FAQs

Gulf Coast Tree Care has been Brandon’s preferred tree care provider since 1983. We employ an ISA Certified Arborist, are a member of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce, hold an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and have won the Angie’s List’s Super Service award several years in a row. References are available on request. We also carry verifiable property liability and workmen’s compensation insurances, and handle the permitting requirements needed for your tree work.

Generally speaking, door knockers, those who can’t immediately provide proof of insurance, those who lack arborist certification, and “storm chasers” from out of town are those you should be wary of.

In addition to performing top quality pruning, a Gulf Coast Tree Care Certified Arborist can make recommendations that will strive to improve the future health and appearance of your trees, minimize property liability issues, and maintain your property value.

Improper pruning (stub cuts, flush cuts) can make your valuable trees susceptible to disease, decay, and wood boring insects. Over-pruning (the removal of too many limbs) causes too much loss of leaf for the tree to efficiently continue its photosynthesis process. It also means removing limbs that can never be replaced. This could be disastrous for the appearance and future health of your tree.

If done correctly, a tree shouldn’t need pruning for about three years.

No. Gulf Coast Tree Care’s Certified Arborists are well trained in the proper maintenance of all species and varieties of trees in our area and will treat each tree type according to tendencies & unique cultural conditions.

Gulf Coast Tree Care’s Certified Arborists are highly trained in advanced rigging techniques that minimize the impact of a tree removal to your home & landscape. Many tree services will drop limbs directly on your landscape or home without regard for possible damage.

Gulf Coast Tree Care carries General Liability Insurance policy should there be any property damage as well as workmen’s comp coverage, giving you the peace of mind knowing that if someone is hurt on your property, you will not be liable for any damages. When contracting for services, ask for an ACORD certificate. Follow up with a phone call to the agent listed to verify insurance is still in effect. Ask to be listed as a certificate holder. Only hire those who can provide an ACORD certificate on demand.

Climbing a live tree with boot spikes is a poor but common practice among many tree companies. Spiking a tree can negate any benefits of pruning dead wood, etc. Gulf Coast Tree Care will never introduce unnecessary wounds into your live tree this way.

Most municipalities require permission, via a permit, to remove trees exceeding a certain diameter (excluding dead trees or invasive species). The cost is minimal and Gulf Coast Tree Care will file the necessary application for you. Failure to procure a permit can result in a large fine.

A Grand Status oak is a large tree that is valuable to, and protected by, most municipalities. Only a Certified Arborist is allowed to prune a tree of Grand Status size. As in permitting, Gulf Coast Tree Care will handle the paperwork necessary to perform work on your Grand Status tree.

Gulf Coast Tree Care will always dispose of the wood, unless you state otherwise, resulting from the work on your trees as well as provide an excellent cleanup.

Yes. Our Certified Arborist carries a certification ID card.

Yes. Gulf Coast Tree Care will gladly furnish references upon request.

Yes. A Certified Arborist, trained in advanced rigging techniques, will safely rope down these hazardous limbs. Should an accident occur, our general liability insurance would cover the cost of repair.

Call us and we will evaluate on your property. A free consultation/diagnosis from a Gulf Coast Tree Care Certified Arborist will assist you in determining whether your palm has suffered from freeze damage, has nutrient deficiencies, or is under attack from damaging insects or disease.

It depends on your tree species and cultural conditions. Many types (most natives) need no additional fertilization. Palms do require specific nutrients. A Gulf Coast Tree Care Certified Arborist can give you the proper information regarding the fertilization needs of your trees.

Root pruning is used, in special circumstances, to stop the continued uplifting of sidewalks, driveways, and structures. A Gulf Coast Tree Care representative can advise you on whether this is an option based on your tree’s specific cultural conditions.

No. Moss is not a parasite. Ball moss can indirectly inhibit the growth of twigs (especially in young trees) but does not actually divert nutrients from the tree. Thick Spanish moss can add weight to a dead limb, especially when wet, causing breakage of the limb. Neither will directly kill a tree.

Mistletoe is a parasite. If left untreated, it will kill your tree. A Gulf Coast Tree Care arborist should be called at the first sign of mistletoe propagation to determine the proper course of action.

There are certain methods of pruning which help to mitigate the hazard of high winds. Our Certified Arborists are familiar with these methods. Your tree should also be evaluated for overall structural risks as well. If concerned about your trees in a stormy Florida summer, a Gulf Coast Tree Care representative can offer you options for your unique tree.

We have tried to cover some basic questions you may have but understand that we may have left something out. Please call or email us regarding any of your tree needs to schedule a free initial consultation and estimate.

Steven Kale
FL-5437A