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Category Archives: Tree Trimming

Never Do This When Cutting Down A Tree
Author webtechs Leave a comment Categories Cutting Down A Tree, Tree Pruning, Tree Removal, Tree Trimming, Trees In Arizona Posted on

Don’t Do This When Cutting Down A Tree

Never Do This When Cutting Down A Tree

When cutting down a tree, safety and technique are everything. Many accidents happen because of simple mistakes. Here’s a list of things you absolutely should NOT do when felling a tree:

🚫 DON’T Do These When Cutting Down a Tree

1. ❌ Don’t Skip Safety Gear

  • ALWAYS wear a helmet, eye protection, ear protection, gloves, chainsaw chaps, and steel-toe boots.

  • A falling branch (called a "widowmaker") can be deadly.

2. ❌ Don’t Cut Alone

  • Always have someone nearby to assist or call for help in case of emergency.

  • Let someone know where you are and what you’re doing.

3. ❌ Don’t Use a Dull Chainsaw

  • A dull saw increases the chance of kickback and puts you at higher risk of losing control.

  • Keep your saw sharp and well-maintained.

4. ❌ Don’t Forget to Plan the Fall Direction

  • Know which way you want the tree to fall and clear that area.

  • Remove anything that might be damaged (cars, fences, power lines, etc.).

5. ❌ Don’t Stand in the Wrong Spot

  • Never stand directly behind or in front of the tree when it begins to fall.

  • Move at a 45° angle away from the fall path, and stay alert.

6. ❌ Don’t Ignore the Tree’s Lean or Dead Branches

  • If the tree is leaning, it may fall in that direction regardless of your cuts.

  • Look for dead limbs or weak spots—these may fall unexpectedly.

7. ❌ Don’t Make Only One Cut

  • Don’t try to chop through the tree with one horizontal cut.

  • Use the proper notch and back cut method:

    • Create a notch (face cut) on the fall side (usually 70°/20% deep).

    • Then make a back cut slightly above the notch on the opposite side.

8. ❌ Don’t Forget to Check for Obstructions

  • Power lines, structures, vehicles, fences—clear everything in the fall zone.

  • Trees near buildings or power lines should be handled by pros.

9. ❌ Don’t Cut in High Winds or Bad Weather

  • Wet or windy conditions can cause the tree to fall unpredictably.

  • Wait for calm, dry weather.

10. ❌ Don’t Attempt Large Trees Without Experience

  • Trees taller than 20 feet or near hazards (like power lines) should be handled by certified arborists or tree removal professionals.

✅ Bonus Tip: Inspect the Tree First

  • Check for:

    • Hollow trunks

    • Cracks

    • Rot or fungus at the base

    • Bee/wasp nests or wildlife

 

🌲 Step-by-Step Tree Felling Guide

✅ Before You Begin: Prep & Safety

  1. Wear full safety gear

    • Helmet, eye/ear protection, gloves, steel-toe boots, chainsaw chaps

  2. Inspect the tree

    • Look for lean, rot, cracks, dead branches, or wildlife nests

    • Identify hazards (power lines, structures, vehicles)

  3. Clear the area

    • Remove debris around the tree base

    • Ensure you have a clear escape path and fall zone (twice the tree height)

✂️ Step 1: Plan the Fall Direction

  • Decide where you want the tree to fall (usually in the direction it naturally leans)

  • Clear at least 2 escape paths at 45° angles behind you and away from the fall line

✏️ Step 2: Make the Notch Cut (Face Cut)

This tells the tree where to fall.

  • Side facing fall direction

  • Make 2 cuts:

    1. Top cut: Angle downward at 70°

    2. Bottom cut: Horizontal to meet the top cut

  • The notch should be about 20–25% into the tree's diameter

🪓 Step 3: Make the Back Cut

This releases the tree to fall.

