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Trees Damaged By Winter Storms?

Winter storm damage

Some winters, storms cause tremendous damage to trees in the Danbury area and across Connecticut. Strong winds, ice buildup and heavy snow loads can snap branches and knock trees over.

What should you do if your tree has been damaged by a winter storm?

Assess the Damage

First, inspect the tree to evaluate the extent of storm damage.

If the damage is only minor, such as broken twigs and maybe one or two small branches, then there’s no need for immediate action. Wait until the storm has passed and major clean-up has been completed. At that point it will probably take only a little pruning to restore the tree to its normal shape.

Moderate damage to the tree usually involves larger broken branches. If they’ve fallen from the tree you can remove the debris (but look up first to make sure there’s nothing else hanging above you). Branches that are still hanging from the tree can be incredibly dangerous and should be tackled only by an arborist with the training and specialized equipment to do it safely.

More severe damage, such as a split crotch or trunk, or a downed tree, is always reason to call in the professionals. Keep in mind that if you know the tree is damaged, you’re liable for any damage (to people or property) caused by that tree or branch down the road, so dealing with it quickly is the best option.

If the tree poses an immediate danger, such as if it’s leaning on your house, call us right away.

WARNING – If the tree has hit a power line, do not go near it! Call the power company and a certified arborist right away.

Evaluate Your Options

Hanging branch from winter storm

A hanging branch like this poses a major safety hazard.

Once you’ve assessed the level of damage to your tree, you’ll need to decide what to do about it.

Minor damage requires little work to restore a tree to full health and beauty. But more extensive damage raises issues of cost, safety, appearance, value and long-term health of the tree. Not all damaged trees can be saved, and others probably should not be. A professional arborist can help you determine the best course of action for a damaged tree.

Some things a tree care professional will discuss with you when deciding whether or not to remove a damaged tree include:

  • How susceptible the tree species is to pests and disease
  • Whether the tree is nearing the end of its normal lifespan
  • How healthy the tree was before it was damaged
  • The role it plays in your landscape (e.g., shade, screening) and whether it’s still able to do that after the damage has been corrected
  • How vulnerable the tree will be to future storm damage and how much damage it would cause if it fails
  • Whether it has sentimental or historic value

Bring in the Professionals

Dealing with a storm-damaged tree is not a job for the weekend warrior. Stress loads cause the tree to react in unexpected and often dangerous ways, and simple tree removal techniques may not be appropriate.

Look for an ISA Certified Arborist with the training and specialized equipment to safely and efficiently remove trees that have been damaged or toppled by winter storms.

Don’t Do This To Your Trees!

Tree topping

Nearly every day I drive by at least one property where there’s a tree that’s been topped. It makes me cringe every time. Yet tree topping is a practice that doesn’t seem to be going away – along with several other problems that I often see.

So I was happy to be interviewed by Total Landscape Care for an article titled “Arborists: Some common tree-care practices are ill-advised” where I was asked to describe some of the worst, yet common, tree care practices I see around the Danbury, CT area. While these are things you will often see done, it doesn’t mean that they’re the right things to do. In fact, many of these practices can kill your trees.

Here are some of the mistakes I regularly see.

Tree Topping

Topped tree

A topped tree is not only unsightly, it’s also unsafe and unhealthy.

Topping is the practice of drastically cutting back all of a tree’s larger branches at a random point to make them shorter. The result is a tree with large, stubby branches sticking out in all directions. The problem is that not only does it not look good (a coat rack comes to mind), it’s also harmful to the tree. Plus, in the long run, it will cost you more to care for – or even remove – the tree.

After topping, a tree quickly grows back to the same size (or even larger) but will have lost its natural shape and the new growth will be weaker and poorly attached to the trunk (making the tree more dangerous). Add to that the fact that the large, non-selective heading cuts made when topping the tree don’t heal well (leading to rot, disease, and insect infestations) and you have a recipe for disaster.

If you’re looking for ways to reduce the overall size of your tree, give us a call. There are special pruning techniques that can make the tree smaller without damaging it.

Mulch Volcanoes

Mulch volcano

Mulch volcanoes are NOT good

Just because poorly-informed landscapers persist in piling mulch around tree trunks doesn’t mean that you should too!

While mulch can be helpful in protecting trees from string trimmers and lawnmowers, can suppress weeds, and can help keep tree roots moist, over-mulching can suffocate tree roots and cause rot and fungal problems on the tree trunk. In fact, it’s become such a problem that it’s one of the leading causes of tree and shrub death in our area.

Please check out this article to learn more about using mulch correctly.

Planting Too Deep

It’s better to plant a tree in a hole that’s a little on the shallow side than it is to plant it too deeply. As with over-mulching, planting too deeply results in rot, fungal diseases, and suffocation. Trees planted this way will start to decline and will die within a few years.

