

Do you watch out for septic systems and buried lines?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Before any digging or deep stump work, Diggers Hotline gets called to mark buried utilities. Tell us where your septic tank, drain field, sprinkler lines, or invisible dog fence run, and we'll keep heavy machines off them and plan the work around them.

Question 10

Should I try to cut down a small tree myself?

Accepted Answer

A small tree in open ground, maybe, if you're comfortable with a saw. Anything near the house, a fence, or wires is a different story. Never run a chainsaw from a ladder. That combination sends a lot of homeowners to the emergency room.

Question 11

What counts as a tree emergency?

Accepted Answer

A tree on your house, car, or garage, a trunk blocking your only way out, a big limb resting on the roof, or a tree leaning more after a storm with cracked soil at its base. Those are worth a call any hour. Trees touching wires start with the utility.

Question 12

Why do trees tip over in wet spring storms?

Accepted Answer

Our clay soil turns soft and slick when it's soaked, and roots lose their grip. Add a full load of new leaves catching the wind, and a tree can tip right out of the ground. Shallow-rooted spruce and trees with rotting roots usually go first.

Question 13

Are some kinds of trees more likely to break in storms?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Silver maple, willow, box elder, poplar, and Bradford pear have weaker wood and drop limbs more often. Any tree with a tight V-shaped split between two trunks is also at risk. Dead ash is the worst of all around here, because it snaps without much warning.

Question 14

My neighbor's tree fell into my yard. Who deals with it?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, it falls to the owner of the land it landed on, through their own homeowners insurance. If the tree was clearly dead and the neighbor was warned, that can change. Call your agent, and we'll give you a written quote for the claim.

Question 15

Is it safe to clean up storm branches on my own?

Accepted Answer

Small branches lying loose on the lawn are fine to pick up. Stay away from anything bent under tension, since a pinned limb can spring back hard when cut. Leave hanging limbs, tipped trees, and anything touching wires to a trained crew with the right gear.

Question 16

Should I pull the vines off my tree?

Accepted Answer

Usually, yes. Heavy vines add weight in wind and snow, hold moisture against the bark, and hide cracks or rot we'd want to see. Cut them near the ground first and let them die back for a few weeks. Pulling live vines off can tear the bark.

Question 17

Should I water my big trees during a dry summer?

Accepted Answer

Yes, especially after a few weeks without rain. Big trees drink from a wide area, so soak the ground slowly out near the edge of the branches, not just at the trunk. A long, deep soak every week or so beats a quick daily sprinkle.

Question 18

Does a tree with a hollow trunk need to come down?

Accepted Answer

Not always. Many trees stand for years with a hollow center, as long as the solid wood around it is thick enough. What matters is how much sound wood is left and where the hollow sits. Our ISA Certified Arborist can check it and tell you honestly.

Question 19

Is it okay to hang a swing or treehouse from my tree?

Accepted Answer

On a healthy tree with a solid, thick limb, it usually is. Use wide straps or through-bolts, never rope or chain wrapped tight around a branch, because that slowly strangles it. Skip any limb that's dead, cracked, or over a hollow. We can check it first.

Question 20

Will building a patio near my tree hurt it?

Accepted Answer

It can. Most roots sit in the top foot of soil and spread well past the branches. Digging, trenching, or driving heavy trucks over them can kill a tree slowly, often showing up two to five years later. Call us before the project starts.

Tree Service FAQs in Belgium, WI

Find Your Tree Answer Fast

Tree Quote & Scheduling Questions

Tree Crew Safety & Work Day Questions

Storm & Emergency Tree Questions

Tree Care & Timing Questions

Ask Tanner About Your Trees Directly

Turn Your Tree Question Into a Free Quote