Pruning

Pruning is the most common tree maintenance service we provide.  Pruning is often performed to achieve aesthetic goals or to improve branch structure.  We strongly recommend periodic pruning as a proactive approach to improving overall tree vigor and eliminating hazardous limb failure. 

Proper pruning will:

• Reduce risk of limb failure

• Improve tree posture and branch structure

• Reduce spread of disease

• Improve light filtration through canopy

• Improve air circulation within canopy

• Improve aesthetics

• Reduce long term tree maintenance costs

*Occasionally, we’re asked to “top” a tree for certain reasons.  This is never a recommended practice and should not be performed.  Topping a tree can lead to a multitude of tree disorders.  Decay, starvation, increased pest and disease development, weak secondary shoot production, and an ugly appearance are a few problems that occur following topping practices. If a tree is exhibiting die-back in the crown or needs to be maintained at a lower height, then, a reduction or pollard may be performed to achieve the desired outcome.   Call or email to speak with a Certified Arborist about correct pruning practices here in the Hill Country.

Removal

We strive to preserve every tree in the Texas Hill Country, however certain situations force us to remove designated trees.  Whether to eliminate potential hazards, clean-up after a hazard, prevent spread of disease, encourage development of healthy trees in overcrowded areas, or facilitate construction developments our skilled tree care professionals are trained to safely remove any tree. 

Remote Controlled Tree Removal

As seen in the image to the right, our removals are done using a state-of-the-art crane.  This innovative removal technique allows us to offer zero-impact tree removal services without any risk to workers or personal property.  We also employ the use of a grapple-saw head (bottom right) at the end of our crane to eliminate any risk of sending a climber up into the tree.  Superior Services Tree Care is currently the only tree care firm in Texas to employ this technology.  Please inquire about our crane and removal services to learn more about how SSTC can help you safely remove dangerous trees.

Consultation

A Certified Arborist is on staff to assess and report on the health of your trees.  An onsite consultation is helpful in identifying various tree/ shrub species on a property, monitoring pests or disease, evaluating tree health, planning for development, or inspecting a site for hazardous tree scenarios.  A consultation with a Superior Services Certified Arborist will create substantial value when planning for the care of your trees.  Some scenarios in which a consultation is recommended include:

• Real Estate Transaction

• New Building/Office Construction

• Installation of new landscape

• Urban development planning

• Land clearing projects

• Road construction

Call or click to schedule a consultation with a Certified Arborist in Fredericksburg, Kerrville, Boerne, or surrounding counties.

Stump Grinding

Stump grinding is a popular service following the tree removal process.  Using rugged and agile machinery, we’re able to efficiently remove inconvenient tree stumps.  Often times, stumps are removed for construction development, mowing convenience, or to make room for a new tree at or near a stump’s location.  We don’t recommend some of the unorthodox methods of stump removal such as explosives, burning-out, excessively cutting into, or pulling out with a vehicle as these have proven to be ineffective and dangerous.

Fertility

Our trained arborists strive to address the overwhelming issues of an increasing urban environment and poor soil conditions through a locally prescribed fertility program.  Our goal is simple: maximize tree health.  Using a soil- based delivery method, we apply a proprietary blend of fertilizer designed to stimulate root development, correct nutrient deficiencies, and boost moisture retention capabilities.  In an effort to preserve the environment and eliminate detrimental bicarbonates, we’ve elected to use an organic approach when feeding your trees. 

Ferti-Blast

Our fertilization method is unique in that we utilize a high pressure air system and rigid soil probe to fracture the soil within a tree's root system.  This process allows us to simultaneously aerate the soil and feed the tree's roots without causing any damage to the landscape.  Compaction and nutrient deficiencies are the two major issues that we aim to address as we focus on stimulating the roots at 6"-12" deep.  The Ferti-Blast method has yielded exceptional results in growth maximization on newly planted trees, as well as preserving trees in tough urban environments like parking lots, parks, and sidewalks.

Land/Cedar Clearing

Large scale removal of undesirable trees like the Cedar tree and Oak Wilt- stricken Oak trees has been a popular service in recent years due to water conservation efforts and growing disease concerns.  Removing undesirable trees like Cedars and other excessive undergrowth eliminates competition and creates space for stronger cultivars to establish.  Also, as drought conditions persist, Cedar removal in watershed areas will become increasingly important.  A mature Cedar consumes twice as much water as a Live Oak tree of similar stature, but will provide far less environmental value.  Our tree care professionals are tenacious and productive when tackling large scale removal projects. 

Please consider Texas Native Plants when planning a land clearing project. We strive to preserve Texas Natives and can help evaluate a property situation before anything is cut or removed. 

Root Flare Excavation

The “root” of tree health generally begins near the root crown and surrounding soil environment.  Roots thrive where a perfect relationship of moisture, nutrition, and oxygen exist.  Most of the absorbing roots of a tree are located within the top 12 inches where oxygen is available.  For these reasons, Superior Services’ arborists are committed to effectively managing this portion of the tree.  Using an air delivery tool, we can remove excess soil from around sensitive roots to gain agronomic insight and assess root crown health.

Cabling/ Bracing

In order to prevent tree failure but retain value, we offer cabling and bracing services.  Stability services are recommended when a tree or limb becomes hazardous but should be preserved.  A Superior Services arborist can evaluate branch unions or trunk blemishes to determine whether or not a cabling/bracing system should be installed.

Emergency Response

In the event of a disaster, tree safety and technique is paramount.  Disaster response situations present unique challenges that the average person, or even tree worker aren't prepared to achieve.  It is advised that home and business owners employ the services of highly skilled, trained professionals to manage hazardous scenarios.  Our commitment to safety training and equipment scalability makes us a well qualified emergency response team.

Industry Safety and Technique Certifications (on staff):

• Certified Arborist (TX-4135A)

• Chipper Operator Specialists (6)

• Electric Hazard Awareness Program Certification

• Safety Specialist on staff

Care Plans

Our care plans are comprehensive, tailored programs that we offer on a per tree basis.  We recommend a care plan for trees planted within the immediate landscape.  Tree care plans encompass a broad spectrum of arbor services such as IPM (Integrated Pest Management) Assessments, fertility applications, tree health inspections, and recommendations.  A proactive tree care strategy strengthens natural defense systems and decreases the likelihood of pest or disease development.
 

Planting

Tree planting is an important endeavor that provides lasting impact and generations of value.  Superior arborists understand the importance of planting trees, lots of them.  Our well-rounded planting program hinges on the idea of bio-diversity.  Bio-diversity is the variety of species and cultivars in a designated ecosystem.  Due to the devastation of Oak Wilt and harsh drought conditions, we have committed time and resources to developing a robust planting program that provides value for home and land owners.  Re-populating the urban forest is becoming more and more important as development and environmental stressors persist.  

Tree planting goes far beyond the physical act of installation.  The process begins with analyzing parent soil to ensure a correct tree match for the site.  Understanding grower's stock, tree structure, health, size, seasonal interest, water requirements, pH requirements, drainage needs, and ultimately client's expectations are all some of our arborists' considerations when planning a planting project.  

Crane/ Lifting

In addition to our tree related offerings, we have innovative lifting capabilities as well.  Our 40 ton knuckle boom crane allows us to safely lift and manipulate heavy loads like tree trunks or construction materials.  Using a knuckle boom crane creates tremendous value by saving man-power, time, liability, and promoting a more efficient, safer work environment.  Also, our crane operators are able to operate the crane from any position using a state-of-the-art remote control (as seen left).  This allows for clear sight lines between operator and rigging operations at all times.  Call to learn more about our crane services offered at an hourly or daily rate.