To be sure a tree is planted at the right depth, make sure you can see the root flare above ground. That’s the part at the bottom of the tree trunk where it starts to widen out, just above the roots.

You can read our tree planting tips here.

Planting In a Small Hole

Trees need room to grow, and so does their root system. The planting hole should be at least two to three times as wide as the root ball to give roots space to grow. Digging a nice, deep hole that’s barely wider than the container or rootball will only serve to ensure the tree dies.

Leaving on the Burlap or Wire Basket

Many times when I’ve removed a smaller dead tree, I’ve found a wire basket or burlap sack wrapped around the roots. That’s the basket or burlap that the tree was in before it was planted, and it should’ve been removed before planting. When it’s left in place, or only partially removed, it prevents the tree’s roots from growing into the surrounding soil. As a result, the tree becomes unstable, cannot get the nutrients and water it needs, and eventually dies.

Please don’t let any of these problems happen to you! Hiring an ISA Certified Arborist will ensure that your trees are planted, pruned and maintained in the best way possible to keep them safe, healthy and beautiful for the long term.

 

 

Tornado Damage Slideshow

Blog may tornado

After Tuesday’s violent storm and tornadoes, trees and power lines are down across a large part of Connecticut. We’re seeing devastating damage in Brookfield and surrounding areas. Tree care companies from surrounding areas are coming in to help with the cleanup and we’re running flat out responding to emergencies.

For more details, see this clip from WSFB Channel 3 News – http://www.wfsb.com/story/38228064/brookfield-clean-up-continues-days-after-storm (you may notice the Barts truck and yellow spider lift in the background of several shots).

It’s understandable that people want to get trees off their house or car and cleared from driveways and roads as quickly as possible. We’ve seen people with chainsaws tackling fallen trees without wearing proper protective gear and without any understanding of how a tree under stress can react when cut. This is extremely dangerous work and should not be done by anyone other than a licensed tree care professional (preferably a Certified Arborist). Please do not try to cut a tree off your house, car or any other structure. It may take a few days for a licensed arborist to get to your property but a few days wait is better than a potentially deadly accident.

Below is a slideshow of some of the work we’ve been doing.

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Don’t Kill Your Trees When Draining Your Pool

Swimming pool - chlorine damage

 

When summer ends and you need to drain your swimming pool, what do you do?

Most homeowners don’t want to leave water in the pool, especially if it’s above ground. So the easiest and quickest option is to drain the water into the landscape.

But there are unintended consequences of taking the easy way out on this annual pool maintenance task.

Swimming Pool Water Harms Plants

Swimming pool water contains chemicals, especially chlorine, that can harm your trees and landscape plants when water drains and floods the area. Too much chlorine can damage tree leaves and other delicate tissues. Too much chlorinated water all at once can even kill trees.

It doesn’t take much chlorine for damage to occur. Some experts say the concentration threshold for tree damage can be as low as 0.5 parts per million.

Other factors related to tree damage from chlorine include the timing of the exposure, the amount of pool water trees receive, and if trees are still growing or are dormant.

Chlorine Damage in Trees

Research shows chlorinated pool water reacts with elements in the soil to form chloride compounds. When trees take up these compounds through their roots, leaves will look like they’re burned, something similar to leaf scorch. Leaves will show dry dead tips, edges and leaf veins. Some leaves may yellow, have stunted growth, and drop before they should. These are all signs of chlorine damage.

Some trees seem to be more susceptible than others to the chlorine in pool water. For example, the following trees have a high sensitivity to chlorine:

  • Ash
  • Box Elder
  • Crabapple
  • Dogwood
  • Horse Chestnut
  • Maples
  • Mulberry
  • Pin Oak
  • Sweet Gum
  • Yellowwood

In addition to the danger of chlorine toxicity, releasing thousands of gallons of pool water all at once can starve trees of oxygen or damage roots, making them more vulnerable to soil borne diseases. It takes time for pool water to seep into the soil, for trees get a drink, and to let the soil dry properly.

Five Ways To Drain Swimming Pools Safely

Take your time to drain the pool safely to protect your trees from chlorine damage. Here are five ideas to help you get started:

  1. Stop chlorinating your pool at least a week before you plan to drain it. This step allows the chlorine to dissipate naturally.
  2. Test the pool water before draining to make sure the pH level is between 7 and 8.
  3. Drain the pool slowly to allow water to absorb into the soil over time.
  4. Consider non-chlorinated pool water as grey water, not clean water. Test the water on a few inexpensive and replaceable plants before watering trees.
  5. Scoop buckets of pool water to leave in the sun until no chlorine remains (about 24-48 hours should do the trick). Use these buckets to water plants in other parts of the landscape.

