Choosing a tree service company is an important decision. After all, you are trusting them with the care of your trees, which can be a significant investment. You want to be sure that the company you choose is reputable, reliable, and will do the job right.

But with so many tree service companies, how do you choose the right one? Here are some things to guide your decision:

Experience of the Company

The tree service trade takes years or even decades to master all the ins and outs. For instance, developing a safety protocol that meets industry standards takes time, as does refining tree removal and trimming techniques. For that reason, you want to choose a company that has been in business for a while and has a good track record. 

Such a company will have the experience to deal with any tree issue you may have at all stages. They will also be up-to-date on the latest industrial standards, which is vital given the inherent dangers of tree work. 

At Aardvark Tree Service, we have over two decades of experience in the tree service industry. We have the expertise to deal with any tree issue you may have.

Good Google Reviews

How do you know if a company has what it takes to do a good job? An excellent place to start is by looking at online reviews. They will give you an idea of how past customers felt about the company's work. 

When looking at reviews, pay attention to their quantity and quality. It's one thing if a company has a lot of positive reviews, but it's another if those reviews are detailed and specific about why the customer was happy with the work. 

While you may not read all customer reviews, they should give you a good sense of what kind of company you're dealing with. 

Proper Insurance

There are many risks associated with tree work, which is why it's so essential that your tree service company has proper insurance. It's important for two reasons. First, it protects you from liability if a company's employee gets injured while working on your property. Second, it protects your property if there is any damage during the work. 

Make sure that the tree service company you choose has liability insurance. You can usually find this information on a company's website or by asking them directly. 

Owner Involved in Business

Locally owned and operated businesses are always a good choice compared to large, faceless cooperatives. The company owners are usually more invested in the quality of work and will be more hands-on in the day-to-day operations. They also have a personal stake in ensuring that their customers are happy with the result. 

Such companies are usually more invested in their community and are more likely to be responsive to customer concerns. They also offer personalized services that you're unlikely to get from a large company. That way, you can be confident that you're getting the best possible service. 

Proper Equipment

A reputable tree service company will have the proper equipment to do the job right. That includes things like ladders, bucket trucks, chainsaws, and chippers. The company should also have the appropriate safety gear for their employees, such as helmets, goggles, and gloves. 

Don't be afraid to ask a company about their equipment. A good company will be happy to show you their equipment and explain why it's the best for the job. 

Tree services are a crucial part of maintaining your property. But with so many companies to choose from, it's essential to do your research and pick the right one. 

Look no further than Aardvark Tree Service. We have everything you're looking for in a tree service company. We are proud to serve Deltona, Sanford, Debary, Orange City, and DeLand with our industry-leading service. Give us a call today!

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Before starting your home construction project, there are many things you need to prepare. Aside from the design and materials, the very first thing you need to check is your land and if it's good enough to hold your structure. Your land surveyor would study and grade the land to help engineers and architects form the blueprint of your home.

One of the first steps that usually takes place before construction is land grading. Land grading, in general, refers to the process of leveling the land’s surface to remove unnecessary elevations. This also prepares proper foundation of the home or structure.

Land grading may either be flat or sloped. A flat finished land surface is ideal for building a home while a sloped finish is good for proper drainage.

But does the land really need to be graded before building a home? This will always depend on a lot of factors including the slope, the size of the land, and your planned design. Some land are already graded before being available for sale. For those that are not however, a land surveyor may be able to determine the need for land grading. 

Different Uses of Land Grading

Generally, engineers and builders grade the land to maintain a level surface in preparation for new construction. However, there are many other important uses of land grading essential for home improvements and renovations. 

Land grading is widely used to improve landscape design. It could be a backyard improvement or add-ons like building a driveway. For this type, grading the land on a slope is needed. When working on your garden, landscape grading is used to put a layer of topsoil that is deemed healthy for the proper growth of plants. 

