Resources for tree care and service in Atlanta | A Southern Tree

Tree Service Buying Guide in Atlanta

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 09:03:58 -0500

"Tree Service" may include, but should mean much more than "Tree Removal." There are several things that a discerning consumer should consider for tree services. Here are the "Whats" along with the "Whys" and even some industry secrets:

Mission. Is the company focused on providing what is best for the tree (and your budget), or do they just want to remove stuff? Is treatment even an option?
Why? Tree removal work is by far the quickest way to turn a buck in the Atlanta tree market. Many, if not most companies focus on removal exclusively (as easily evidenced by your salesman). This reality creates two major problems: 1) objective tree assessment, and 2) appropriate technique (when not removing).
Technique. The answer to #1 will probably dictate technique. Do they adhere to the "A300" standard for pruning? Do they know what it is...do you?
Why? Many practices routinely performed by Atlanta tree service companies are not accepted industry standards and are harmful to the tree.

SECRET: The ANSI 300 (A300) is a national standard for acceptable pruning practices, among other things. Included is the prohibition of using spikes, topping and removing more than 25% at one time.
Safety. It's probably a good idea to at least ask a question about the company's view toward safety. Do they have a safety program in place? How often are safety meetings conducted? Do they have a Certified Treecare Safety Professional (CTSP) on staff?
Why? They are easy questions and the responses give real insight into how the company conducts business and performs their work. Caring about safety means they care about the trees and your property.

Documentation. Do you have a written, detailed estimate with documented terms and guarantees?
Why? Details regarding work to be performed, terms and guarantees if something goes wrong MUST be spelled out and written down. Having necessary permits, neighbor's permission if the tree is not on your property, no spikes if pruning, etc. etc. are critical.

This was the THIRD Tree Company I have used over the last few years. These guys were WAY ABOVE anything I've dealt with in this tree biz. Ethical, Professional & VERY Knowledgeable on not only tree removal but also overall healthy yard maintenance. Few things they helped with beyond what i hired them for are now paying dividends now that we are in growth part of summer. Price was VERY FAIR for level of service. They CARE & it shows! I am now a FAN!! - Alpharetta

Tree Sites We Like

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:24:12 -0500

Atlanta Tree Ordinances and Removal Permits

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 15:10:40 -0500

“And he will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither, and in whatever he does, he prospers.” Psalms 1:3

All of us who love the Atlanta area's greenery are disturbed to see the appearance of the area changing so quickly and dramatically. City and county governments have responded by creating local ordinances which frequently limit the number of trees that homeowners may remove.

They finished on time for a great price. The work area was so clean, my wife did not know they had been there. - Buckhead

Permits similar to construction permits must be obtained in most parts of the Atlanta metro area prior to beginning tree removal. Generally, it is the responsibility of the homeowner to do this; practically, the tree service may facilitate the paperwork. Below is a list summarizing local regulations and contacts. This is provided as a convenience and is not warranted as accurate. Please verify with local authority.

Counties:

Cobb - None.
DeKalb - Permit if over 5/year (dead or dying tree does not count) and or any specimen tree (>30" DBH overstory tree and >10" DBH understory). Contact India Woodson, 404-371-2685.
Fulton - Permit for specimen trees only (any tree > 27" DBH). Contact Gene Calloway, 404-730-7800.

Cities:

Alpharetta - Permit for any tree, dead or alive. Specimen and density are protected. Specimen is 24" DBH (overstory), 30" (pine) and 8" (understory). Density is trees on at least 30% of total plantable area. Additional details and online application. Contact David Shostak, 678-297-6200.
Atlanta - Permit for any tree, dead or alive with > 6" DBH (> 12" for pines). An on line application can be submitted. Physical inspection by city arborist assigned by geography, 404-330-6078. The complete ordinance as well as additional information regarding the appeal process.
Chamblee - No permit for privately owned 1 or 2 family residence.
Decatur - Historic districts only. Contact Amanda Thompson, 404-370-4104.
Doraville - Permit for any tree; obtained from city with cost of $50/location.
Dunwoody - Application for any removal and letter from certified arborist if >24" DBH (hardwood) and >30" DBH (softwood). Other restrictions on flood plain and remaining density can be found in the actual code (when you get there, go to Chapter 16 and Section II). Contact Howard Koontz, 678-382-6811.
East Point - Permit for dead/dying/hazardous specimen trees only; obtained from city with $60 fee. Specimen tree is hardwood >24" and pine >27". If not dead/dying/hazardous, residential is permitted up to 4 specimen removals per year with additional $20/tree fee - over 4 requires tree replacement plan. Contact 404-270-7212.
Marietta - Generally only for developers. "Singular residential lot" are exempt. Details here.
Milton - Permit required for any "protected tree" (> 15" DBH) or any six trees in one year with exceptions for emergency and trees determined by city arborist to be dead, diseased or hazardous. Additional details. Contact Mark Law, City Arborist, 678-242-2552
Norcross - Permit for any tree with application signed by certified arborist or forester.
Roswell - Permit for any specimen tree OR any lot >1 acre. Specimen trees are 24" (hardwood), 30" (pine), 10" (small flowering). Contact Andy Pittner, 770-594-6293.
Sandy Springs - Permit for any non-dead/dying/hazardous tree >= 18" DBH. Additional details. Contact Michael Barnett, 770-730-5600.
Smyrna - None if residential/duplex under 2 acres.

News and Notes Blog

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 12:22:15 -0400

Why "Do you have insurance?" is not enough when shopping for Tree Care
A Southern Tree 100% Compliant Before Georgia Law
A Southern Tree Earns Super Service Award for Second Year
Did a Storm Damage Your Tree?
Buyer Beware When Purchasing Tree Care

Trees Around Atlanta

Sun, 28 Nov 2010 15:11:29 -0500

Crapemyrtle
Cryptomeria
Dogwood
Ginkgo
Hickory
Oak
Pine
Tulip Poplar

Tree Service FAQs in Atlanta

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 08:06:21 -0500

“He that plants trees loves others beside himself.” Dr. Thomas Fuller

This resource seeks to help the consumer decipher the sometimes confusing world of tree service work. Hopefully you can gain a better understanding about the work you may be considering for your property.

Is there a standard price for tree removal? Unfortunately, no. There are several factors to consider when pricing for any tree work including size (height and diameter), proximity to structures, size of canopy, degree of lean, type of tree, etc. etc. Additionally, you have companies that are "desperate" for various reasons. They may be willing to price a job with no profit or even below cost. While this might appear to be a good deal for the consumer, watch out! Deals made in desperation rarely end well.

Is every removal the same? No! When receiving quotes, make sure to ask about how the removal will be done. For example, how much of the tree will be dropped at once? This is obviously the fastest way to fell a tree but it will certainly cause tremendous damage to surrounding landscape - above and potentially below the ground. You should also ask about the equipment to be used. For example, will a heavy Bobcat be used to move debris? Or, will a heavy crane be used? These can also cause significant damage to lawns, driveways and underground piping.

Is a crane necessary? That obviously depends, but it may not be necessary as often as you think. Many will propose using a crane simply because they have one and want to use it. Also, their use justifies a higher price for removal so some may have incentive to propose. Crane work is faster and may be preferred for various reasons, but is rarely “necessary”.

How should I expect the grounds to be left after a removal? This question should be asked when receiving quotes. This of course relates to how the tree is removed, but make sure to ask about debris removal and clean up. Will debris be left at the street for someone to pick up at a later date? If this is the case, be careful! The “later date” could be weeks.

How should I verify insurance? Insurance should always be verified directly with the carrier. This will ensure coverage is in effect and current. Your tree service should happily comply with providing their contact information.

What is “DBH”? This stands for “diameter at breast height” and is a baseline measurement used for communicating the relative size of the tree. The diameter of the trunk is measured at about 4’ from the ground and is often necessary to have this measurement when applying for a permit. (If you can hug the trunk and have your fingers touch, the DBH is 17” for an average sized man.)

Ask Our Arborist

Sun, 12 Sep 2010 16:01:37 -0400