What To Do If Trees Are Damaged By Chlorinated Pool Water

If your trees show symptoms of damage from chlorinated pool water, irrigate the area with clean, non-chlorinated water to help dilute the chlorine and leach it out of the soil.

If that doesn’t help (and it may not) then give us a call. We’ve seen a lot of trees killed this way and may be able to save yours.

How To Prevent Winter Deer Damage

Stop winter deer damage to treesIf there are deer in your neighborhood then they’ve probably stopped by your property to feed. As deer populations increase in Connecticut, more and more homeowners are faced with the problem of trying to keep them away from landscape plants, especially in winter when there’s little other food available to hungry deer.

An adult deer eats between 6 to 7 pounds of plant material every day. With that kind of voracious appetite, it won’t take long for them to totally decimate the plantings on your property.

Deer also carry ticks that spread Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections. Although deer may look cute, you definitely don’t want them hanging around your home!

So what can you do to keep deer away?

Below are the most effective ways to prevent deer browsing. However, if winter weather is harsh enough and food becomes scarce, deer will munch on just about anything. This includes normally “deer-resistant” plants and shrubs, as well as some plants that have been sprayed with repellents that are highly effective under normal conditions.

Effective Ways to Prevent Deer Damage

Spray Repellents

The deer spray barts uses lasts 6 months and has no color to stain your property

The deer spray Barts uses lasts 6 months and has no color to stain your property

For most homeowners, the easiest and most economical approach to keeping deer away is a spray repellent program starting in the fall. This spray is innocuous to plants and shrubs while smelling and/or tasting bad to the deer.

Here in Connecticut, deer repellent sprays should be applied September through December when temperatures are above freezing. Application earlier in the browsing cycle (September and October) leads to much better results.

There are two types of deer repellents, contact repellents and area repellents. Contact repellents are applied directly to plants, causing them to taste bad (this is what we use at Barts). Area repellents are placed in a problem area and repel by their foul odor but we haven’t found these to be as effective.

Spray repellents should be applied on a dry day with temperatures above freezing. We treat young trees completely and older trees may be treated only on their new growth and buds. Treat to a height 6 feet above the maximum expected snow depth. Deer browse from the top down.

Home-remedy deer repellents are questionable at best. These include small, fine-mesh bags of human hair and bar soap hung from branches of trees, among others. The only truly effective home remedy I’ve seen is a 100 lb dog in your yard. Deer don’t like things that remind them of wolves and they’ll generally stay clear.

At Barts Tree Service we spray “Deer Free Winter Armor” to protect your landscape from deer. This is a white pepper based product so as you can imagine it doesn’t taste good at all. The product lasts 6 months and is made right here in the USA. One of the best features of this product is that it dries clear, whereas most of the other deer repellent sprays on the market have a green dye which can stain your house, walkway or other infrastructure.

>> GET A DEER SPRAY ESTIMATE

Deer Fencing

Another option is to put up deer fencing around all plants that you want to protect. Keep in mind that this fencing must be 8 feet tall – anything shorter and deer can jump over it! If you have a few specimen trees or large flower beds, this can be a good choice as there’s no need to spray once the fence is up. The downside is the work involved in actually putting up the fence and the space needed to store it during the warmer months.

Electric fences also can be used. Electric fences should be of triple-galvanized, high-tensile, 13.5-gauge wire carrying a current of 35 milliamps and 3,000 to 4,500 volts. Several configurations of electric fences are used: vertical five-, seven-, or nine-wire; slanted seven-wire; single strand; and others. When using a single strand electric fence it helps the deer to see that the wire is there if you mark it with cloth strips, tape or something similar. Otherwise, the deer may not see it in time and go right through it.

Wrapping in Burlap

If you only have smaller shrubs to protect, you may want to simply wrap them in burlap. Not only does this protect them from grazing deer, but it protects the shrubs from drying out in the cold winter winds. You can learn more about this in our article on preventing winter browning in evergreens.

And if you’re having problems with bucks damaging your trees by rubbing their antlers against the trunk, check out our article on preventing deer rub damage.

Are Your Trees Ready for Winter?

Winter tree assessment
Winter is coming. Are you sure that your trees will make it through the winds, snow, ice, and cold in one piece?

Winter weather, especially winter storms, can be tough on trees. The wind and snow load can break branches and even bring down whole trees. Freezing temperatures can cause trunks to crack and split apart.

Don’t risk having a tree fall on you, your house, or your property – not to mention your neighbor’s house or property (but if it does, here are some insurance considerations to think about).

Now is the time to carefully inspect your trees for defects or damage that could be made worse by winter weather. Here are some tips on how to examine your trees to see if they need some work before winter arrives.

You can also check our article on the seven important tree defects to identify and address – each of these can cause dangerous conditions for you and your family.