Land grading can likewise be used to improve a drainage system or to control soil erosion. When land grading is needed, construction equipment such as an excavator is used that is why professional consultation is important. 

Excavation is also a process of land grading. This means digging down a hole to make a low-lying surface to create a more sturdy foundation for structures like buildings or roads.

Working with Professionals for Land Grading

Initially, when starting a construction project, your contractor will be the one responsible for hiring a professional that can do land grading. For other purposes, however, there are a lot of construction companies that can provide a licensed land grading professional to help you. 

Land grading requires proper planning and it is not something that should be rushed especially if you are building the home of your dream. Take your time to do your research so you can find the right team for you. It would be necessary to work with an experienced team who can also provide solutions and bits of advice. 

For home projects, you should work with a resident land grading expert. The right team may be able to answer all important questions about the work process, cost, and other important matters.

If you're a resident or business in Deltona, Sanford, Debary, Orange City, DeLand, or Lake Mary, make sure to contact us for a free quote today.

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If you have a hazard tree in your yard or one that needs to come down for other reasons, you may be wondering does tree removal include roots? This is a hard question to answer because some companies will bundle tree removal with stump removal and other companies will list it as a separate task. Either way, removing a stump is something that you want to strongly consider because it’s the best way to reclaim the ground are where a tree once stood. 

What is the best way to get rid of a tree stump? You have a few choices when it comes to doing this. Although they may seem similar, they are actually two distinct types of stump removal that also are vastly different when it comes to pricing. They are:

Complete Stump Removal

This is by far the hardest and most time-consuming way to eliminate the left behind stump after you have taken a tree down. As such, it’s also the most expensive form of stump removal. This is because to remove a stump completely an excavator machine will have to dig around the entire root ball to remove it. It’s something that can require some very extensive digging and precision equipment work for larger trees.

So, when the answer to does tree removal include roots is no, then you have to make sure the price of this type of stump removal process is necessary for how you want to repurpose the ground where a tree once stood. Total stump removal is necessary under such circumstances as wanting to build a swimming pool in the area, putting on an addition where the tree once stood that has a foundation that will go slightly into the ground, and for species of trees where their roots will continue to grow even after the main part of the tree has been cut down.

Stump Grinding

This is by far the most popular way of removing a stump. That’s because it’s the least invasive method for doing and the least costly too. The biggest drawback to this method of stump removal is the stump is only ground down into the ground around 18”. This depth is suitable for such things as replanting or building a patio area but not for other backyard projects such as putting in a swimming pool, embedding poles, or putting up structures that need a sturdy foundation.

To best determine whether stump grinding is the preferred method of stump removal for your situation, it's best to again consult with a tree expert and get their professional opinion on the matter. Ask them at that time does tree removal include roots and if they say no, then try and work out a package price with them for this service so you can get the job done right and save a little money in the process.

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A diseased, storm damaged or dead tree calls for removal as they pose a serious risk of damage to the​ surrounding area. But, removing a tree can also be a hazard as its weight manifolds as it falls on the ground. There may be other factors such as property near the tree, power lines and cluster of trees that may make tree removal a difficult process. You can easily deal with such obstacles with a proper planning ahead the cutting of a tree. Here are a few things that you need to consider while removing the tree.
  
1. Ensure Safety: The safety of the surrounding area should be considered while planning to remove a tree. For instance, a hazard tree sitting near power lines needs to be removed safely. A tree with its branches touching the high voltage lines may catch fire and cause electricity disturbance in the area. Besides, the effect of cutting and removing a tree can be immense on the landscape.

2. Restoring the Loss: Trees and plants are living organisms. Their removal can significantly affect the overall health of the landscape. Loss of a tree should be replaced by a new plant, if possible. This will help restore any loss to the landscape.

3. Using the Right Equipment: To remove a tree, you should have a chainsaw with 3.5 horsepower and a 20-inch long bar. Besides, you should have protection for your eyes, legs and a rope. The length of a rope should be three times more than that of the tree you want to cut down.

