Tree Trimming in Spring Branch, TX

Do you offer tree trimming in Spring Branch, TX?

Yes. Sticks Tree Service trims large shade trees and yard trees in Spring Branch, west Houston, TX, in neighborhoods such as Afton Village, Brykerwoods, Ridgecrest and Binglewood. Trey Lamar’s crew comes in from the Sticks office in Cypress to clear roofs, take out dead wood and lighten heavy limbs on older trees. Call 281-373-1472 to book.

What does an older Spring Branch tree need?

A tree that has stood beside a house for decades has usually outgrown the space it was planted for. On these lots, trimming is how a big tree stays. Each job is built from a few kinds of cuts:

Crown cleaning: Dead, broken and crossing limbs come out of the crown. On old trees this is often the most important cut, because dead wood high up is what falls.
End-weight reduction: Long, heavy limbs reaching over a roof are shortened back to a side branch, so the tree carries less load out at the tip.
Clearance: Limbs are cut back from the roof, chimney, gutters and garage.
Raising: Low limbs over the drive, walk and street are lifted so cars and people pass under.
Thinning: A few interior branches are removed to let wind and light through a dense crown.

Should a very old tree be cut back hard?

No. Old trees store less energy for regrowth than young ones, and removing a large share of leaves at once can weaken them. Topping, which cuts the crown flat, leaves big wounds that decay and clusters of weak new shoots. The better plan is a moderate trim now that deals with the dead wood and the worst limbs, then a check again in a few years.

When is the right time to trim?

For oaks, outside February through June. The Texas A&M Forest Service advises against pruning or wounding oaks in that window, when sap beetles spread oak wilt, and recommends painting oak cuts right away whenever they are made. Pecans, elms, sycamores and pines, all common in the Houston area, do not carry that timing advice. Many homeowners like to have heavy limbs and dead wood handled before hurricane season, which starts June 1.

Does trimming need a city permit?

Spring Branch is inside Houston. The Houston Permitting Center’s PRD1001 permit is for removing or trimming trees on city property, such as a right of way or median, and on a setback. For a street-side tree, ask the city before trimming. Limbs in the main power lines are the electric utility’s to clear.

What goes into the quote?

The size of each tree and how many there are
Which cuts are needed: cleaning, reduction, clearance, raising or thinning
Limbs over roofs, garages or a neighbor’s property to be lowered on rope
Access for the climber and room at the street for the chipper
Haul-off of all brush

Around Spring Branch

Schwartz Park.
Nob Hill Park, 13 acres.
St. Peter’s United Church, whose history goes back to 1848.

For a tree past saving, see tree removal in Spring Branch; for stumps, stump grinding in Spring Branch. The Spring Branch tree service page gives the overview, and tree trimming in Cypress covers trimming near the office.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my old tree has dead wood up high?

Look for bare limbs in summer, bark falling off branches, and twigs on the ground after a breeze. The crew checks from the ground and from inside the crown.

Can a pecan be trimmed in the spring?

Yes. The February to June caution applies to oaks, because of oak wilt.

Will removing one big limb make the tree lopsided?

It can, so the trim is balanced by reducing other limbs a little where needed, without overcutting.

My neighbor’s tree hangs over my garage. What should I do?

Talk with your neighbor first. The crew can explain what trimming the overhang would involve so you can decide together.

How long does trimming a large old tree take?

Often most of a day for one big tree, since many limbs are lowered on rope.

Is the mess cleaned up?

Yes. Brush is chipped and hauled, and the yard and drive are raked and blown.