If you think that any of your trees are potentially hazardous, or if you’d like us to examine your trees, please give us a call at 203-240-1302.

The best time to assess your trees and address any hazardous conditions is right now – before winter wreaks havoc on your trees.

 

 

 

Q&A: Will Snow Banks Damage My Trees and Shrubs?

Snow banks piled up around evergreen treeQuestion: We’ve had a lot of snow this winter and it’s piled up along the drive and walkway. Are all these snow banks going to damage my trees and shrubs?

Although Connecticut seems like the new arctic right now, spring is just around the corner (at least I hope so). With all the snow piled up from this season there are some preventative measures you can take to help your trees and shrubs get a healthy start to the growing season before the snow melts.

The Problem With Snow Banks

First, a good majority of the snow banks that are pushed up against your trees have large amounts of salt, sand or de-icing chemicals in them. As the snow melts, all these chemicals will leach into the soil and can poison your trees and shrubs.

Younger trees and shrubs are at a higher risk than mature trees since the roots are contained in a smaller area. In most cases, this results in salt damage, which stresses the tree but probably won’t kill it. However, in high concentrations the chemicals can kill your trees and shrubs.

Second, large mounds of snow piled up against trees and shrubs will start to melt and turn into blocks of heavy ice. As the spring melt progresses, these piles will get lower and lower. If there are branches encapsulated in the snow bank then all of this weight will break them. This is more common with evergreens and shrubs since they have branches from ground level up.

Snow piled on shrubsSteps You Can Take to Protect Your Landscape

This is the time to break up those snow banks left from plowing, particularly those that are around young trees and shrubs. Move the snow elsewhere so as it melts the runoff will flow away from the tree.

Focus on snow that was removed from walkways and paved surfaces where deicers were used. Clean snow melting off will not pose any chemical risk to your landscape.

Also look at runoff areas from paved surfaces. If all the melt water is going to flow towards your tress and shrubs look at redirecting the flow. You can buy sand bags or long socks full of sand from a hardware store or you can literally fill an old sock with sand. Lay them on the ground to direct melt off away from trees.

Take note of melt off flow this spring. If it’s problematic then change where snow is piled next season. It’s best if you can keep these piles away from trees and shrubs and down hill from them. This way, it will leach these chemicals away and make for a much healthier landscape.

As the ground thaws start a weekly watering regimen for a month or so. This may seem strange given that the ground is already wet but it will help to flush salt and chemicals from the ground and ensure healthy trees and shrubs for spring.

For more information, see our article on salt damage to trees.

 

Preventing Winter Rodent Damage on Young Trees

Winter rodent damage to bark of a young tree

Winter rodent damage to the bark of a young tree

Mice, voles, rabbits and rodents can cause damage to young trees, saplings and shrubs during the winter months by feeding on bark, twigs, buds and foliage.

As snow accumulates around tree trunks and lower branches, it provides a great environment for little critters to tunnel around tree trunks. By tunneling under the snow, they can create a protected habitrail network for feeding, especially when deep snow on the ground is persistent.

This feeding can create small nibbling wounds in the bark and deeper layers of the tree which allow fungal and parasitic attacks come spring. In some cases, the damage can be severe enough where the trunk is girdled (eaten away entirely around the circumference) and cuts off vascular flow, killing the tree or shrub.

If the snow has a nice hard crust you will also see tree damage two or three feet off the ground – just above the snow level. Since rabbits and the like can stay on top of the snow pack while foraging, they have access to bark higher up the tree.

How to Prevent Winter Rodent Damage

Before the snow starts flying, wrap ¼ inch wire mesh around the bottom 24 inches of the tree. Be sure to sink the mesh 2 inches into the ground so the critters can’t get under it. Ensure the mesh is not too snug around the trunk and consider removing it each spring. There are also plastic tree guards that work well.

During the winter, shovel snow from around your small trees so as to eliminate the rodent habitrail feeding opportunity. This also allows predators, especially owls and hawks, to have a clear sight line to these rodents if they are going for a snack so it will naturally reduce the likelihood of rodent damage.

Q&A: Why Do Trees Make Cracking Noises in Winter?

Popping sounds from trees during winterQuestion: My trees make all kinds of popping and cracking sounds during really cold winter weather. What’s all that racket??

When temperatures dip well below zero, trees will make all kinds of popping and cracking noises, especially if the temperature drops very quickly. These sounds are typically caused by frost cracks.

What is a Frost Crack?

When water freezes, it expands in volume. The sap in trees is made of water diluted with carbohydrates (sugars) and minerals, which acts like antifreeze. The higher the sugar content, the lower the freezing point of sap.

But there is always a point where even sugar-rich sap will freeze. Depending on how much sap is in the tree, its sugar content, and the temperature, it can result in a vertical cracking in the trunk, called a frost crack.