4. Escape Route: Anything can happen during the time of felling. Have two escape routes ready for yourself. The escape routes should be created on a 45 degree angle from the sides of the tree.

5. Trim the Branches: If there are power lines, cluster of trees or main road near the tree, trim the branches before cutting down the tree. The branches of untrimmed tree may get tangle up with power lines and branches of nearby trees causing serious damages.

Considering the aforementioned points you can safely remove a tree. Duval and Son Services offer tree service in Deltona, FL and the surrounding areas. Call us today at 386-717-4959 for free consultation.
  

Do trees need to be watered? Trees need healthy soil, adequate sunlight, and water to thrive. In places where the quality of the soil is good and the weather is nice, a healthy tree can just spring and grow abundantly. But while trees need proper maintenance to grow, a lot of people are actually curious to know if they need to be watered regularly.
 
In Florida where the weather is fine all year round, you generally don’t need to water trees. The Sunshine State receives a good balance of sunlight and rain to keep different species of trees healthy. But watering trees will always depend on the place where the trees are and on several other factors.

Grown trees located in public places while being maintained by a state’s local group are not required to be watered regularly. These trees get to experience an abundance of sunlight and rainwater and what they have in store may be more than enough.
 
Trees that are newly planted may need to be watered especially if they are located in residential areas or communities. Those that are sprung in public places would thrive with just the right amount of rainfall.
 
Florida is blessed with such incredible weather so trees can grow healthy naturally. An additional watering can even harm trees because they might be receiving more than what they really need. During dry season however or when a place is experiencing drought, watering efforts might be necessary.

Trees will show signs that they need urgent care. Below are some of the things that tell you it's time to water the trees.
 
Wilting leaves. A tree that has leaves that are wilting or turning brown could mean that it is dehydrated and may need additional water.
 
Changing colors. A tree and its leaves and flowers may change color during fall however, if the transitioning happens earlier, it could be a sign that it is dehydrated.
 
Soil health. You can always tell if the tree needs watering through the soil that is surrounding it. Generally, you can stick a thick object in the soil by your tree. If sticking feels difficult, then the tree probably needs a little bit more watering.

You can always take care of newly planted trees in your backyard. Remember to water them when you plant them. During the first few weeks after planting, it is also recommended to water them daily as well.
 
If your trees are growing well, regular watering won’t be necessary unless they are looking very dry and unhealthy. Make it a habit to check the soil as well and clean clutters surrounding your trees to keep them in good shape.
 
It is important to always check your trees and spot signs that they need more water. Growing trees can be a challenge but it is a very rewarding experience. If you are unsure of what to do, you can always call the help of professionals.

Hopefully, your question about do trees need to be watered has already been answered above. Trees do need maintenance and sometimes tree trimming or tree pruning may be necessary. If you are located in Deltona, Sanford, DeLand, Lake Mary, and the surrounding areas, contact Duval and Son Services for tree maintenance services. You may reach us at 386-717-4959 for a free quote.

Whether or not you are planning to list a home for sale, you might think about of ways to make it more beautiful. Your residential property, after all, might just be one of your most valuable investments. You may ask, does landscaping increase property value? Read on as we dig deeper and understand the benefits of having a beautifully landscaped home.
 
Landscaping increases the value of your real estate. Having a tidy garden, beautiful plants and trees, and hazard-free surroundings can definitely add value to your home. Studies show that landscaping gives your home a more impressive appearance, increase the curb appeal of your property, and can increase the value of your real estate by 15 percent!

Now that you already know about increasing your property value with landscape, then you might be wondering what makes a landscape beautiful in the first place?
 
Some lawn and gardening experts would talk about different design elements such as color, texture, planning, elevation, keeping the harmony within the surrounding, curves, and so much more. Homeowners who also love gardening can work on landscaping their yard on their own, but you may also choose to hire experts to help you out.

