Tree care in Huntsville
Trees shade Huntsville homes through long summers, but in storms they can become the biggest risk on a property. Good tree care keeps them healthy and catches problems before a storm finds them.
Alabama's license for tree work
In Alabama, businesses that do and solicit tree surgery need a Horticulture Professional Services License from the Department of Agriculture and Industries, renewed each year, with an operator who has passed the commercial applicator exam for the category. Ask a tree company for its license, and ask for proof of liability and workers' compensation insurance. Tree work is dangerous; if a worker without coverage is hurt on your property, you could face the claim.
Storms
On April 27, 2011, 39 tornadoes touched down in the National Weather Service Huntsville office's area, and tornadoes hit Madison County six times. Snow can do damage too; on February 25, 2015, the National Weather Service reported 5 to 12 inches across most of north Alabama, and wet snow on leafy evergreens and weak limbs brings them down. NOAA's engineering weather data for the Huntsville airport station lists a 50-year basic wind speed of 90 mph and a 100-year rainfall rate of 3.5 inches per hour. Saturated soil after heavy rain makes it easier for wind to uproot trees.
Before storm season
Have large trees near the house looked at by an arborist. Warning signs include dead branches, cracks in the trunk, fungus at the base, leaning that has gotten worse, and limbs over the roof. Pruning can reduce risk; removal is sometimes the only safe choice. Ask the arborist to explain which and why.
Pruning
Good pruning removes dead, weak and crossing branches without stripping the tree. Topping, cutting the main trunk or large limbs back to stubs, weakens trees and causes weakly attached regrowth. Ask the company how they prune, and avoid any that recommend topping.
After a storm
Don't go near downed power lines; call Huntsville Utilities or your power provider. For trees on your house, call your insurer, then a tree company. Ask for a written price before work starts, even in an emergency, and be careful with door-to-door crews who show up right after a storm and want payment up front.
Before you hire
Ask for a written estimate that says which trees, what work, whether the stump will be ground, and whether debris and wood will be hauled away. Ask how they'll protect your lawn, driveway and roof. Ask whether climbers use spikes; spikes are fine on a tree being removed, but should not be used on a tree you're keeping.