Frost cracks also form when the temperatures heat up. On sunny winter days, tree bark will warm from solar energy. This causes cells to expand in the bark and the sapwood under the bark. When the sun goes down, the temperature drops very quickly causing the bark to contract. However, the sapwood under the bark doesn’t cool as fast, causing the bark to crack.

Since sun exposure can be a key driver, the south and southwestern side of trees are where you will see many of these cracks.

Effects of Frost Cracks on Tree Health

Trees are similar to the plumbing in your house; they have xylem and phloem tubes in the interior of the tree, which transport fluids up and down the tree. When the sap freezes, these tubes burst just like the copper pipes in a house.

Frost cracks can be small and internal (so you don’t see them) or large and external (so they break through the bark). These larger frost cracks are the ones you usually hear – they tend to make that loud crack or pop that wakes you up in the middle of the night. Some cracks can be severe enough that they crack almost anytime the temperature plunges, year after year.

During the spring, the tree will try to grow over the crack with a special type of wood called “reaction wood” (kind of like a scab). Unfortunately, in most cases it cracks again the next winter.

This cycle of annual cracking and reaction wood growth leaves a large vertical seam, which is an indicator of a weak tree that, in many cases, has compromised strength and internal decay.

So while popping sounds don’t mean that your tree is going to fall down any time soon, take a good look at your trees in spring to see if there are any vertical seams. Keep an eye on them from year to year and if you have any concerns, call in an arborist for a hazardous tree assessment.

 

How To Protect Trees and Shrubs From Winter Weather

Winter tree assessment
Tree in winterHere in Connecticut we face a whole range of threats to our trees and shrubs during winter, both from the weather itself and from animal pests. Here are just a few of the things that can injure your plants during the cold months of winter:

  1. Heavy snow loads can break branches, especially if snow is shoveled or falls off your roof onto your plants
  2. Cold dry winds will dry out trees, especially conifers
  3. Sun reflecting off snow can scald and blister tree trunks and branches
  4. And of course deer will munch away on anything they can get to

The good news is that all of these things can be prevented. Here are our recommendations for how to protect trees and shrubs from the harsh winter weather.

Protection From Snow Loads

We recently got this client ready for winter by setting up frames to protect shrubs close to the house.

We recently got this client ready for winter by setting up frames to protect shrubs close to the house.

Build an A-frame over plantings and shrubs near the house so when snow comes off the roof they are shielded from the impact. This is a great use of some scrap plywood or planks. Cut them so as to form an A over the shrub, then either screw the pieces together at the top or install a couple old hinges so you can tuck it away for next year.

Protection from Wind, Sun and Deer

Build frames around shrubs next to the house where snow loads may come off the roof.

Build frames around shrubs next to the house where snow loads may come off the roof.

The most effective winter protection for trees and shrubs is burlap. Eco-friendly, biodegradable and strong, burlap is the MacGyver of protecting your landscape.

This functional fabric is ideal for protecting newly planted trees, late-planted trees with underdeveloped root systems, and trees subject to powerful winter winds, sunscald, and damaging hard frost.

How to Apply Burlap

There are two trains of thought on how to apply burlap.

Option 1 – Wrap the Plant

The final step will be to wrap burlap around these frames.

The final step will be to wrap burlap around these frames.

First, wrap the plant directly with burlap and tie it to itself with string or zip ties. This helps to mitigate the winter concerns previously mentioned but I don’t like that it’s in direct contact with the tree, shrub or conifer. My concern here is that the plant can’t breath and could trap moisture against foliage (especially on conifers). However, it’s a quick and easy way to provide protection and is better than no protection at all.

Option 2 – Build a Tent

The second option is a little more work but I believe it’s a better system. Instead of wrapping the burlap around the plant, use metal or wood stakes like you’re creating a fence around your bushes and/or shrubs. Try to close off deer access if you can and at a minimum put up one straight row to create a wind break.

Make sure to beat the stakes into the ground before frost sets in!

The key here is to keep the burlap 6”-10” from the plant and foliage so it breaths a little. Make sure the burlap is high enough to keep deer away. Also, if you use wood stakes you can just go crazy with the staple gun when securing the burlap. When you remove the burlap in spring, just roll it up and label a stake so you know where to put it next fall.

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Testimonials

Polite, Prompt & Professional

Every time we use Barts we are more than pleased. Professional and knowledgeable. The crews are so polite and they leave the work area clean and undamaged. Matt responds very promptly to requests and does exactly what we ask him to.

Suzi D.
Brookfield, CT
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
 
Careful & Reasonably Priced

I have used Bart's tree service and was extremely pleased. The crew was very conscious of the fact huge trees were near the house and carefully took down leafed trees without falling on the house or ruining what little lawn I do have.

