Since 1996, Sunny Slope Tree Service has been helping people in Lancaster, PA maintain their trees. Those decades of experience serving Pennsylvania communities have taught us some valuable lessons about proper tree management.
If you want the trees on your Lancaster property to be healthy, long-lasting, and great-LOOKING, they need a little regular care and TLC. Regular tree care helps in not only maintaining healthy trees for vitality and beauty throughout the year, but trees that receive regular care like trimming and pruning are less likely to develop problems like disease, pests, and structural issues. Proper tree care also helps to prevent accidents and injuries caused by falling branches or trees, which can damage not only property, but people! Additionally, well-maintained trees can even increase property value and provide shade and beauty to your landscape.
Whether you hire a Lancaster tree company or DIY it, in this article we’ve trimmed our list down of basic tree care tips down to four professional insights that can help you better understand when and how to care for your trees.
Tip 1: Assess That Tree Before Trimming or Removing It
Before trimming a tree or removing it, evaluate the tree’s health from the ground up. Start by checking the tree’s weight distribution and natural lean. Check for structural weaknesses or decay, calculating the safest fall direction, and considering the tree’s proximity to structures and utilities. Carefully assess soil conditions and root stability, too––you may run into obvious problems below the soil that are clear on a little bit of inspection.
For homeowners wondering about their trees’ health, there are several key warning signs to watch for:
- Trees in distress often show yellowing leaves outside of normal seasonal changes, along with increasing deadwood throughout the crown.
- You might notice dying branch tips, especially at the top of the tree, or excessive new shoots (known as suckers) growing from the base.
- Be particularly vigilant for splitting or cracks in the main trunk, as well as visible rot spots or fungal growth, as these can indicate serious structural issues.
Tip 2: Understand How Professionals Handle Tree Removal
As an experienced Lancaster tree company, we’ve refined our removal techniques for maximum safety and efficiency by using (above all else) the proper equipment.
Before any major felling occurs, we remove lower limbs within safe reach and install guide ropes at the correct height—typically two-thirds up the tree—for maximum control over which direction the tree falls.
For tree removals, our process then begins with creating a precise notch at the tree’s base, never exceeding 20% of the trunk diameter. We then establish a proper hinge by cutting from the back, carefully stopping about 3 inches from the notch.
Every tree removal situation is unique, and choosing the right equipment and technique is crucial. At Sunny Slope, we use both crane removal and rigging techniques.
Crane removal proves ideal for situations with limited space and provides maximum safety for nearby structures. It offers particularly efficient removal of large trees while reducing impact on the surrounding landscape.
In contrast, rigging techniques are ideal in tight spaces where crane access is impossible. This method allows for precise piece-by-piece removal of a large tree using specialized ropes, pulleys, and slings. While it may take more time, rigging provides for the controlled dismantling that can be necessary for problematic trees in challenging locations.
Tip 3: Prune Trees Periodically to Maintain Natural Tree Structure
Over our years serving Lancaster County customers, we’ve learned that the key to successful trimming lies in preserving the tree’s natural structure and form while addressing future issues for the tree.
Periodic tree pruning can help in maintaining tree health and structure by removing dead or poorly-structured branches.
One common issue we address is crossing branches—limbs that grow across and rub against other branches.
When branches cross and touch, they create wounds in the bark through constant friction. These wounds become entry points for diseases and insects, while the competing branches often lead to poor growth patterns that weaken the tree’s structure. Our arborists carefully identify and remove these problem branches, choosing to keep the healthier or better-positioned branch whenever possible. We always make clean cuts at the proper angle, and our experienced tree team understands the importance of avoiding common mistakes like leaving stubs or cutting too close to the trunk.
Tree topping—the drastic removal of large branches and tree tops that leaves stubs behind—is a practice we almost never recommend. This outdated technique severely damages trees by removing too much of the crown, leaving large wounds that invite decay, and forcing unstable new growth. Instead, we use proper crown reduction techniques that maintain the tree’s natural shape and promote long-term health.
Tip 4: Know When to Call a Local Tree Expert
Tree care might look straightforward, but it involves complex physics, specialized equipment, and years of experience to truly master. Professional tree care services like ours help you manage the entire process, for seamless and thorough care from start to finish.
Even a seemingly simple job can turn dangerous quickly—a falling branch can weigh hundreds of pounds and create devastating impact force, while working at heights near power lines adds another layer of risk.
Many homeowners who attempt their own tree work end up in emergency rooms with serious injuries, face costly property damage from fallen limbs, or inadvertently harm trees in ways that create expensive long-term problems.
Choosing a reliable tree care company means your trees receive the best possible care. Look for a team of experienced technicians and arborists who are knowledgeable about tree health and pruning. A reputable company will have the right equipment and know the right techniques to handle tree care tasks safely and efficiently. Look for a commitment to customer satisfaction through online reviews and customer feedback.
Serving Lancaster County and surrounding Pennsylvania communities with professional tree care since 1996, we are licensed, insured, and ready to help with all your tree care needs. Contact Sunny Slope Tree Service, your trusted Lancaster tree company, for professional tree care that protects your trees, your property, and you! Our comprehensive services include expert tree removal using crane or rigging techniques, professional tree trimming and maintenance, and 24/7 emergency response for storm damage.We also offer thorough property assessments, stump grinding, stump removal, land clearing, and commercial tree services. Plus, we provide free estimates to make it easy and convenient for you to get started with our reliable tree care solutions.
Get in touch today. We’d love to serve you!