  • Go to the opposite side of the notch

  • Make a horizontal cut slightly above the bottom of the notch

  • DO NOT CUT ALL THE WAY THROUGH — leave a "hinge" of wood (about 10% of the tree's diameter) to control the fall

🏃 Step 4: Retreat Immediately

  • As the tree begins to fall:

    • Shut off or drop the saw safely

    • Retreat along one of the 45° escape paths

    • Keep your eyes on the tree as you move

⚠️ Step 5: After the Fall

  • Wait for all motion to stop before approaching the tree

  • Be cautious of:

    • Tensioned limbs or branches

    • “Barber chairing” (a tree splitting vertically due to improper cuts)

🧰 Pro Tips:

  • Use wedges to prevent the tree from leaning back and pinching the saw

  • For large, heavy, or leaning trees — hire a professional arborist

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

More Articles About Arizona Landscaping

Author webtechs Categories mesquite trees, Tree Care, Tree Pruning, Tree Removal, Tree Removal Costs, Tree Service, Tree Trimming, Trees In Arizona Posted on

Mesquite Tree Trimming Costs 2025

​In Arizona, the cost of trimming a mesquite tree in 2025 varies based on factors like tree size, condition, and location. Here's a breakdown to guide your budgeting:​

💰 Estimated Mesquite Tree Trimming Costs in Arizona (2025)

  • Small Trees (under 15 feet): $100 – $240

  • Medium Trees (15–25 feet): $275 – $475

  • Large Trees (25+ feet): $600 – $800 ​

These estimates can vary depending on the specific region in Arizona and the complexity of the trimming required.​

🛠️ Factors Influencing Trimming Costs

  • Tree Size & Height: Larger trees require more labor and equipment.

  • Tree Condition: Overgrown or diseased trees may need more extensive work.

  • Accessibility: Trees near structures or power lines can increase costs due to the need for specialized equipment or safety measures.

  • Service Provider Rates: Prices can vary between companies and regions within Arizona.​

📍 Regional Cost Variations

  • Phoenix Area: Average costs range from $386 to $574 per tree, depending on size and complexity.

  • Scottsdale: Small tree trimming costs around $100–$240.

  • Tucson: Costs are comparable to other regions, but it's advisable to get local estimates for accuracy.

📅 Optimal Trimming Time

The best time to trim mesquite trees is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. This timing helps maintain tree health and reduces stress.

Tips for Hiring a Tree Trimming Service

Here are some key tips for hiring a reliable and qualified tree trimming service:

✅ 1. Verify Licensing and Insurance

  • Make sure the company is licensed to operate in your state.

  • Ask for proof of liability insurance and workers’ compensation—this protects you if damage or injury occurs on your property.

✅ 2. Check Credentials and Experience

  • Look for companies with certified arborists (ISA-certified preferred).

  • Ask how long they've been in business and if they have experience specifically with mesquite or desert trees.

✅ 3. Ask for References or Reviews

  • Check platforms like Google, Yelp, or Better Business Bureau.

  • Request references from previous customers, especially for similar jobs.

✅ 4. Get Multiple Quotes

  • Obtain at least 2–3 estimates to compare prices and services offered.

  • Be wary of unusually low quotes—they may cut corners or lack proper coverage.

✅ 5. Clarify Services Included

  • Make sure the quote includes:

    • Debris removal

    • Hauling or chipping

    • Disposal fees

  • Ask if there's an extra charge for emergency work or difficult access.

✅ 6. Avoid Topping or Over-Pruning

  • A reputable arborist will avoid harmful practices like "topping," which can damage or kill the tree.

  • Ask about their pruning methods to ensure they follow proper tree health standards.

✅ 7. Get It in Writing

  • Always get a written estimate or contract that includes:

    • Scope of work

    • Estimated timeline

    • Total cost

    • Cleanup details

    • Any warranties or guarantees

✅ 8. Ask About Equipment and Safety Practices

  • Ensure they use well-maintained equipment and follow OSHA safety standards.

