MadCowTree Service
What we trim and why
- Deadwood removal. Dead limbs are the ones that come down in the next storm. We take them out first.
- Roof and house clearance. Branches rubbing shingles and gutters, limbs over the driveway, and branches giving squirrels a bridge to the attic.
- Crown thinning. Selectively removing limbs to let wind and light through. It cuts storm risk and helps the grass grow underneath.
- Crown raising. Lifting low limbs over sidewalks, streets, driveways and patios.
- Structural pruning on young trees. A few cuts on a 10-year-old tree prevent a split trunk on a 40-year-old tree.
- Fruit and ornamental trees. Lighter, careful pruning for crabapples, redbuds, dogwoods and fruit trees.
We don't top trees
Topping, which means cutting the whole top off a tree to make it shorter, is one of the most common requests we talk people out of. It leaves big open wounds that rot, and the tree answers with a thicket of weak sprouts that break off in a few years. If a tree really is too big for its spot, we'll show you the options: a proper reduction pruning that keeps the shape, or removal and replanting.
When to trim
Late fall through winter is the best time for most shade trees in our area. The leaves are off, so we can see the structure, and many insects and diseases are dormant. That matters a lot for oaks: to avoid spreading oak wilt, oaks should not be pruned from about April through July unless there's a hazard. Dead or broken limbs can come out any time of year. Spring-flowering trees are usually pruned right after they bloom.
How the job goes
We'll walk the tree with you, agree on exactly what's coming out, and then climb or bring the lift. Every cut is made just outside the branch collar so the tree can seal it. Brush is chipped and hauled away and the yard is raked when we're done. Call 618-CUT-WOOD (618-288-9663) or send a photo with the form for a free estimate.
Where we do tree trimming & pruning
From our shop in Alton we cover about 30 miles on both sides of the river, including Godfrey, Edwardsville, Granite City, Collinsville, Jerseyville, St. Louis, Florissant, St. Charles and the rest of our service area.