[kyblue]

Does anyone know a good tree trimmer company for oak trees. I do not want a totem pole after they get done - just want shaping.

Thanks

[mulligan]

Head for the yellow pages, and only use a state certified arborist.

[Mack184]

Mike Davis at Airborne Tree Service. Has an "A" rating on Angie's List. Did great work for us. 352-347-3332.

[ddan32162]

We have a huge oak in the backyard, and a smaller oak in the front, and have had both trimmed and shaped by Ace Tree Service, who have done a super job on both trees. Took a ton off, but you'd never know it. Certified Arborist, and licensed, etc. Out of Fruitland Park, phone 352-787-9390

[Sparty6971]

Originally Posted by Mack184

Mike Davis at Airborne Tree Service. Has an "A" rating on Angie's List. Did great work for us. 352-347-3332.

I called Mike this afternoon. Got an in-person visit within two hours. Talked in depth about what I wanted to see when the job was done, how much trimming I was willing to accept, how little trimming -- all the good questions. We built a plan, reached a plan of attack, set a price and he will start tomorrow morning. I'll let everyone know how it turns out but I am highly impressed so far.

[ajbrown]

Wondering if anyone would share cost. I know size matters, so to put in perspective, our oak came with our home which we purchased in 2007, likely planted in 2006'ish.

I had a gent out here from Top Top Tree Experts. He really seemed to know his stuff and had the credentials to prove it. The work he was going to do was clean up the bottom and provide a bit more air inside. He was not a fan of pruning the oak for shape if it was his tree. He said he would do that, but if he does it would need to be done yearly.

He wanted just over $100. Can other chime in to whether or not that price is reasonable?

[eremite06]

It's not good to "lollipop" an oak. Had mine trimmed around the sides but kept the top alone. The tree was planted in '04 and is probably 35-40' tall. Paid $75.

[jebartle]

All you have to do is pick up the daily paper in the front yard and Tree Trimmers come from everywhere.....But previous posters are right, make sure you get one that is licensed!

[Sparty6971]

OK, the trimming is done. Mike was superb! His two sons did the work with Mike supervising. They arrived about 8:15 as scheduled and were gone by 10:15. They trimmed up several feet of ugly limbs from the bottom and lots of tangle on the inside. As stated above, it's not good to lollipop a tree (particularly an oak). Ours is a Laurel Oak sometimes confused with a Water Oak. Here is a URL for the Laurel Oak Floridata: Quercus hemisphaerica

Anyway, I highly recommend Mike Davis - did exactly what he and I agree to, for the price we agreed to ($450) and cleaned up the work site (grinds up the limbs and blows them into his truck) such you would never know they were here other than the tree looks MUCH, MUCH better now. It was planted here sometime since 2002 and is getting pretty big now. Our job was pretty big and the price reflects it but we learned from a previous low-ball job. If you have one of those huge Old Oak or similar, he can do those trees also - he comes with a high-reach bucket truck. Fully licensed and insured and gives you a real "paid in full" receipt too.

Please don't fall for one of those "I was driving by and can trim up your tree for $85" kinds of trimmers. We did about 3 - 4 years ago and regretted it almost immediately as the guy darn near ruined the tree. Pay the big bucks and get a good job.

[ajbrown]

Thanks for the info, especially on the type of oak. I will have to find out from someone who knows the type we have. Looking at your link, and reading how they grow, this is crazy (IMO) tree to have on our postage stamp front yard. I will find out more, but my best stategy maybe an accidental over trim

I will have someone recommended here educate me and fix it up. Thanks again

[eremite06]

Originally Posted by ajbrown

Thanks for the info, especially on the type of oak. I will have to find out from someone who knows the type we have. Looking at your link, and reading how they grow, this is crazy (IMO) tree to have on our postage stamp front yard. I will find out more, but my best stategy maybe an accidental over trim

I will have someone recommended here educate me and fix it up. Thanks again

Don't do an "accidental over trim." Get a certified arborist who knows what he's doing. A badly trimmed oak will cost you big in the long run. Roots grow crazy and you'll need to trim that tree annually.

And if you try to kill it, Deed Compliance will get ya! Sorry, old thread but I love trees.