  • For large or risky jobs, confirm that crew members use harnesses, helmets, and safety lines.

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

If you are searching for tree service in Scottsdale, Mesa 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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Author webtechs Categories Tree Care, Tree Pruning, Tree Removal, Tree Service, Tree Trimming Posted on

Tree Trimming vs. Tree Pruning — What’s the Difference?

When you’re a homeowner that cares for your yard, most likely you’ve thought about tree trimming and tree pruning before. Both are great services throughout the landscaping industry. The differences are minute, though. Pruning is used for the removal inessential branches. Trimming, however, encourages healthy growth. Both services are performed at different times of the year, using extremely different types of equipment, to offer a healthier and better aesthetic landscape. Understanding their differences, though, is vital.

Tree Trimming

Tree trimming encourages trees, shrubs, and hedges to grow in a healthy way. Frequently, commercial client’s trim trees making their property more appealing to potential clients. An improved appearance usually means more visitors.

Is Trimming Healthy for Trees?

Whereas trimming is nourishing when done properly, the removal of too much plant material can be detrimental your trees and/or shrubs. When you remove more than twenty percent of the foliage in one trimming period, it’s been said that you risk injuring your plants. Nevertheless, in most situations, the plant is going to be fine following it recovering. Arborists generally concentrate on removing greener shoots, which helps promote overall healthier growth. Along with growth, trimming also enhances the appearance of the tree itself.

Tree Pruning

Pruning is not only limited to the maintenance of trees. The term is usually related to the removal of inessential branches and from time to time possibly roots. These branches and roots could be dead and need to be removed from the tree. Sometimes, branches grow the wrong way. They grow near electrical utility wires or structures. Pruning helps keep unnecessary growth under control.

Is Pruning Healthy for Trees?

Routine pruning is required for the overall health and appearance of your tree(s). Pruning encourages new growth. It also improves air circulation and sunlight penetration, resulting in healthier plants that are more resistant to insects and disease. Without pruning, trees can appear unattractive with dead or unhealthy branches, resulting in even more severe issues like pest infestation and rot.

Tree Trimming and Tree Pruning Equipment Used

Regarding pruning, shears are usually the tool of choice– lopping-shears or hand-shears. These shears are normally strong enough for cutting through thinner branches. For thicker branches, a saw might be needed. For trimming, trimming shears, and saws are used to provide effective results and overall healthier growth.

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

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

More Articles About Arizona Trees

Author webtechs Categories Tree Trimming, Trees In Arizona Posted on

Best Time Of Year To Trim Trees In Arizona

The best possible time to trim trees in Arizona will vary based on type of tree. Timely trimming can help your trees look better, live longer, and improve overall health. This article will tell you exactly when to cut different tree species.

Best Time To Trim Trees

For all Arizonans, the best time of year to trim certain trees may differ depending on location. Southern Arizona citizens should typically trim trees at different times than those living in Northern Arizona. These differences are based on when the cold seasons set in at various parts of the state. Tree trimming is certainly not a one-size-fits-all task. Different species, located in different areas will need to be trimmed accordingly. This article will go over the best time to trim these tree species:
  • Citrus trees
  • Fruit trees
  • Oak trees
  • Palm trees
  • Maple trees
  • Mesquite trees
  • Desert trees
  • Evergreens

Citrus Trees

These trees are sensitive to frost damage. While it is extremely rare for the desert to reach frost-inducing temperatures, it is still suggested that you wait until February to trim citrus trees. The prime season to trim these trees starts around the middle of February and lasts until the end of March. Try to avoid trimming any later than the end of March, as the foliage helps protect trunks from being scorched by the summer sun.

Fruit Trees

Fruit trees, featuring apples, pomegranates, nuts, nectarines, apricots and peaches, are best to trim from December until February. Most owners will want to control the height of the fruit bearing tree branches, since trimming makes harvesting all of the aforementioned fruits much easier.

