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Avocado Trees In Arizona

Is it possible to grow avocado trees in Arizona? Yes, it is! This post will cover:
  • Best avocado trees for Arizona's climate.
  • Best site to plant the trees.
  • How to plant avocado trees.
  • Watering the avocado trees.
  • Fertilizing the avocado trees.
  • Pest control.

Best Types Of Avocado Trees In Arizona

There is a wide variety of avocado trees, but some will do better in different climates. With the extreme heat of the Arizona desert, choosing the right avocado tree is crucial. Mexican and Guatemalan avocado trees tend to do the best in the valley of the sun.

Avocado Tree Site Selection

This pertains to where you plan on planting your avocado tree. Choose an area that is protected from the wind and has fast draining soil. This means a sandy soil type is better equipped for avocado trees than clay. Make sure to prep the soil in the area before planting the tree. Mix in some compost to ensure available nutrients. The should end up being half sand and half compost. Plant the tree in an area that receives sunlight in the morning and shade in the evening. Avocado trees do not enjoy being exposed to harsh sunlight during the hottest parts of the day in the afternoon. Try to plant your tree on the east side of your lawn.

Planting Avocado Trees

To properly plant an avocado tree, dig a hole 2 to 3 times the width of the container and the same depth. Before placing the tree in the hole, saturate the hole with water and wait for the water to drain completely. After the water has drained, you can now place the avocado tree in the hole. Gently pack in the mixed soil, compost and sand around the root ball. Next, create a little berm or moat of raised soil surrounding the base of the plant with soil and fill it with water. This should be about 4 inches high, which helps contain the water so it can be delivered to the root ball.

Watering Avocado Trees

During the growing months (mainly spring), you will need to give the tree a good soaking at least once a month. The hotter months will call for a good soaking twice a month. Then, you will need to irrigate the avocado tree for a few hours to push the salt away from the root ball.

Fertilizing Avocado Trees

Standard fertilizers with salt or sodium should NOT be used for avocado trees. These ingredients can harm the tree's growth. It is recommended to use fish emulsion at least once during the growing season. Fish fertilizers are safe and typically available at local nurseries.

Avocado Tree Pest Control

Thankfully, avocado trees do not have any natural pests since they are not native to Arizona. Check with your local nursery if your tree is encountering any sort of unexpected pest issues.

Liberty Tree Care Offers Tree Services in Scottsdale, Mesa & Tempe

If you are searching for tree service in ScottsdaleMesa or Tempe, Liberty Tree Experts can help! Get a free tree service quote by giving Liberty a call today at 480-482-9374.

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Caring For A Sago Palm Tree In Arizona

Sago palm trees are well suited for the unique climate in Arizona. Below is a how-to guide for sago palm tree care.

Taking Care Of A Sago Palm Tree

Ash trees are often a great addition to your yard when it is already filled with sago palms. Featuring large fronds, comparable in size to palms, these sago palms are cycads that are very closely related to conifers. Sago palms will grow in the 8, 9 and 10 zones of the USDA plant hardiness. Full mature sago palms can grow up to ten feet tall.

Planting A Sago Palm Tree

Where should you plant your sago palm tree? Well, these palms tend to grow the best in areas with a moderate amount of shade. If the plant receives an excess of sunlight, sunburnt foliage can occur. With partial shade, however, the leaves can grow larger. Sagos also need soil that drains well. Too much water, though, can cause issues with rot. The ideal planting conditions are a partly sandy site with a mix of compost.

Watering A Sago Palm Tree

You only need to water this plant when the soil is dry. Younger sago palms do appreciate regular irrigation. Typically, watering the plants every 5-7 days when there is little to no rainfall is ideal. Well established sago palms are usually drought resistant and will require rare waterings.

Fertilizing A Sago Palm Tree

Fertilizing the plant once per year in the spring time should be enough to keep it healthy. For this process, use one tablespoon per square foot of a 10-10-10 recipe for fertilizer. Put the fertilizer around the base of the palm, nearly 8-9 inches from the palm. Then water the fertilizer in. New foliage should appear as a healthy green color.