This time cleanup of falling over trees and an a large dead ash and cedar were removed. ... In (...Read More...)

Catherine M.
Ridgefield, CT
Monday, April 18, 2016
 
Very Professional

Last fall we had many large pine trees cut down and the stumps have been an eyesore ever since. I found Barts online at random, read the reviews, then called. Matt called back the next day, stopped by to see the work, gave a very good price to remove the stumps, and I gave him the job. Matt also recommended to remove 2 other very (...Read More...)

Ken H.
Brookfield, CT
Sunday, May 1, 2016
 
Went Above and Beyond

We highly recommend Barts Tree Service. They were respectful, very hardworking and went above and beyond, exceeding our expectations. They removed 5 large trees plus saplings and wood chipped them all - arriving early morning and all finished by late afternoon. We were at the start of having a new house constructed and advised by (...Read More...)

Tina M.
Sandy Hook, CT
Thursday, October 6, 2016
 
Did a Fabulous Job

We live on a lake front property with a steep topography making tree and landscape work difficult. Barts gave us a fair estimate, arrived promptly and on schedule and did a fabulous job removing trees, shrubs, large limbs with a perfect clean up. We have used three other tree services over the last 11 years and Barts far exceeds t (...Read More...)

Ken K.
New Fairfield
Thursday, September 21, 2017
 
Efficient & Well-Organized

I live on a property with many trees, and I contacted Bart's Tree Service this month (January 2017) when I noticed a damaged tall white oak on my property. The first time I used Bart's Tree Service was in the spring of 2015, and I was impressed with Bart's good service at that time--so I contacted Bart's again to get help with my (...Read More...)

Eloise Swenson
Brookfield, CT
Sunday, February 26, 2017
 
Easy To Work With

Barts Tree Service is very easy to work with. Matt is quick to respond via phone or email and provides an accurate estimate. I have used them for two projects now and Matt and his team have done a great job both times and stayed on budget. If you need any type of tree service call Barts!

Andrew S.
Wilton, CT
Tuesday, June 6, 2017
 
WOW!

This company is by far one of the best experiences we have ever had as home owners! Matt, the owner came to give us an estimate for pruning our apple orchard. He pointed out that it had been done wrong in the past and explained what needed to be done. He spent time showing us what we could do to save money in the future. He is ver (...Read More...)

Scott F.
Danbury, CT (Review from Yelp)
Friday, April 3, 2015
 
Thank You!

Thank you for the beautiful work at our house in Danbury!! The trees have never looked better. We appreciate your eye, and your team's thoroughness and tidiness - not a stray leaf left behind. THANK YOU BART'S TREE SERVICE!!!

Maura Newell J.
Danbury, CT (Review from Yelp)
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
 
Expert Tree Service

Matt and crew showed up exactly when they said they would and did precisely what I asked them to do. They're real pros and I'll call them next time I need expert tree service.

William G.
Review from Yellowpages.com
Thursday, June 26, 2014
 
Skilled Crew

Bart's Tree Service offers a skilled crew with access to all the equipment and techniques to efficiently do the largest jobs. They have a bucket truck, crane, wood chipper, several tree climbers and are skilled with ropes and pulleys. They carefully removed several large trees which were precariously over my house. I watched in aw (...Read More...)

Rosemarie M.
Review from Yellowpages.com
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
 
A Great Experience

Asked around and got Matt's name. He came right out for a free estimate, very courteous and knowledgeable. He gave me tips on things that I could do myself to save money and explained all his ideas and thoughts. Gave me a great price and came out to do the work very promptly. The crew was very courteous as well. When I had a coupl (...Read More...)

Melissa K.
Sandy Hook (Review from Yelp)
Monday, July 8, 2013
 
The Epitome of Professionalism

Fabulous company! Matt and the rest of the company are the epitome of professionalism. They try very hard to keep the cost reasonable and are flexible in setting up work times. They leave the site in great condition. I highly recommend them!

Megan F.
Review from Google+
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
 
Absolutely Fantastic

Matt and his team are absolutely fantastic. They went above and beyond, were fast, polite and professional. They cleaned up beautifully and they listened well.

Matt knows his trees, shrubs and bushes and he is not out to rip you off. In fact, he gives a very fair price and gets to the job quickly and with safety in mind.

MaryAnn M.
Danbury, CT
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
 
Very knowledgeable

I've worked with several tree firms in the four homes I've lived in, and I can honestly say that Bart's Tree Service is extraordinary.I am very pleased with the efficient and professional work performed by Matt and his servicemen. I needed a variety of work, from pruning to removal throughout the property. As a couple men were i (...Read More...)