Oak Trees

The colder months of the year are the times when oak trees should be trimmed. Just like fruit trees, it is recommended to wait until December before trimming. Perform any trimming all the way up until mid February, when temperatures begin to rise in Arizona.

Palm Trees

The best time to trim palm trees is considerably later in the year than citrus trees. Experts suggest waiting until after mid June to trim these trees. This is the best time of the year to remove seeds that are forming, plus any dead fronds or leaves.

Maple Trees

Maple tree trimming should be completely avoided during the winter months. During this time, the trees will ooze sap. Trimming will cause the trees to bleed, typically leaving a mess in your yard.

Mesquite Trees

Mesquite trees grow exceptionally fast with long branches developing quickly. Therefore, it is best to trim these trees ahead of monsoon season. The months of May and June are the ideal times to trim mesquite trees. Avoid any storm damage by trimming before the storms.

Desert Trees

Trim desert trees from December all the way through February. These trees need to be dormant in order to avoid any stress caused by pruning.

Evergreens

The month of March is the perfect time to trim evergreens. If you forget or can't get to the trees in March, then September is the only other month when trimming should be performed.

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

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

More Articles About Arizona Landscaping

Author webtechs Categories Tree Trimming Posted on

How To Trim A Tree

This guide will teach you how to trim a tree properly, big or small! Learn why trees should be pruned, the best time of year to prune them and steps to prune your trees properly.

When Is The Best Time To Trim or Prune Your Trees?

Fall or winter time is the best time to trim, prune or cutback your trees. One of the major reasons is because most of the leaves are already gone from the tree, so you can see the scaffolding branches of the tree and also visually inspect some of the non essential branches. Fall or winter time weather also helps prevent spreading of pathogens and insect investigations in some of the pruning cuts you will be making in the tree.

Why Trim Your Trees?

The biggest reason to prune your trees is to eliminate dead, or diseased or broken branches on the tree. There are many other great reasons to prune your trees including:
  1. For the trees health
  2. Safety for people below the tree
  3. To allow wind and light to penetrate throught the canopy
  4. Create elevation or clearance around structures
  5. To allow for better flower or fruit production

Tree Pruning Safety Tips

  • Use a rope and saddle
  • Wear a hard hat & safety glasses
  • Do not try this at home
  • If the limbs you would like to have pruned cannot be reached from the ground, please call and hire a licensed arborist
  • If the tree limbs are within range of utility wires, please call your power company first and have them come out and do the work

Tools You will Need For This Tree Trimming Project

Here are a few tools you are going to need to start this project:
  • Hard Hat
  • Tree Trimming Saddle
  • Rope
  • Safety Glass
  • Tree Trimming Saw

Which Limbs or Branches Do I Need To Trim?

Trim tree limbs that have dead, diseased or broken branches. Also be sure to identify and remove and suckers and water spouts.

Tree Pruning Tips

  1. Look for a strong leader and examine the branch and structure of the tree
  2. Directional prune to tree to make sure it maintains a strong healthy shape

How To Trim A Tree Properly

*Important: Far too often people make only 1 cut up against the tree trunk which results in the heavy limb tearing or ripping the bark at the trunk. Here is how to trim your tree properly using the best tree cutting method; the 3 point cut!

Step 1. Start By Undercutting The Tree

Come out a little further from the tree, about a 1 foot or so depending on how large the tree limb is, then make your undercut first.

Step 2. Make Your 2nd Cut 3 Inches Away From The 1st

Then come out about 3 inches away from your 1st cut and make a top cut. This way the branch will fall off cleanly and there is no chance of ripping or tearing at the trunk.

