Tree Removal ...

Although most quality trees have few problems, occasionally problems arise that are so serious the tree must be removed because it poses a hazard to people and property. A tree may be a hazard if:

  • Trunk has shifted from a vertical to a leaning position
  • Angle of trunk lean has become more acute
  • Tree has been struck by lightening
  • Signs of severe disease
  • Large percentage of dying limbs
  • Abnormally large cracks in trunk
  • Hollow cavities in trunk or major limbs
  • Rotting areas in trunk or major limbs
  • History of major root disturbance, damage, or destruction
  • Tree growing too close to home, sidewalk, or driveway
  • Lesser quality tree reaching end of its life span
  • Wind or other storm damage
  • Adjacent trees dying or falling
  • Soil level around tree raised or lowered more than an inch
  • Large percentage of leaves develop unusual color or size inconsistent with current season

The Health, safety, and appearance of your valuable trees is very important to us.  First we will evaluate the health and structural integrity of your trees.  Then we will work with you to decide whether removal is necessary.

When removal is necessary, Paul Bunyan's Tree Service crew will carefully remove the tree. Thanks to our years of experience, we know how to remove trees without damaging surrounding structures and trees. Our 60 foot bucket truck allows us to remove even the tallest trees safely. After the work is done all debris will be cleaned up and disposed of utilizing our chipper shredder machine.

Be sure take advantage of Paul Bunyan's Tree Service stump grinding service. Stump grinding puts an end to waiting years for the unsightly stump to rot, wasting money on stump rotting potions that don't work, or mowing around the offending stump forever. Stump grinding removes all evidence there was ever a tree in the spot. The stump is ground off below surface level so you can plant in or near the stump ground area immediately.

When that time comes, you can rest assured that we will take every precaution when it comes to protecting your valuable property.

Our experienced arborists possess the skill it takes to safely perform difficult, even hazardous take-downs while having minimal impact on your landscape.

Pruning ...

Introduction - The objective of pruning is to produce strong, healthy, attractive plants. By understanding how, when and why to prune, and by following a few simple principles, this objective can be achieved.

Reasons For Pruning The main reasons for pruning ornamental and shade trees include safety, health, and aesthetics. In addition, pruning can be used to stimulate fruit production and increase the value of timber. Pruning for safety (Fig. 1A) involves removing branches that could fall and cause injury or property damage, trimming branches that interfere with lines of sight on streets or driveways, and removing branches that grow into utility lines. Safety pruning can be largely avoided by carefully choosing species that will not grow beyond the space available to them, and have strength and form characteristics that are suited to the site.

Pruning for health (Fig. 1B) involves removing diseased or insect-infested wood, thinning the crown to increase airflow and reduce some pest problems, and removing crossing and rubbing branches. Pruning can best be used to encourage trees to develop a strong structure and reduce the likelihood of damage during severe weather. Removing broken or damaged limbs encourages wound closure.

Pruning for aesthetics (Fig. 1C) involves enhancing the natural form and character of trees or stimulating flower production. Pruning for form can be especially important on open-grown trees that do very little self-pruning.

All woody plants shed branches in response to shading and competition. Branches that do not produce enough carbohydrates from photosynthesis to sustain themselves die and are eventually shed; the resulting wounds are sealed by woundwood (callus). Branches that are poorly attached may be broken off by wind and accumulation of snow and ice. Branches removed by such natural forces often result in large, ragged wounds that rarely seal. Pruning as a cultural practice can be used to supplement or replace these natural processes and increase the strength and longevity of plants.

Trees have many forms, but the most common types are pyramidal (excurrent) or spherical (decurrent ). Trees with pyramidal crowns, e.g., most conifers, have a strong central stem and lateral branches that are more or less horizontal and do not compete with the central stem for dominance. Trees with spherical crowns, e.g., most hardwoods, have many lateral branches that may compete for dominance.

To reduce the need for pruning it is best to consider a tree's natural form. It is very difficult to impose an unnatural form on a tree without a commitment to constant maintenance.

Pollarding and topiary are extreme examples of pruning to create a desired, unnatural effect. Pollarding is the practice of pruning trees annually to remove all new growth. The following year, a profusion of new branches is produced at the ends of the branches. Topiary involves pruning trees and shrubs into geometric or animal shapes. Both pollarding and topiary are specialized applications that involve pruning to change the natural form of trees. As topiary demonstrates, given enough care and attention, plants can be pruned into nearly any form. Yet just as proper pruning can enhance the form or character of plants, improper pruning can destroy it.