Lorraine R.
Ridgefield, CT (Review from Yelp)
Monday, March 31, 2014
 
Did An Excellent Job

I first used Bart's Tree service in 2013 to take down a large catalpa that was splitting at the base. Matt understood our concerns about the septic and his team carefully took down the tree without having any of the trunks go near the septic. They cleaned up the property after the job and did a great job.I contacted Matt again thi (...Read More...)

Justin D.
Review from Google+
Tuesday, July 29, 2014
 
Very Impressed

When Matt came to take a look at the work I needed done, he gave me several options and also made suggestions for taking care of some other issues that I hadn't noticed. There was no pressure and he was very patient with my questions. He gave me an estimate on the spot and stuck to that estimate when all the work was completed. Wh (...Read More...)

John B.
Redding, CT (Review from Yelp)
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
 
Super Responsive

If only ALL contractors were as easy to do business with as Barts Tree Service! The owner, Matt, has always been super responsive to my calls, provides quotes quickly and gets all work done to my quality standards in the time he promises to get them done. His business is highly qualified to do the work and his staff is always ve (...Read More...)

Jessica G.
Danbury, CT (Review from Yelp)
Monday, February 24, 2014
 
Quick Response

Called Bart's Monday morning after my wife heard a bad cracking noise coming from a large maple tree that towers over our kitchen. We were both worried the tree would fall on our roof. Matt came over that afternoon, examined the tree and recommended that a cable be installed to stabilize the tree. A few days later, his crew instal (...Read More...)

Jerry S.
Ridgefield, CT (Review from Yelp)
Thursday, November 6, 2014
 
Careful & Quick

The whole experience was really good.Part of it was luck: Matt was on his way past our neighborhood when I called about the work, and he was able to stop shortly after I called. The price was within the budget, and even though it was a busy time, he was able to get us into the schedule in under a week, which, since it wasn't an em (...Read More...)

Hugh M.
Review from Google+
Monday, October 27, 2014
 
Very Professional!

Barts tree service removed two trees and trimmed another very large tree near power lines at a reasonable price. They were quick responding when we had questions and provided proof of all licensing required. Barts arrived when they said they would and left the property in very good condition despite a difficult property to maneuver on.

Helder P.
Danbury, CT (Review from Yelp)
Friday, March 27, 2015
 
Exceeded My Expectations

Usually, when selecting a tree service, you start by asking friends, relatives, etc. Well being new to our house and area we had to take a shot on a firm we found online. I was not disappointed.

Matt, the owner was personable, Listened carefully to everything we wanted done and gave us a usable fair price on the spot.

Wh (...Read More...)

Gregg S.
Redding, CT (Review from Yelp)
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
 
Reliable, Fast, and Efficient

We've use Barts Tree Service twice for big trees on our property. and have recommended them to all our friends. Matt Bartelme and his crew are very professional, reliable, fast and efficient. They show up when promised, and clean up when done. We had both trees cut up, chipped and hauled away in no time. Their stump-grinding mac (...Read More...)

Meg B.
Ridgefield, CT (Review from Yelp)
Sunday, June 23, 2013
 
Very Responsive

Job was to Clean up 2 trees of hanging dead branches; Take down 2 large trees and 1 smaller tree; Cut and stack wood; Leave wood chips in pile

Matt was very responsive when called for a quote. He took the time to review not only the trees we had called him for a quote as well as reviewed any needs and suggestions for others wi (...Read More...)

Gayle C.
Southbury, CT (Review from Yelp)
Saturday, May 18, 2013
 
Did a Great Job!

Matt came out and gave us a free estimate after reviewing the work we were requesting to be done. He sent us a detailed proposal for work to be done and cost for each separate item.

His crew arrived within the the time frame and did a great job! Very courteous and before leaving made sure we were happy with the work and left no (...Read More...)

Frank D.
Bethel, CT (Review from Yelp)
Monday, December 15, 2014
 
Excellent Service

Bart's Tree Service provide an excellent service. They were prompt, did what they said they would do and left the yard impeccable after completing a big job. Bart's charged a fair price. I will use them again.

Cindy C.
Ridgefield, CT (Review from Yelp)
Friday, October 31, 2014
 
Prompt, Reliable, and Professional

Great company. Matt is thd best tree guy around Danbury. I used him last year during a snow a snow storm had a tree hanging over my roof he came the next day, Durning the summer we were installing a pool and a large tree was in the way he came took down the tree and ground the stumps and roots that were in the way. Was here this (...Read More...)

Bruce B.
Danbury, CT (Review from Yelp)
Saturday, April 12, 2014
 
Professional Work

I recently used Barts Tree Service for stump grinding and for delivery of premium hardwood firewood. I was impressed with Matt's professionalism, ability to provide a prompt and complete estimate, and his crew's quick completion of the job. It is clear Matt's team is conscious of appropriately completing the job, but also keep (...Read More...)