Sago Palm Tree Issues

These palms trees are extremely resistant to pests and diseases. Waterlogged soil resulting in root rot is one of the more common issues with sago palms. Properly watering the plant with a well draining soil should solve the issue, though. Sago palms can tolerate very low temperatures, but some foliage may die if the temperature drops below 25 degrees Fahrenheit.

Pruning A Sago Palm Tree

Pruning is really only needed as a decoration of the sago palm. You can remove the cone from the palm carefully as long as the growing point beneath it remains undamaged. If left in place, the cone could fall off as new foliage begins to develop. If older foliage becomes tatty, cut it close to the trunk as soon as the new leaves unfold.

Treating A Sick Sago Palm Tree

The sago palm is sick when it starts yellowing. When nutritional deficiencies are present, feed the palm houseplant fertilizer every month. If the sago palm is indoors, try hand picking them off or placing it outdoors, allowing natural predators to eliminate the yellowing.

Palm Tree Removal Scottsdale

Liberty Tree Experts offers palm tree removal in Scottsdale, Arizona. If you are a homeowner in the Scottsdale area our team of trained, licensed, are insured tree cutting professionals that are knowledgable in palm tree removal. Each one of our technicians understands safe tree removal and cutting protocols and will get the job done quickly and safely. Call us at 480-481-1815 to schedule an appointment or for more information.

Do Palm Trees Grow Back?

Whenever a palm tree is cut at its trunk level, it will NOT grow back. Palm tree growth can only occur at base level referred to as the growing tip, which is located at the base of the trunk. Severing this part of the tree will terminate the palm's life. The growth process will differ based on the species of the palm. Let's take a look at the differences below!

Single-Trunk Palm Trees

The tip is better known as the crownshaft of single-trunk palm species. Severing off this growing tip of the tree will effectively terminate the life of the palm. The trunk will never be able to sprout a growing tip in place of its now missing crownshaft. Additionally, without the extra foliage to synthesize incoming light, the palm will quickly become weak and begin to rot. If removal of the palm's tip is necessary, the suggestion here is to remove the rest of the tree as well and replace it with a brand new palm. Some common examples of single-trunk palms include the Royal Palm, Cabbage Palm, Christmas Palm and Mexican Fan Palm.

Clustering Palm Trees

Clustering palms differ in many ways from single-trunk palms. For example, these palms feature multiple trunk stems, meaning it is possible to shave away some trunks without killing the tree. If the individual trunk is removed solely, though, the palm will not be able to heal fully. If you choose to cut the palm trunks near the root level, suckering explodes from this level, eventually sprouting new and healthy tree trunks. This suckering process (rejuvenation) will only occur within a healthy clustering palm tree. Diseased or distressed palms may not generate suckers, eventually dying off entirely.

Palm Tree Trunk Wounds

Palm trees lack cambium, naturally. This is a layer of tissue located behind the tree bark, responsible for creating growth rings on the tree. Wounds inflicted on the trunk cannot repair itself, which means these wounds will remain on the palm for its entire life. Most likely, these wounds will become dry and brittle over time. Fungal infections and insects can cause major damage to the plant's articular system.

Pruning

Several crucial factors come into play when pruning. One point of concern is to be sure not to sever the palm's downshaft. One suggestion is to only remove the necessary amount of fronds or else the tree's growth could be stunted. And while this may be obvious, it is also suggested to never introduce new disease to your palm. Pruning is best left to the professionals!

Palm Tree Removal Scottsdale

Liberty Tree Experts offers palm tree removal in Scottsdale, Arizona. If you are a homeowner in the Scottsdale area our team of trained, licensed, are insured tree cutting professionals that are knowledgable in palm tree removal. Each one of our technicians understands safe tree removal and cutting protocols and will get the job done quickly and safely. Call us at 480-481-1815 to schedule an appointment or for more information.

Palm Tree Removal Cost 2021

The average cost of palm tree removal is $825. Palm tree removal costs ranged from $150 to $1,500 in the US for 2021 according to Homeadvisor.