Lightning Protection ...

Contrary to popular belief, lightning does not strike completely at random. The risk of a tree or structure being hit by lightning can depend on a number of factors. These may include height, elevation, conductivity, and location with respect to other potential targets. This vulnerability can be practically eliminated with a properly installed lightning protection system.

Many people believe the purpose of lightning rods is to guide the lightning's energy to the ground through copper cables. In fact a lightning protection system's primary function is to dissipate positive ions from the ground, thus neutralizing the electrical tension in the atmosphere.

Paul Bunyan's Tree Service, Inc. -  Our professionally-trained staff will specify and install a lightning protection system for your buildings or trees at competitive prices. Call Us: 540-890-6550 today for a consultation.

Fertilization & Spraying ...

Landscape plants will look better and will be healthier when properly fertilized, and now your trees and shrubs can receive this valuable fertilization from our special landscape feeding application. Available in late fall, this application provides nitrogen fertility for the following growing season so that your plants will be able to develop vigorous roots, foliage, flowers, and fruits.

Fertilizer will be inserted equally into 6-inch deep injection holes placed around the driplines of trees, shrubs, and other perennial ornamentals. A minimum of 1 pound of nitrogen per 1000 square feet of canopy will be injected. This will provide a season of slow releasing nitrogen for your landscape plants with minimum stress to you grass.

Fertilizer is injected right in the root zone for easier uptake by the plant.  Plants are healthiest when roots and canopy are in equilibrium. Ninety percent of tree roots are in the top two feet of soil and are directly reached by this injection.  Fertilizer is delivered directly to the roots for better results.  Fertilizer is injected just inside the dripline of all landscape plants excluding roses.

Cable Bracing ...

Cable bracing is used to support structurally weak trees that are susceptible to damage from winds, storms, or even the weight of their own foliage.  This support technique uses hardware to make the tree more structurally stable.  As Certified Arborists, it is our responsibility to safeguard people, property, and the environment from potentially hazardous trees.  

When Is Cable Bracing Required?

  • Weak or Structurally Suspect Crotches in Tree
  • The Appearance of a Crack At or Just Below a Crotch 
  • Tight "V" Crotch with Included Bark
  • A Split at a Primary Trunk Crotch
  • Multi-Stem Trees with Suspect Crotches
  • Trees with Heavy Foliage
  • Stress Damage from Wind, Weight of Snow, Rain or Ice

The first two pictures show the presence of a crack at or just below a crotch.   The third picture illustrates a tree with a tight "V" crotch with included bark (a condition in which the bark of the tree trunk and the branch both grow into each other).

Information

If any of the above trees resemble a tree in your yard and you would like more information on cable bracing, please call our office at: 540.890.6550.

Stump Removals ...

Stump removal is seldom included as part of a tree removal operation.  In most cases it is handled as a separate work order for execution at a later date.  The primary reason this is done centers around the specialized  equipment necessary for removing a stump.

The fastest and most efficient way to get rid of a stump is to grind it to below ground level using a large machine called a stump cutter or stump grinder.  These machines are impractical when the stump is intertwined with rocks, squeezed tightly between sidewalk and curb, surrounded by pavement, up against a foundation or on wet, soggy ground.  In such places, we resort to pick, shovel and axe to work the stump out.  Stump removal is a job that Paul Bunyan's Tree Service, Inc. crews do their utmost to perform expeditiously and safely...

Grinding & Tree Planting...

If you would like to replace your stump with a tree in the same or close location we can help by digging the hole as we cut out the stump.

   The Tree Can Then Be Planted By:
   1.  You, the customer.
   2.  Us, if the tree is available when the stump is cut.
   3.  Any commercial nursery you make arrangements with.

All Work Conforms to the Standards of Specifications of The Tree Care Industry (TCIA) Association - formally the National Arborist Association and have an on site certified arborist who specializes in treatment and fertilization of trees.

Paul Bunyan's Tree Service, Inc. has been in business for 36 years servicing commercial and residential clients in Virginia and proud to be a member of Better Business Bureau.


1734 11th St., NE
Roanoke, VA 24012
540-890-6550
E-Mail Us At: info@pbunyan.com

Site Development & Hosting By:  LeeMc Enterprises, Inc. - 540.344.0915