Common questions
Straight answers from an ISA Certified Arborist
The questions Kent and Northeast Ohio homeowners ask most, and a few they should be asking. No runaround.
01
Getting Started
How does the estimate process work?
We visit your property in person, every time. There's no quoting over the phone based on guesses. We walk the site, look at the tree or trees, and give you a written number before anything is scheduled. That visit is always free, no strings attached.
Who shows up to do the actual work?
Our own trained crew, led by an ISA Certified Arborist, not a subcontractor hired the morning of the job. TG-TreeCare doesn't farm work out.
What does ISA-certified actually mean — and why does it matter?
ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) certification isn't just a title. It requires passing a rigorous exam covering tree biology, structural assessment, proper pruning cuts, disease recognition, and risk evaluation. The practical difference: an ISA-certified arborist can tell you whether a tree needs to come down or just needs care — and give you the science behind the answer, not just an opinion.
Is TG-TreeCare insured?
Yes. TG-TreeCare carries general liability and workers' compensation insurance. If you want a certificate of insurance before we start, ask when you book and we'll send it. That's a completely reasonable request.
02
Tree Removal
What factors actually affect tree removal cost?
Three things drive price: size, location, and complexity. A 30-foot ornamental in an open yard is a different job than a 70-foot oak 10 feet from your foundation. Things like power line proximity, lean direction, and whether the wood needs to be sectioned and rigged down all change the equation. That's exactly why we quote in person.
Can you remove a tree that's close to my house or fence?
Yes — tight-space removal is a significant part of what TG-TreeCare does. The process involves rigging sections of the tree down in controlled pieces rather than felling it whole. It's more technical and takes longer, but it's the right way to protect your structure.
Is cleanup included, or is that extra?
Cleanup is always included. Every job ends with the site cleared — branches, logs, wood chips, all of it. There are no add-on hauling fees. If you want the wood left for firewood, just tell us beforehand.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Kent or the surrounding area?
It depends on the municipality. Some cities in Portage and Summit counties have tree ordinances that require permits for removal above a certain trunk diameter, especially in historic districts or near public easements. We know the local requirements and will flag it during the estimate if it applies to your property.
03
Trimming & Pruning
What's the right time of year to prune trees in Northeast Ohio?
Late winter — February into early March — is the sweet spot for most species. The tree is dormant, pests and fungal spores are inactive, and cuts close faster once growth resumes in spring. The exception is any dead, damaged, or hazardous branch, which should come off the moment it's identified regardless of season.
If I ask you to top my tree, will you do it?
No. Topping — cutting the main leader or large scaffold branches back to stubs — is one of the most destructive practices in the industry. It creates massive wounds the tree can rarely close, triggers rapid regrowth of structurally weak sprouts, and dramatically shortens the tree's lifespan. TG-TreeCare won't do it. If the goal is reducing height or canopy size, there are proper reduction cuts that accomplish the same thing without crippling the tree.
04
Plant Health Care
My tree's leaves are yellowing or dropping early — what's wrong?
Yellowing is a symptom with a long list of possible causes: compacted soil, overwatering, fungal disease, nutrient deficiency, root damage from nearby construction, or insect pressure. There's no honest answer without looking at the tree, the soil condition, and the surrounding site. TG-TreeCare offers on-site health assessments to diagnose what's actually going on before recommending any treatment.
Do you treat for Emerald Ash Borer?
Yes. EAB treatment — typically trunk injection of an approved systemic insecticide — is effective when the infestation is caught before significant canopy dieback. Once an ash tree has lost more than 50% of its crown to EAB, treatment rarely makes economic sense. If you have ash trees on your property, don't wait to have them assessed.
05
Service Area & Scheduling
What areas does TG-TreeCare cover?
TG-TreeCare serves Kent, Stow, Akron, Cuyahoga Falls, Hudson, Aurora, Brimfield, Munroe Falls, Ravenna, Silver Lake, Streetsboro, Tallmadge, and surrounding communities across Portage and Summit counties. If you're just outside that range and not sure, call us directly — (330) 221-1617.
Do you handle emergency situations — storm damage, tree on the house?
Yes, 24/7. If you have a tree down on a structure, blocking a driveway, or posing an active hazard, call (330) 221-1617 any hour, including nights, weekends and holidays. We'll walk you through immediate next steps and get out to the property as fast as the situation requires. If a tree is touching a power line, stay back and call 911 and your electric utility first.
Do you work through the winter?
Yes. Winter is actually an excellent time for removal and structural pruning. Frozen ground reduces site damage from equipment, dormant trees are lighter and easier to move, and the leafless canopy gives a clear view of the structure. TG-TreeCare operates year-round.
Still have a question?
Ask us directly.
Call or text (330) 221-1617. A real person picks up, or we call back the same day.