Average Palm Tree Removal Cost

Palm tree removal costs are determined on many different factors, but the biggest indicator of the price you will pay is how tall the tree is! As when it comes to removing a tree, the height of the tree has a significant impact on how much you will pay:
  • The average palm tree removal cost for a tree up to 30 feet tall is $215. Palm tree removal cost for up to a 30 feet tall tree ranged from $108 to $322 in 2021.
  • The average palm tree removal cost for 30-60 foot tall tree is $429. Palm tree removal cost for a 30-60 foot tall tree ranged from $179 to $679 2021.
  • The average palm tree removal cost for a 60-80 foot tall tree is $536. Palm tree removal cost for up to a 60-80 foot tall tree ranged from $286 to $786 in 2021.
  • The average palm tree removal cost for an 80-100 foot tall tree is $928. Palm tree removal cost for up to an 80-100 foot tall tree ranged from $786 to $1,170 or more in 2021.
These prices typically include cutting the palm tree down into a small stump. But in some cases, they may also add the cutting up of the trunk into smaller pieces, though you might have to pay extra for that.

Palm Tree Cost Considerations

Take into consideration that some extra services can add to the total cost of the removal of your palm tree, including: Hauling The Trunk Away– You could pay up to $250 more to have the trunk sections hauled away as well. Mileage Factors – Normally, there are charges for travel and mileage when palm tree removal services are located outside of the service area. Roping Down the Palm Tree – It will significantly add to the total if the palm tree grows to close to a building or other obstacles such as power lines, it will need to be roped down into sections. Palm Tree Stump Removal – You might have to pay an additional $74 to $215 if you want the stump to be ground down or removed. Trying to remove a palm tree or even cutting it down is dangerous for yourself and others. That is why, regardless of the high costs, it is totally worth it to have palm tree removal done by a professional arborist or tree removal cost. Simply trimming a palm tree can be dangerous and runs the risk of the tree suffering and maybe dying due to incorrect trimming methods.

Cost Of Palm Tree Removal By Size

Read below to find out the average costs you can anticipate to pay for palm tree removal by their sizes. If there are special circumstances that will make the removal difficult, like the lack of space.
  • The average small palm tree (15 feet) removal cost is $125. The average small palm tree removal cost ranged from $108 to $142 in 2021. Adding special circumstances up to $215.
  • The average medium palm tree (15-24 feet) removal cost is $215. The average medium tree palm removal cost ranged from $179 to $250 in 2021. Adding special circumstances up to $322.
  • The average large palm tree (24-36 feet) removal cost is $393. The average medium palm tree removal cost ranged from $356 to $428 in 2021. Adding special circumstances in excess of $430.

Palm Tree Removal Cost Factors

Size Of The Palm Tree: It’s not only how tall the tree is, but the girth of the palm tree to be removed has a big impact on how much you will pay. The larger the trunk, the more expensive its removal becomes. Location And Accessibility: Access to the tree is a huge factor when determining removal costs. It takes more manpower to remove the tree, especially if the tree is in the back yard and there is no vehicle access to the rear of the property. Conversely, a tree with a lot of space around it is going to be cheaper. The Number Of Trees: You can obtain additional value if you have a lot of trees that need to be removed. Stump Removal: Palm tree stumps are quite soft so it typically will not cost more than $50 for palm tree stump removal. Larger palm tree stumps (larger than 15 inches) may cost more.

Palm Tree Removal Scottsdale

Liberty Tree Experts offers palm tree removal in Scottsdale, Arizona. If you are a homeowner in the Scottsdale area our team of trained, licensed, are insured tree cutting professionals that are knowledgable in palm tree removal. Each one of our technicians understands safe tree removal and cutting protocols and will get the job done quickly and safely. Call us at 480-481-1815 to schedule an appointment or for more information.

How To Wrap A Palm Tree With Christmas Lights

Even if you live in southern Arizona without any chance of snow, you can still get in the Christmas spirit. One of the best ways to gear up for the holidays is by wrapping your palm tree with Christmas lights. This can be a difficult task, though, so it needs to be approached with care and safety in mind. If you are searching for "how to wrap a palm tree with Christmas lights", follow these five steps:

Use Proper Christmas Lights

Find brown cords for the light strands before wrapping the palm tree. This will help hide the wires and make the lights stand out even more. When you use LED lights, it will cut down on the power consumption and glow without adding excessive heat. LED lights are the safer and more energy-efficient option. Many people who wrap palm trees choose to use different colors of lights at the top and in the fronds. Make sure to read the light packaging and check to see if they are rated for outdoor use. You may need more strands than first thought, depending on both the height and width of the palm.