Step 3. Make Your Final Cut Near The Trunk

Finally, come back and cut off the remaining stub right next to the trunk to make you third and final cut. Hold on to the stub while you make the cut to avoid any other potential damage. *Important: Make sure you make the cut in the area called the branch bark bridge to allow for optimum healing after the pruning cut has been made

Conclusion

Proper tree pruning is not as easy as it may seem so if you have any concerns or questions, feel free to contact a licensed arborist. Liberty Tree Experts is Phoenix Metropolitan's premier tree trimming company offering professional services for residential and commercial tree service customers.
Author webtechs Categories Tree Trimming Posted on

Why Topping Hurts Trees

When it comes to trees, topping is considered the worst thing to do. While in Hawaii, companies that would top trees would have customers asking if the tree topping was necessary and if it had to be so drastic. Because of no longer working for this particular company, I have the ability of being more honest and less evasive by saying, no. While topping the beautiful trees, it never felt comfortable, because it was causing a bunch of irreparable damages. The truth is, there is rarely a situation that requires a tree topping. For instance, one of the exceptions is when the tree has naturally died, such as with frost damages which is more common with ficus trees. There are many who are simply scared of the large growth of their trees, requesting them to be topped. Living within shadows of a giant tree can be intimidating for some. However, trees that have been topped are the most dangerous trees. This is because topping a tree, suckers growing from the ends of a cut will grow quickly. Typically, a topped tree will recover its height in less than 5 years from the tree topping. Generally, faster growth means weaker growth, while the opposite is true too. Suckers that grow frantically, are much weaker. There are other factors contributing to the tendency of a sucker shedding, such as new growth only being able to attach to the outer section of a branch. Therefore, normal branches have formed a type of root within the trunk. The larger the branch and trunk, the larger this attachment will be. When suckers begin forming on the outer part of a trunk, it results in a poor attachment, increasing the risk of failure. Storm damage and a trees capacity to withstand it is one of the most over-estimated factors. There have been situations where an 80-foot high Eucalyptus tree has directly fallen on a house, but caused no structural damages. Although, I have witnessed properly thinned trees never falling over. The tree height, in my opinion, is a small factor associated with the tendency of trees falling over during a micro burst. Usually, it is thicker, overgrown trees that create more surface area and fall over.

What can be done if a tree was already topped?

The term “Crown Restoration” should be an area a professional arborist should be familiar with in the tree industry. Once a tree has been topped, an arborist with experience can try to elevate or repair damages. Generally, after topping, between 5 to 8 suckers try to become the dominant sucker at the top of a tree topping. Certain trees will attempt to self-heal by causing weaker suckers to fall, leaving only the strongest. However, there are safer ways to go about it. The full process for repairing topped trees can take between 3 to 5 years. It requires a selective thinning of the growing suckers. For instance, the first year two suckers are removed. Year two, remove another two suckers, etc. When finished, a repaired tree will have a single sucker with a thicker trunk. With time, a stronger attachment will develop between trunk and sucker. The number of pruning’s required to reach the final result will depend on different factors. Additionally, around the time the crown restoration feels like it is finished, the height may need to be reduced using proper cutting reduction. Therefore, you should not allow anyone to conduct a tree topping on your trees. It is necessary as a consumer to understand the appearance of a nice cut, allowing you to make an informed decision about who you have working on your trees. There are numerous companies advertising ‘Tree topping’ services, you should be cautious when seeing this.

Liberty Tree Care Offers Tree Trimming in Scottsdale, Arizona

If you are searching for tree trimming in Scottsdale, Mesa or Tempe, Liberty Tree Experts can help! Get a free tree trimming quote by giving Liberty a call today at 480-482-9374.
When & How to Trim Citrus Trees in Arizona
Author webtechs Categories Tree Trimming Posted on

When & How to Trim Citrus Trees in Arizona

When & How to Trim Citrus Trees in Arizona I was taught the Five C’s of Arizona when attending Elementary school in Tempe, AZ. These were: Cattle, Copper, Citrus, Climate, and Cotton. This article focuses on the fourth factor in the list, climate. While the climate in Arizona is great for citrus tree growing, not everyone understands how to properly care for these trees. One of the largest and most common mistakes made, is knowing when and how to prune a citrus tree. While many stress over ‘when’ to prune a citrus tree, this is not the most significant question. There are some citrus trees that may never need trimmed. The real question may be ‘why should citrus trees not be trimmed?”