If you have mature and towering trees on your property, you can expect even more value for your home. This article mentions a survey that shows a 7 to 19 percent increase for the price of a residential property with beautiful trees.
 
Naturally, these numbers go full reverse when you have a poorly maintained front and back yard. Also, trees need some care and maintenance too so they can remain beautiful and healthy through the years. If you want trees on your yard to mature, grow, and reach their full potential, then you must have them maintained too.

Does landscaping increase property value? Yes! Tree maintenance plays a huge role in keeping your landscaped property beautiful. So, if you are anywhere in Deltona, Sanford, DeLand, Lake Mary, Orange City, Debary, and the surrounding areas, contact Duval and Son Services for tree trimming, tree pruning, and many more tree maintenance services. You may reach us at 386-717-4959 for a free quote.

It is sometimes hard to tell whether or not tree removal has become necessary. And you cannot always look at a tree and know for sure if it needs to be taken down. However, it is always best to err on the side of caution. 

Anytime you see a tree that looks like it might fall on or near your home, take action. It is always best to consult with a professional tree company, unless you have experience dealing with trees.
 
Trying to remove or cut down trees on your own can be very dangerous in deed. Most people do not realize the dangers involved in falling trees, and assume it is much easier than they realize.
 
So always assess the situation and determined first if your tree poses any danger to your home or property. If you determine the answer is yes, then call a qualified tree company in your area.

Some of these dangers might include:

• Leaning trees
• Falling branches
• Any trees close to power lines
• Any tree close to carports or driveways
• Any trees that are very old and very large (these need to be watched closely given the threat of hurricanes)

 
There are many qualified tree removal companies in Deltona, Sanford, Lake Mary, and the surrounding areas. And most will provide free estimates for their work. So it will not cost you anything to get a price for the work, except a little bit of your time.
 
There are many horror stories of people trying to do DIY tree projects on their own. It is simply not worth the savings to put you or your family in danger.

Deltona can be a particularly dangerous place for tree removal, as there are so many trees in the area. When you have an area with only a few trees, controlling falls and cutting is much more straightforward. However, in an area of thick trees you need to take extra caution.

And if you're ever in question, call the pros at Duval and Son Services.

Trees play a lot of important roles in society hence it is important to keep them well-maintained. Today, we will be sharing with you some tree trimming tips for homeowners that will help you care for and preserve the trees on your property. Knowing how to safely trim trees is a great way to not only keep you safe but also the people around you as well. It can also save costs from hiring a professional.

There are several reasons trees need trimming and one of those is the health of the tree. Lessening some parts of the tree can improve the flow of air, thus bringing in more oxygen. Another reason is safety since trees shed leaves and branches, it can come into contact with running cars and cause accidents. Lastly, being able to trim trees is a great way to keep them looking great and maintain their appearance and form.

Here are some helpful tree trimming tips for your home.  

1. Only trim parts that are frail and damaged – Only remove those branches that cannot be retained as they cannot be saved and would only be more of a problem later on. These branches are the ones that have constricted angles and are v-shaped.

2. Do not trim too long or too short – Cutting too long or short can deal you with many problems that can leave your tree unable to properly recover. It can also affect how new branches grow and they might not even grow back at all.

3. Trim branches at their early stage – Trimming younger branches can help stimulate new growth and lessens the chances of leaving scars when you cut them. Trimming them earlier will also make them easier to handle.

4. Using the correct equipment – Using the right equipment is a great way to see that the branches you are tending to are trimmed. An improperly trimmed branch can result in pest infestations and infections.

5. Be diligent about the size of the branches – Only trim trees when needed, longer ones might not need trimming unless needed or if they are getting too weak. Even then, you should only trim those types when you have a good reason.  A shorter branch is more ideal for cutting as they can surely recover again.

