770-ARBORIST The Truth About Trees By Kathleen Boehmig Mark Russell has come a long way since leaving his job as a stockbroker in 1994 to becoming one of Angies Lists highest-rated arborists in the area. His company, 770-Arborist, based in Canton, offers tree health and risk assessment, trimming and pruning, professional tree removal and insurance claim assistance for emergency tree removal from storm damage. So what sets 770-Arborist apart from other tree services? Mark says, There is no shortage of tree services in metro Atlanta, but only a few know how to keep trees healthy and properly identify risk. Mark and the companys manager, Lance Oliver, are both ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) and Tree Risk Assessment qualified, and Mark is working on becoming a board-certified Master Arborist; only 1000 individuals hold this certification worldwide. We have the credentials and the work ethic you look for in a responsible arborist. We adhere to a stringent set of ethical guidelines, and we offer unbiased consulting and tree inspections, Mark explains; since 1997, weve encountered hundreds of clients with injured trees because a commission-based salesman sold unnecessary tree work. Tree removal is a necessary part of our sprawling Georgia tree canopy; however, commission-based tree service salesmen dont get paid unless they sell something. This results in trees being over-pruned, pruned in the wrong season or flat-out removed through the use of scare tactics used on uninformed clients. We dont do that. Sure, Mark adds, we are happy to give free estimates for fixed-scope work when a homeowner knows exactly what they need, for instance, if they are pointing and saying, Remove this tree, or Prune that branch. But it doesnt pass the common sense test to ask a commission-based salesman if the tree is dangerous. Why? Because every tree can be dangerous in certain circumstances. Its better to ask how likely or how often that situation will arise. As consultants, that is what we address. Time frame is an important factor; in other words, how long the client intends to stay in the house. As professionals, we define the target, and separate targets have distinctly separate risk profiles. For example, a house cant relocate during a storm, whereas a person can. So whats the defined target? Is it the homeowner and his family? The house? Cars? These are just the first few questions we must answer to assess risk and give the homeowner the information he needs to make a reasonable decision. Mark continues, During the consultation, we visually inspect trees within falling distance of the house, checking for mechanical, bacterial and fungal damage to the trunk, canopy and visible root flare. We also assess for insect infestation such as carpenter ants, ambrosia beetles or pine beetles. We help identify which of your trees poses the highest risk in the case of tree failure, and we educate our clients on proper pruning, tree spacing and signs of weakening trees. Mark smiles; We really like talking about trees. We also love working on trees! Mark says. Proper pruning is much more than just cutting off a branch. We offer tree pruning options like canopy thinning, taking out dead, dying, crossing and interfering branches, and proportionally pruning the trees interior branches; canopy lifting, which is performed to clear out branches that have grown around and are blocking views from elevated decks; and crown reduction, to redirect the trees growth. Of course, if the situation mandates removal of a sick or dangerous tree, 770-Arborist offers expert help with that, as well. Many homeowners have never had to file a claim for a tree on their house, so when it does happen, it can be very confusing. Since 1997, Mark says, we have handled over a thousand insurance claims from trees on houses. We work directly with the insurance companies, helping our clients through the entire process. The most important thing is to stay safe. Trees on houses are heavy and unstable. In these cases, insurance companies typically tell you to keep your property safe by having the tree professionally removed and to keep your receipts. Most importantly, keep out from under and away from the tree. Let professionals handle the job. After all, thats why you bought your insurance. There is no shortage of tree services in this area, Mark reiterates, but there is a shortage of educated, experienced tree healthcare providers. Now one of the highest-rated arborists in metro Atlanta, 770-Arborist is right in your backyard a local, fully-insured, family-run business in Canton, offering professional, knowledgeable, high-caliber tree healthcare. 770-ARBORIST (770-272-6747) TREE HEALTH CARE833 Roper Road, Canton, Georgia 30115770-Arborist770Arborist.com
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