Wrapping The Palm Tree

Make coiled balls of the light strands in order to make them easier to handle with care. You should be able to let them unwind as you make your way around the tree. Use a light duty staple gun to secure the lights in place if they start slipping. Straddle the wire and refrain from shooting through it with the staple gun. Always use the staple gun with care, as this can become a fire hazard if not used properly. Make sure to use a ladder for hanging on higher areas of the tree.

Lighting Fronds

After you have hung all the lights onto the trunk, you need to decide if you plan on decorating the leaves and fronds at the top. Decorating the fronds can be a difficult task, at times. If you do decide to decorate the fronds, you can run a look of the lights down a frond. Secure them in place with twist ties. Light the fronds closest to you to ensure safety.

Add Power

While simply running an extension cord to the tree from the house may seem logical, you must first make sure the cord is rated for outdoor use. These cords will be rated for inclement weather, including rain and snow.

Safety First

Your safety is paramount when it comes to this task. Follow these tips to make sure you stay safe while lighting your palm tree:
  • Do not staple the strands too much. Try to use as few staples as possible, only if the strands are slipping.
  • Use outdoor lights and outdoor cords. Electricity can be a dangerous power source, and it needs to be respected.
  • Do not handle strands that are plugged in. These lights can be very hot and lead to a serious shock.

Liberty Tree Care Offers Tree Services in Scottsdale, Mesa & Tempe

If you are searching for tree service in ScottsdaleMesa or Tempe, Liberty Tree Experts can help! Get a free tree service quote by giving Liberty a call today at 480-482-9374.

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How Much Does Tree Planting Cost?

Tree planting will cost an average of $225 per tree. Smaller trees can cost as low as $106, with larger trees costing up to $2,423, according to HowMuch. The typical costs of planting a tree may vary based on type and size of the tree, labor rates and accessibility.

Tree Planting Costs

Here are the average costs for planting trees of all sizes:
  • Small-sized tree: Trees measuring between 4-6 feet tall in a 5-gallon pot will cost $106 to plant. This price includes transportation, site prep and necessary equipment.
  • Medium-sized tree: These trees will come with a planting cost of $225 per tree. Medium-sized trees are generally 8-10 feet tall in a 15-gallon pot.
  • Large-sized tree: Standing between 14-20 feet tall in a 1 cubic yard box, planting large trees will cost an average of $2,423 per tree.

Costs And Considerations

Electricity and utility companies may have the authority to stop any tree planting if it interferes with any overhead lines. Always check with local utility companies before planting any larger trees. Use this guideline when shopping around for the best tree planting service provider:
  • Ask for proof of tree planting business license.
  • Professional arborist license.
  • Previous customer references.
  • Liability/workman's compensation insurance.
  • Project timeline, including final payment date.
Additional information that should be provided before the project begins includes:
  • Registered as Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) accredited business.
  • Certification from the International Society of Arboriculture.
  • Valid contractor's bond for work over $500.
  • Criminal background check on individuals working at your property.
  • Proper disposal of all tree limbs, debris, etc.

Liberty Tree Care Offers Tree Services in Scottsdale, Mesa & Tempe

If you are searching for tree service in ScottsdaleMesa or Tempe, Liberty Tree Experts can help! Get a free tree service quote by giving Liberty a call today at 480-482-9374.

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Palm Tree Care

How can you care for your palm trees throughout the year? Follow our guide to properly care for your trees and guard against any potential pests and/or diseases.

Palm Tree Care Tips

Routine maintenance is needed to keep your palms at maximum health. Use these care tips below:

Soil

Compacted soil found in many urban areas does not offer the type of nutrients required for a palm tree to thrive. These trees actually acquire a lot of their nutrients from the top of the ground and topsoil. This means fertilization is needed.

Roots

Since these roots do not grow very deep into the ground, they will require occasional care. The majority of palm trees feature just one trunk. The point at the top of the trunk is known as the terminal bud. If the top gets damaged, the tree could die.

Watering

Water a new palm tree twice per week for the first six months of life. Add enough water to penetrate at least 18 inches of the soil. If the soil is sort of a sandy mix, extra water is needed. Watering requirements for older palm trees will depend on the climate.