Although the above tree trimming tips for homeowners might have already given you a good idea about how trimming a tree should be done, it is still best to get assistance from a tree contractor for assistance. If you need tree trimming Lake Mary or if you require tree services in Debary, Deltona, Sanford, DeLand, and the surrounding areas, Duval and Son Services is the company to call. You may reach us at 386-717-4959 for a free quote.

Will homeowners insurance cover tree removal? This is probably one of the questions you have in mind when need to remove a tree from your property. After all, you paid for that insurance policy so you might as well take advantage of the included services you can get out of it. The short answer to this question though would be both yes and no. It depends on the situation and the type of tree removal you require.

There are different reasons for tree removal and the situation dictates whether homeowners insurance will cover the fees. What are the most common types of tree removal services?

1. Remove a tree that fell on your property
   
2. Remove a tree for aesthetic or landscape purposes
3. Remove an overgrown tree
4. Remove a tree for replanting in another location
5. Remove tree that fell on your neighbor’s property

There are other situations not mentioned above. Consult your contractor of choice or your insurance company to learn more.

Insurance policies differ. However, most homeowners insurance policies cover tree removal fees only when a tree fell on a covered structure due to peril such as strong winds during a hurricane. Note that most policies do not cover damage due to flooding or an earthquake.  

Let’s say a tree fell on your house and damaged the roof. After paying your deductible, the insurance company will cover the cost of removing the tree and repairing your home. However, if a tree fell on your garden or backyard, you will have to shoulder the costs of removing that tree from your property.

If a tree fell on your neighbors’ property and damaged the roof of their home, then they can contact their insurance company for assistance. It is their homeowners insurance that will cover the costs, not yours. However, if your tree fell on your neighbors’ yard or garden, then you will most likely shoulder the cost of removing that tree.

It is still best to consult with your insurance company to make sure about the coverage. There were instances when trees would fall on a driveway resulting in paving damage and the insurance covered repair costs.

Will homeowners insurance cover tree removal? Always remember that if a tree fell on your house, the insurance will only cover costs if it happened because of a storm. If you tried cutting a tree on your own and it accidentally fell on your house and damaged the roof, your insurance company will most likely not help you out. So when you need tree removal services, call a licensed contractor you can trust. For tree removal services in Deltona, Sanford, Debary, Orange City, and the surrounding areas, call Duval and Son Services for assistance. Contact us at 386-717-4959 today to get a free quote!

Hurricanes are no strangers to Florida homeowners. In fact, there are multiple hurricanes and severe weather conditions that happen yearly. As a responsible homeowner, one of the best ways to prepare for the rainy days is to ensure that you have hurricane ready trees.

If most homeowners don’t care about their trees being hurricane ready, Florida will probably have zero trees right now. After all, there have been so many hurricanes that passed over the years that could have easily blown away even some very large trees. However, thanks to the preparation of these homeowners, many trees have been saved and the state still looks beautifully green just about everywhere.

So how can you be sure that you have hurricane ready trees anyway? We can all only do so much once we have received weather reports about an upcoming storm. Therefore, it makes a lot of sense to prepare in advance and ensure that all trees are well maintained. This way, a tree on your property is one less thing to worry about when the weather is bad.

Firstly, you have to make sure that you don’t have hazard trees on your property. Hazard trees are the ones you would consider weak, diseased, or dead. These may also be overgrown trees that lack maintenance. These are the trees that can easily fall when strong winds blow them away.

It is always best to reach out to a tree contractor to ensure that your trees are hurricane ready. They can either help you out with tree trimming or tree pruning so that they would remove weak tree branches. As a last resort, tree removal is done to remove a tree that’s beyond saving.

Human life is important and fallen trees can cause serious injuries and major damage to property. So it’s better to be prepared with hurricane ready trees all year round.  For tree service assistance in Deltona, Sanford, DeLand, Lake Mary, Orange City, Debary, and the surrounding areas, we are here to help. Call Duval and Son Services at 386-717-4959 to get a free estimate!