What we do
We offer consultation and education about trees. When you meet with us or talk to us on the phone you will be able to tell our passion is for trees. We want to see your trees be as healthy as possible because we know that trees are an important part of a healthy environment.
Since we do not offer pruning, fertilizing, spraying ,etc. we will not trying to sell you any services that you might not need. We can advise you as to what you do need and give you an idea of what it should cost. This is valuable information you can use when dealing with a company that does provide these services.
We specialize in plant health care; diagnosing disease, insect and cultural problems. We offer basic tree evaluation, insurance claims, expert witness, Peace of Mind inspection program, tree inspection for home sales and other services. We also are knowledgeable in turf care and gardens so that we can help you integrate these parts of your landscape with your trees.
Many of our customers want to do some of the tree care at their home themselves. We furnish them with the information on proper insect and disease control and fertilization. This way, they know they are doing the right thing!
Below is a sample of a basic report and site diagram:
Bob,
Thank you for having me look at your trees. Here are my observations and recommendations about the trees on your property. Prices are given for informational purposes only as I do not offer these services. Please refer to the site plan for identification of the trees.
Tree #1--- 13” Ash tree on parkway in front---this tree is in a bad spot as are most parkway trees. Since it is the responsibility of the village, I would recommend you do nothing without first speaking to the village. Also, with the problem of Emerald Ash borer, there might come a time when the village decides to remove this tree. Because of that, any time or money you might spend on this tree would be wasted.
Tree #2--- 6” Crabapple tree in front yard---this tree has evidence of apple scab disease. To control this disease requires 3 sprays per year done in the spring (see enclosed info sheet) To spray this and Tree #6 would cost from $75-100 per spray which is $225-300 per year. This tree also needs pruning to thin canopy and remove deadwood. This should cost about $50.
Tree #3--- 36” Silver Maple in front yard---this tree could use pruning to thin canopy, get branches back away from house and remove deadwood. This should cost $300-400. Other than that, this tree appears to be in good condition at this time.
Tree #4---Juniper in front yard--- this tree does not need any care at this time although I would recommend mulching it with wood chips.
Tree #5--- 24” Silver Maple in back yard---you indicated that this tree was pruned two years ago and it does not appear to need any pruning at this time. Maybe in another 2 or 3 years when it develops more deadwood and needs thinning would be the time to consider pruning it again.
Tree #6--- 6” Crabapple tree in back yard---like the tree in front, this tree has evidence of apple scab disease and needs thinning and deadwood removed. The cost for pruning should be about $50. See Tree #3 notes for spraying info.
Trees #7 & #8--- Mulberry trees along fence line. Most people consider these to be weed trees. They find them a nuisance because the fruit stains cars, driveways and walks, etc. One thing to keep in mind is they do furnish food for birds. Keep an eye on these trees that they do not damage the fence as they grow. You might want to consider removing them for this reason.
Tree #9---Redbud tree in back yard. You mentioned that this 5 year old tree has not flowered. The lack of flowering is often due to nutrient deficiency. You might try applying a fertilizer higher in Phosphorus and Potassium. These are the second and third numbers in a fertilizers formula (N-P-K).
Tree #10--- 60” Silver Maple in back yard. This is a very large tree and should be watched closely for any changes. You had this tree pruned 2 years ago and it doesn’t need any now. Keep an eye out for decay in the crotches. When it starts to accumulate deadwood and needs thinning it is time to prune again, probably 2-3 years from now. You mentioned the “helicopters” that the Maples produce. These are their seeds and there really is no practical way to eliminate them. The trees produce these as a way of reproducing and perpetuating their species. They are just trying to survive.
Tree #11--- 2” Dogwood in back yard. While this is not a major feature in the yard I did notice canker disease on this tree. These are black areas that should be pruned out when the weather is dry. Be sure to sterilize your pruning instrument using de-natured alcohol or Clorox wipes so that you do not spread the disease.
There are various bushes and ground covers I have noted on the site diagram. The Honeysuckle would benefit from rejuvenation pruning. This is where they are cut back almost to the ground leaving about 6 inches. The best time to do this is before the growth starts in spring. It might be too late for this year. By doing this you will eliminate most of the old wood and get more green, lush growth. They grow quickly and will be to their current height in a couple years after this is done. The Euonymus ground cover on the north side of the house has scale insects. Since there is not much of this plant I don’t think it’s worth treating, you might just want to remove it.
Please contact me if you have any questions.
Thank you,
Chris
Site Diagram
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PEACE OF MIND FOR YOUR TREES
Something that might seem obvious is that at Chicagoland Tree Care Advisor we care about trees. One of the things we like about our customers is that they care about trees too. But even though our customers want their trees to be healthy, they are not always sure what to do for them. Different trees can develop problems at different times during the year. The best way to ensure your trees remain in good health is to have them inspected regularly by a certified arborist. This is why we at Chicagoland Tree Care Advisor we offer a program called "Peace of Mind Inspections".
This involves a minimum of three visits a year (more if you desire) during the months of May, July and September. We will inspect your trees and note any insect or disease problems or special care that they require. We can tell you if they need watering, fertilizing, mulching, pruning or anything else that will increase their lifespan. You will receive a written report of our findings.
Like in humans, there are a lot of situations that are easier and less costly to deal with when they are caught early. The average homeowner is not going to recognize these like a trained certified arborist will. We want your trees to live long and healthy lives but we need to see them regularly to ensure this. These inspections are like visits to your doctor for your trees---the difference is we make house calls!
Get peace of mind when it comes to your trees. Have them inspected regularly.