Pruning

Yellowing or browning fronds should be removed, but refrain from trimming too close to the palm tree trunk. Bark can be easily damaged and any wounds will be used as entry points by potential pests and diseases. As new fronds grow, the older ones will die off.

Palm Tree Diseases

Inspect your palms often to watch for any potential diseases.

Bud Rot

This is a fungi that can cause the fronds to wilt and eventually perish. Total demise of the tree may follow afterwards. Mexican and California palms are especially vulnerable to bud rots.

Lethal Yellowing

First observed in the Caribbean area nearly 100 years ago, this disease eventually saw a massive outbreak in the Florida Keys and Jamaica.

Fusarium Wilt

This disease causes the fronds to start wilting, eventually losing their green color and die. When a palm gets infected, there is really no remedy for this disease.

Ganoderma Butt Rot

A newer fatal disease of Florida palms, it is caused by a fungus called Ganoderma zonatum. This will attack the base or "butt" of the tree at a height of 3-4 feet above the ground. This disease has been attacking palms since 1994.

Palm Tree Pests

Always be mindful of these potential threats to your palms.

Palm Budworm

This is a type of beetle whose larvae feeds on flowers of a large range of fan palms. These beetles are about an inch long and are pink and green in color.

Royal Palm Bug

These pests will feed on only the royal palms, but females will lay one egg a day there during the spring. They will rarely kill the tree, but they will cause considerable damage.

Giant Palm Borer

This is a large beetle that targets the wood of Phoenix and Washington species. The borer grubs can survive inside palm trees for up to 9 years.

Thrips

This is a significantly large family of insects, feeding on palm flowers and leaves. While they aren't lethal to palms, they will cause discoloration. You may start to notice black droppings on the leaves, as well.

Palmetto Weevil

They are found in Florida, Texas and South Carolina. They have a record of infesting saw palmettos, Washington palms, Canary Island date palms, royal palms, and even coconut palms.

Liberty Tree Care Offers Tree Services in Scottsdale, Mesa & Tempe

If you are searching for tree service in ScottsdaleMesa or Tempe, Liberty Tree Experts can help! Get a free tree service quote by giving Liberty a call today at 480-482-9374.

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How To Cut Down A Small Tree

Cutting down a small tree requires safety, planning, research, and, of course, a chainsaw. Use our guide to cut down any smaller trees on your property.

Steps For Cutting Down A Small Tree

Always make safety your number one priority when performing this task! Follow these steps if you wish to cut down a small tree.

1. Use Proper Safety Equipment And Tool

For any tree cutting project, make sure you have eye and ear protection, plus a chainsaw. You should also consider wearing clothes that aren't loose. Make sure the chainsaw is in good working condition after you have learned exactly how to properly use this tool.

2. Examine The Surrounding Area

Always be aware of exactly where you want the tree to fall. Figure out the direction of your cutting. If there are any homes, sheds, livestock or power lines near the tree, call a professional for the tree removal. Whichever direction you choose for the tree to fall to the ground, make sure you have clear lines to escape if things to do not go as planned. Plan to escape in the opposite direction of the tree's descent, of course. Do this at a 45-degree angle. This should get you out of the danger zone.

3. Start By Cutting A Diagonal Line

The next step in the process is to make a 70-degree cut on the side of the tree which you are planning for it to fall on. Put the tree on your left side, bracing your left shoulder against the tree. Some chainsaws will feature a sight that tells you the angle you'll be cutting at. The cut you make should be about a quarter of the tree's total width.

4. Make A Relief Cut

A relief cut should be a horizontal cut at the deepest point of the cut you previously made. This means a triangle shaped cut will come out of the tree. This encourages the tree to fall in the desired direction. If your cut is not perfect, refrain from making any more cuts. Call a professional service at this point.

5. Fell The Tree

If you are absolutely sure the cut is facing the proper direction, you can take the next step. Felling the tree means you move to the opposite side of the wedge you've cut out. Start this cut slightly higher than the previous horizontal cut. Saw enough to drive a wedge into your cut, but not all the way through. You will want the wedge in, yet still have enough room to operate the chainsaw without ever touching the wedge. Leave nearly 10 percent of the center of the tree, which will help the tree stay secure on the stump. At this point, you can gently push the tree (using the 45-degree angle escape plan) or simply wait for the tree to fall.

