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    Tree Care for Seniors

    Don't climb the ladder. Hire it out.

    DEFINITELY hire pro for

    • ANY work above 6 feet — falls kill seniors.
    • Trees near power lines.
    • Storm-damaged trees.
    • Trees over your house / roof.
    • Removal of dead trees.
    • Stump grinding.
    • Disease diagnosis.
    • Anything requiring chainsaw above shoulder.

    Find certified arborist

    • ISA Certified Arborist — required credential. treesaregood.org.
    • TCIA Accredited — companies, tcia.org.
    • Insurance: liability + workers comp REQUIRED.
    • Get 3 written estimates.
    • Don't pay full upfront — 50% before, 50% after.
    • Avoid door-to-door tree services after storms (huge scam).

    Storm scam red flags

    • Show up after storm offering "great deal."
    • Pressure for cash / immediate decision.
    • Out-of-state license plates.
    • Demand full payment upfront.
    • No insurance proof.
    • Suspiciously low price.
    • Half-finish + disappear.
    • Wait for legitimate companies (1-2 days).

    Cost ranges

    • Pruning small tree: $200-500.
    • Pruning large tree: $500-1,500.
    • Tree removal (small): $400-1,200.
    • Tree removal (large): $1,500-5,000.
    • Stump grinding: $100-300.
    • Storm damage often covered by homeowner's insurance.
    • Annual inspection: $100-200, prevents disasters.

    DIY (small + safe)

    • Pruning small branches reachable from ground.
    • Mulching around base (3-inch ring, NOT against trunk).
    • Watering young trees during drought.
    • Removing suckers (small shoots from base).
    • Bypass pruners + lopping shears for live branches.
    • Wear safety glasses + gloves.

    Prevent problems

    • Annual arborist inspection on big trees.
    • Watch for: dead branches, lean toward house, fungus on bark.
    • Address storm-prone branches BEFORE storms.
    • Remove dead trees promptly.
    • Document tree health for insurance.

    Free tree advice

    Local Cooperative Extension Office — Master Gardeners give FREE advice + diagnoses. State Forestry Service — sometimes free inspection. Arbor Day Foundation — arborday.org. Free resources. Photos via app for ID + diagnosis.