Tree Care Questions & Answers

Several signs indicate a tree may need removal: more than 50% of the tree is damaged or dead, the trunk has large cracks or cavities, the tree is leaning significantly and the roots are lifting, it has been severely damaged by a storm, or it poses a direct risk to your home, power lines, or people. Our certified arborists will always explore every option to save a tree before recommending removal — we view removal as the last resort.

Permit requirements vary by municipality. In Memphis and Shelby County, certain protected or heritage trees may require a permit before removal. Arlington and other surrounding communities have their own ordinances. We handle the permit research for you and can advise you on local requirements before any work begins.

We offer complete debris removal as part of our service. Logs can be cut into manageable pieces and left on-site if you'd like firewood, or we haul everything away and leave your yard clean. Brush and smaller debris are chipped on-site. Just let us know your preference when we provide your estimate.

It depends on the circumstances. If a tree falls due to a covered peril — such as a storm, lightning strike, or wind — and damages a structure on your property, your homeowner's insurance will often cover removal costs. Trees removed for preventive reasons or because they are dead are typically not covered. We can provide detailed documentation to support your insurance claim.

For most trees, late winter or early spring — just before new growth begins — is the ideal pruning window. This minimizes stress on the tree and reduces exposure to pests and disease. However, dead, damaged, or hazardous branches should be removed any time of year. Some flowering trees are best pruned right after they bloom. Our arborists will recommend the right timing based on your specific species.

Most mature trees benefit from a professional inspection and light pruning every 3–5 years. Young trees may need more frequent shaping to establish good structure. Trees near power lines, rooflines, or high-traffic areas should be checked annually. Regular trimming keeps trees healthy, improves their appearance, and prevents costly emergency situations.

Yes — removing too much of a tree's canopy at once, a practice called "topping," is one of the most harmful things you can do to a tree. It creates large wounds that invite disease and decay, produces weak regrowth, and can ultimately kill the tree. Our ISA-certified arborists follow industry best practices and never remove more than 25% of a tree's live canopy in a single pruning.

Memphis-area trees are susceptible to several issues including oak wilt, fire blight (common in ornamental pears and apples), anthracnose, hypoxylon canker, and various fungal root rots. Insect pests like emerald ash borer, bark beetles, and scale insects are also prevalent. Early detection is key — our arborists can diagnose problems and recommend treatment before they become fatal.

Yellowing leaves (chlorosis) can have several causes: nutrient deficiency (especially iron or manganese), compacted or waterlogged soil, root damage, drought stress, or disease. It's not always a sign of serious trouble, but it's worth having an arborist take a look. We can perform a soil analysis and tree health assessment to identify the cause and recommend the right treatment.

Often, yes. Many trees that appear to be in decline can be stabilized and restored with the right care — deep root fertilization, pest and disease treatment, structural pruning, or cable and bracing support. The sooner a problem is caught, the better the odds of recovery. We always prefer to save a tree when it's safe and practical to do so.

Yes. We provide around-the-clock emergency response for storm damage, fallen trees, and hazardous situations throughout the Memphis metro area. If a tree has fallen on your home, is blocking a road, or poses an immediate safety risk, call us any time — day or night — at 901-604-0179.

First, make sure everyone in the home is safe and evacuate if there is any structural damage or risk of collapse. Do not attempt to remove the tree yourself. Call 911 if there are injuries or immediate dangers like downed power lines. Then call us at 901-604-0179 — we'll respond quickly, assess the situation, and work safely to remove the tree and protect your property. Document the damage with photos for your insurance claim before any work begins.

We prioritize emergency calls and aim to have a crew on-site as quickly as possible — often within hours for the most urgent situations. Response time can vary after major storms when demand is high across the region, but we keep you informed and get to you as fast as we safely can.

Yes, we provide free, no-obligation estimates for all of our services. One of our certified arborists will visit your property, assess your trees, and give you a detailed written estimate before any work begins. There's no pressure and no surprise charges.

Several factors influence pricing: the size and height of the tree, its location and accessibility (near structures, power lines, or fences), the complexity of the job, whether stump removal is included, and debris disposal. We provide transparent, itemized estimates so you know exactly what you're paying for.

Absolutely. Arbor M.D. is fully insured with general liability and workers' compensation coverage, protecting you and your property throughout every job. Our team includes ISA-certified arborists and we are proud members of the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA). Always ask any tree service company for proof of insurance before work begins — it's an important protection for homeowners.