Liberty Tree Care Offers Tree Services in Scottsdale, Mesa & Tempe

If you are searching for tree service in ScottsdaleMesa or Tempe, Liberty Tree Experts can help! Get a free tree service quote by giving Liberty a call today at 480-482-9374.

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How Fast Do Palm Trees Grow?

There are many differing rates at which a palm tree will grow, depending on the species. For example, some palms will grow up to four-feet per year, while others may only reach a maximum height of five feet.

Palm Tree Growth Factors

The following factors will affect the growth rate of your palm trees:
  • Fertilization
  • Watering
  • Location
  • Pruning
  • Irrigation
  • Shade
These variables will all be different depending on the species of palm you desire. Always check with your local tree experts to see which type of palm is best for your property.

King Palms

The King Palm grows at a rapid rate. Soil with good moisture and lots of available nutrients will only expedite this process. Growing almost two-feet per year, the Queen Palm will grow at a quicker rate. Potting the plant in a spot where it gets only a small amount of shade will help it grow faster.

Queen Palms

Queen Palms should grow at a rate of two-feet per year. A Queen Palm plant should give you a 25-foot Queen Palm in just about 10 years time. This is a fairly high-speed growth process.

Foxtail Palms

The Foxtail Palm is considered a fast-growing palm tree. Under ideal conditions, this tree can grow up to three-feet per year, and reach a height of 30-feet in 10 years. The Foxtail Palm has a deep root stem feature that allows it to withstand even harsh drought conditions.

Mediterranean Palms

If you are looking to purchase a slow-growing palm tree, then a Mediterranean Palm could be right for you. Growing around six-inches per year, the Mediterranean won't reach full maturity of 20 feet for a long time. These trees make a nice addition to a front or backyard, as they will visually make your property stand out.

Mexican Fan Palms

Mexican Fan Palms will grow quicker than most other palms. This is one of Arizona's most popular choices, growing anywhere from 70 to 100-feet tall. The trees will grow up to 4-feet per year, and generally become too large for most residential properties. You are more likely to see these palms in public spaces, such as commercial properties or parks.

Liberty Tree Care Offers Tree Services in Scottsdale, Mesa & Tempe

If you are searching for tree service in ScottsdaleMesa or Tempe, Liberty Tree Experts can help! Get a free tree service quote by giving Liberty a call today at 480-482-9374.

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Should I Skin My Palm Trees?

Throughout a palm tree's lifespan, it will require very little maintenance. However, if you are searching for "palm tree skinning", this is one maintenance necessity to preserve the overall health of the tree. You should skin your palm trees once per year.

Why Should I Skin My Palm Trees

One of the main reasons most homeowners skin their palm trees is because of appearance. But doing so is vital to the tree's health. Skinning palm trees will help you rid the plants of any harmful agents. Rodents and many species of bugs will often use dead fronds as a place to rest. Skinning these trees will drastically cut down on the amount of pests in the tree and your area. Dead fronds can still take up nutrients that should go elsewhere, used to improve the health of living fronds. Fronds can certainly be a headache for some homeowners since they often fall from the trees. Cut down on any lawn cleanup by skinning your palm tree just once each year.

Palm Tree Skinning Dangers

Skinning a palm tree will come with a few risks during the process. The risks involved with trimming are one reason why a professional tree trimmer should be hired with this task. DIY trimmers face risks associated with ladder safety and remaining steady at high heights. Falling from high up is the biggest risk with palm tree skinning. When the palm is hurt or cut, dead fronds will act as an open wound on the tree. Open wounds can, of course, then become infected. Sometimes, the reason for this could be using unsanitary trimming equipment for the job. Sanitizing all equipment before the skinning is a necessity. Always be careful not to cut too far deep. Cutting too deep can leave scars on the palm trees.

Liberty Tree Care Offers Tree Services in Scottsdale, Mesa & Tempe

If you are searching for tree service in ScottsdaleMesa or Tempe, Liberty Tree Experts can help! Get a free tree service quote by giving Liberty a call today at 480-482-9374.

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