Tree Tips

Selecting a Tree Care Service: 

Ask for City business license and verify with the City of Paducah Finance Department.

Get at least three companies to give estimates.

Have the tree company give you a written statement of the work to be performed and the cost.

Ask for references and check them.

Ask for proof of insurance and check with the insurance company for recent claims.

Before work begins, re-verify the cost.  If changes are made, get the changes in writing.  If you feel you are being mistreated, stop the work and/or get another bid.

Take pictures of the area before work begins and other areas of your property that could be affected.  If there are problems, you have a reference.

After work begins and you feel there are safety issues or the work is not being done in accordance to the work contract, contact the company owner or supervisor.  Take pictures, if necessary, and supply copies to the company.  If this does not yield results, then contact the Kentucky State Department of Occupational Safety.

Make sure the tree service understands they are responsible for the removal of tree debris and clean up.  If a tree service leaves debris for the City to remove, the City will charge the homeowner.

Never pay for services until the work has been performed and you are satisfied with the work according to written estimates and agreements.

Be understanding of the weather and how it may affect the tree service company's workload.

If you are unsatisfied with the company's work, let the company know verbally and in writing explaining the deficiencies and acceptable fixes.

Other avenues to settle a dispute are through a tree company's insurance company, the Better Business Bureau, or the court system and arbitration.

 

Proper Planting Tips:

Adding landscaping to your home may add up to 27% more value to your house.  Trees and shrubs enhance the aesthetic, environmental, and economic value of your property.  Trees insulate your home and block wind during the cool nights, and they shade your doors and windows during the warm days.  You can save up to one-third off your energy bill with proper tree and shrub placement.  For more information about which trees and shrubs would work best for your conditions, information is available at www.treesaregood.org, your local Cooperative Extension Service Office, the Paducah Tree Advisory Board, or through a certified professional landscape contractor.  Below are some helpful hints for a successful planting program.

Choose the right plant for the purpose you have in mind and the space you have--for shade in your lawn, choose a larger tree that is also sturdy.  To increase aesthetic value, look for a graceful form, showy foliage, or flowers.  Make sure the plant won't outgrow the site to reduce future care and excessive pruning.
Don't plant large trees near power lines, sewer, or water lines--look up, down, and next door to see if there are any conflicts that should be addressed before selecting a tree or shrub.  Make sure it won't cross over to your neighbor's area, or they may trim it and ruin its shape or function.
Avoid weak-wooded, fast growing trees--trees such as Bradford pear, silver maple, Lombardy poplar, and Siberian elm are susceptible to wind and ice damage.
Pick the right plant for the environmental conditions--does the plant prefer shade, like a dogwood, but you have full sun?  Consider an alternative with a Shasta viburnum which blooms at the same time and looks like a dogwood from a distance.
Plant your tree correctly--dig a hole that is at least three times as wide as the container or root ball to loosen the soil for the plant's roots to expand and grow.  Use natural soil to plant trees, so the roots can adapt to their new environment.  Do not add soil amendments or fertilizer at planting.
Help your landscape survive--water deeply twice a week during the growing season.  However, don't overwater.  Add mulch to within two inches of the base of the tree or shrub to control weeds, conserve moisture, and insulate from heat and cold.  As the mulch breaks down, it will add nutrients to the root zone while it protects your trees and shrubs from mowers and trimmers.