Sawtooth Tree Service Blog

Proper pruning plays a vital role in maintaining the health, safety, and appearance of your trees. While it may seem like a simple task, improper pruning can do more harm than good. That’s why it’s best to entrust the job to an ISA-certified arborist, which are professionals who have undergone extensive training, passed rigorous exams, and are committed to continuing education. At Sawtooth Tree Service, our local ISA-certified arborists provide expert tree pruning in the greater Boise area. Here are four benefits of hiring an ISA-certified arborist to prune your trees. Promotes Healthier Growth A certified arborist understands the biology of trees and knows how to prune in a way that promotes healthy growth. Rather than randomly cutting branches, they carefully remove dead, diseased, or overcrowded limbs to improve airflow and sunlight penetration. This not only boosts the overall vitality of the tree, but can also help prevent the spread of disease and pests. Strategic pruning encourages a stronger structure and long-term resilience. Enhances Safety Around Your Property Overgrown or damaged branches can pose serious hazards, especially during storms or high winds. An ISA-certified arborist can identify limbs that are at risk of falling and remove them safely before they cause injury or property damage. They also know how to assess the structural integrity of the tree as a whole, helping to prevent accidents that could result from hidden weaknesses. Improves Aesthetic Appeal Tree pruning done by a professional can greatly enhance the visual appeal of your landscape. ISA-certified arborists are skilled in shaping trees in a way that highlights their natural beauty while also maintaining balance and symmetry. A certified arborist can tailor the pruning approach to suit your yard’s space, as well as the needs of the species. Protects Tree Longevity Incorrect pruning, such as excessive removal of branches, can severely damage a tree and shorten its lifespan. An ISA-certified arborist knows how to make precise cuts that encourage healing and minimize stress to the tree. Their knowledge of proper timing and technique helps prevent long-term damage and supports a thriving canopy for years to come. Professional Tree Pruning in Boise, ID For an ISA-certified arborist in Boise and the surrounding area, contact Sawtooth Tree Service at (208) 268-8199 . Feel free to give us a call to ask for a free arborist estimate in Boise!

Large trees can be majestic. However, there are times when even the most impressive tree becomes a liability rather than an asset. When a tree poses safety risks or interferes with the functionality of a property, removal is often the safest and most responsible choice. At Sawtooth Tree Service, our local arborists provide expert big tree removal in the greater Boise area. Here are four common reasons that big trees need to be professionally cut down. Severe Structural Damage Big trees are especially susceptible to structural damage caused by storms or disease. When large limbs crack or the trunk develops deep splits or cavities, the tree becomes unstable. A structurally compromised tree can collapse without warning, potentially injuring people or damaging homes, vehicles, or other property. Because large trees are heavy and difficult to manage, removing them safely requires the skill and equipment of trained professionals. Irreversible Disease or Infestation Diseases such as oak wilt or root rot can spread quickly and devastate a tree’s health. Similarly, infestations from insects like bark beetles can weaken a tree beyond recovery. Once a big tree is severely infected or infested, it can become brittle and dangerous. Worse, the problem can spread to surrounding trees, threatening the entire landscape. In such cases, professional removal helps prevent further damage and promotes the health of nearby trees. Proximity to Structures or Power Lines A large tree growing too close to a home, fence, garage, or utility line can pose significant risks. Overhanging branches can fall during storms and damage roofs or windows. Tree roots can disturb foundations or break through underground plumbing. If the tree is interfering with power lines, it becomes a fire hazard and a threat to service reliability. In situations where pruning won’t resolve the issue, removal is often necessary. Severe Lean If a large tree starts leaning dramatically, it could be a sign of compromised roots or internal instability. While not all leaning trees are dangerous, a significant shift can indicate an impending fall. A big tree that is leaning toward a home should be assessed quickly, and if the risk is high, it should be professionally removed to protect people and property. Tree Removal in Boise, ID When you need an arborist in Boise and the surrounding area, contact Sawtooth Tree Service at (208) 268-8199 . We provide expert residential and commercial tree care in the greater Boise area. Feel free to give us a call to request a free arborist estimate in Boise, ID!

When a big tree becomes unstable or unhealthy, it can quickly become a hazard. A compromised tree has the potential to fall or drop heavy limbs, which can cause serious damage to your home and put your family at risk. Recognizing the warning signs early can help you take action before disaster strikes. At Sawtooth Tree Service, our local ISA-certified arborists can identify dangerous trees and expertly address them as necessary. Here are four common signs that a tree might be threatening your home. Leaning Toward the House If a tree is noticeably leaning toward your home, especially if it didn’t lean that way before, it could be a sign of structural instability. Trees may lean due to root damage, soil erosion, or storm stress. While some trees naturally grow at an angle, a sudden or increasing lean indicates that the tree could be at risk of falling. This becomes especially dangerous when the tree is tall enough to reach your roof or windows. Cracks in the Trunk or Major Limbs Cracks or splits in a tree’s trunk or large branches are red flags. These fractures weaken the structural integrity of the tree and can result in the tree breaking apart under its own weight. If the crack is deep or runs vertically along the trunk, it may be a sign that the tree is severely stressed or decaying from within. Large limbs with visible cracks can also fall without warning, potentially landing on your roof or cars. Root Damage or Uplifted Soil A tree’s roots are its foundation. When roots are damaged, the tree may become unstable. Signs of root trouble include visible root damage or soil heaving around the base of the tree. Uplifted soil could indicate that the tree is beginning to lose its grip in the ground, making it more likely to fall in high winds. Dead or Falling Branches When a tree begins shedding branches, especially large ones, it’s often a sign of stress. Large, dead branches, also known as widowmakers, can fall at any time and pose a serious risk to anything below. If you notice that a tree is frequently dropping limbs or has multiple dead branches, it’s time to call a professional arborist to assess its health and safety. Tree Removal in Boise, ID When you need an arborist in Boise and the surrounding area, contact Sawtooth Tree Service at (208) 268-8199 . Feel free to give us a call to request a free arborist estimate in Boise!