Brian K.
Weston, CT (Review from Yelp)
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
 
Careful Attention to Detail & Safety

Barts Tree Service is as good as it gets!!!

The owner, Matt is easy to communicate with and spends adequate time listening to the client's needs, explaining the services and answering questions. No surprises here. Everything is done as discussed. The crew is well briefed before they start working.

The level of expertise of e (...Read More...)

Amazing G.
Danbury, CT (Review from Yelp)
Monday, June 9, 2014
 
Trustworthy, Respectful and Talented

We highly recommend Barts Tree Service.

We have used Barts Tree Service a handful of times and have been sincerely impressed every time. The crew, including the owner, are all professional, trustworthy, respectful and talented workers who put care and skill into every job they do.

They are the kind of business you recommend (...Read More...)

Alicia D.
Danbury, CT (Review from Yelp)
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
 
Pleasant and Efficient

We first met Matt, the owner, during Hurricane Irene. A huge pine fell on our house and our neighbor recommended Barts. We called - and he was there before the hurricane was out to sea...no exaggeration. Since then we've had Matt back several times. He is great to work with, his crew is pleasant and efficient, and the prices are great.

A.P.
Ridgefield, CT (Review from Yelp)
Monday, March 4, 2013
 
Very Professional

Cut down 4 trees - a storm-damaged tree leaning on another, and 2 small ones in close proximity. Left the wood, in fireplace-sized logs in the woods; chipped branches and blew them in the woods. Cleaned up debris.

The job went very well. Barts was the only provider who said they would not need to get a truck on our lawn, and (...Read More...)

Customer in Bethel, CT
Saturday, September 14, 2013
 
Hurricane Sandy Clean-Up

Removed trees damaged by hurricane Sandy and ground several stumps on property. Provided an estimate that was very fair, came on the date we had set and did the work promptly and efficiently. This was the third time I had used Barts Tree Service. They are by far the best in the state!

Third-time Customer
Sunday, November 3, 2013
 
Large Tree Removal

Removed two 80′+ Hickory and Oak from front yard, ground stumps below grade, removed logs/braches, removed two smaller 8″ diameter trees and pruned low tree branches in backyard. Repaired lawn expertly where needed.

Fantastic Professional crew, prompt service. After the removal you couldn’t tell any work done – the area was le (...Read More...)

Customer in Sherman, CT
Monday, November 11, 2013
 
Great Stump Grinding Job

I happened to see a sign for Bart's Tree Service stump grinding. I called and got a call back and a visit for an estimate THE SAME DAY. That is almost unheard of....I got an estimate for them to grind two large stumps and also for some tree trimming. Within a week all of the work was complete. Everyone on the crew was great. Nice (...Read More...)

Renee M.
Danbury, CT
Thursday, March 24, 2016
 
An Excellent Job

You did an excellent job. The clean-up was appreciated too. The price was right. You went over and above my expectations. I will highly recommend you to anyone I know, who needs tree removal.

Patti F.
Danbury, CT
Monday, February 29, 2016
 
Thank You

I thank you for your conscientious and dedicated team, a job well done. I will definitely use your company again for my next job.

Peter J.
Friday, August 10, 2018
 
Great people and great service

I called Matt because I wanted some trees taken down in our yard. I was concerned about the health of some of the trees and wasn’t sure which ones to have removed. One tree in particular was damaged in the blizzard and I was worried it would come down on power lines or the street if it wasn’t removed quickly. He and his crew came (...Read More...)

Lisa F.
Friday, August 10, 2018
 
Reliable, On Time, Precision Work

We recently used Barts to remove two large trees on our property. This appeared to be a complicated endeavor as the trees were adjacent to the house. Barts assured us this would not be a problem, a crane was brought in to assist with the removal. Highly recommend this service, they are reliable, on time and performed the removal w (...Read More...)

New Customer
Ridgefield, CT
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
 
Bart's Tree Service is Great!

Matt Bartelme, owner of Bart's Tree Service is a qualified professional who knows trees and his crew is excellent and well trained. Bart's has done work for Aspetuck Land Trust for years and I would highly recommend them to any homeowner or business. Bart's also has a heart and has donated services to the Land Trust to improve h (...Read More...)

Aspetuck Land Trust
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
 
Read more about what customers are saying >>

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Barts Tree Service

WOODBURY OFFICE
115 Flanders Rd,
Woodbury, CT 06798

DANBURY OFFICE
8 Rose St,
Danbury, CT 06810

info@bartstreeservice.com

203-240-1302

Serving Ridgefield, New Fairfield, Redding,
Bethel, Brookfield, Newtown, Weston, Danbury, Wilton, Westport, Woodbury, and surrounding areas

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