Branching Out in Kitsap County

Aside from their beauty, trees provide significant benefits to homes, streets and cities. Trees keep our air supply fresh, provide shade and shelter and minimize noise. Trees may also increase the value of your property by up to 25%. Professional tree appraisers can determine the dollar value of your trees and plants by evaluating their size, type, condition and location. But regular care is what's more cost-effective and important in maintaining and protecting the value of trees.

Proper maintenance includes pruning, watering, mulching, pest management and sometimes...removal. Inspect your trees for signs of disease or insect damage as well as hazards such as dead or detached branches, mushrooms at the base and proximity to utility lines.

When you need professional help, be certain to find a certified arborist with a reputable company. Seek recommendations from neighbors and friends and make calls to several companies and interview each. Before you hire a company, ask for copies of valid and current insurance documentation and demand a detailed written estimate of the work needed and costs. Also be certain to have a complete diagnosis before a tree is removed. And finally, beware of companies that solicit work door to door, demand payment in advance or advertise topping--a harmful practice.