Why Citrus Trees Should NOT Be Trimmed

A garden expert with The Arizona Republic was asked by a Valley resident at what time her citrus trees should be trimmed, part of the response included “Homeowners often trim for appearance, but do not realize citrus trees are actually a bush with naturally low growing branches. This is the natural method for protecting bark and fruit…”. People that drive by the old groves in East Mesa may see old citrus trees and consider them to be overgrown shrubs. It is a common misconception that trimming citrus trees is the same as another tree type, and can cause a shorter citrus tree lifespan in Phoenix. For this reason, I prefer readers to begin asking ‘why’. What is the reason for trimming the citrus tree? This should be asked prior to ‘when’ citrus trees should be pruned. The overall health of the citrus tree should be considered whether the goal is fruit production optimizing, or just making it appealing to the landscape.

How to Trim a Citrus Tree

When trimming/pruning citrus trees, even at the optimal periods, it should be minimal. It was stated by ‘The Garden Guy’, Dave Owens that “Citrus trees prefer to grow naturally without trimming. The more deadwood and foliage, the better protection from the sun.” Also, John Begeman, also an Arizona garden expert indicated “The more leaves a citrus tree has, the more fruit and better taste.” In addition, he recommended only pruning “If you must, and only with correct technique”. A 1987 article from Lowell F. True outlined that while some trimming could be required, but the best approach is to leave low hanging branches, referred to as a ‘skirt’. If trimmed, it should only be enough to provide easier fertilizing and watering. Trimming of errant branches can be done, especially when rubbing against other branches. Meanwhile, the tree’s silhouette created by outer foliage can be ‘shaped’ for appearances, but proper techniques and care should be taken to avoid allowing too much bark to be exposed to sunlight. There is a single pruning technique that should be used, no matter the time of year, even more important if citrus trees are maintained for fruit. This technique is known as removal of sucker growth. Also referred to as ‘water sprouts’, these suckers sprout out the tree trunk and sometimes the roots. While a layman might find it necessary from desire or intuition towards making the citrus tree more appealing, there are good reasons behind this. It was said by True to “Ensure all suckers are eliminated when developing under the bud union (site of grafting). These are rootstock variety which do not bear an edible fruit. If allowed to develop, suckers take control it will cause your edible fruit to revert into an undesired variety.” A significant ‘when’ associated with pruning includes limbs which were killed by frost. These should not be removed until after the spring growth has begun, this way you’re sure how bad damage is.

When to Trim Citrus Trees in Arizona

Spring is the optimal time for trimming citrus trees. If they are trimmed between the middle of March to early May, it reduces the risk of the tree being damaged by extreme temperatures. The citrus fruit is ripened during late fall, with most varieties coming in between November to February. It is acceptable to do minimal pruning through this period. During summer there is risk of heat damage, while winter can cause danger from frost. Citrus trees a very sensitive when it comes to sun damage, especially in the hottest months and days in Arizona heat. If your citrus tree is not properly shaded through the afternoon, any bare branches or trunks will need wrapping or painted (aka. Whitewashed) to add protection from the sun. The areas exposed to direct sunlight in the afternoon are the most vulnerable, these will be on the Southwestern sides. This is the reason over pruning your citrus trees should be avoided. Any branches in direct sun will be burnt, while direct sunlight exposure to the trunk can fully kill the tree. These are the reasons I emphasize the importance of knowing how and why to trim citrus trees, instead of when you should trim citrus trees. The key factor for when to trim, is the sunlight. The key factor for how to trim a citrus tree is keep it minimal. After all, they are all simply large bushes.

Liberty Tree Care Offers Tree Trimming in Scottsdale, Arizona

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