SERVICES The navigation buttons located to the right lists the services we provide. To view a detailed explanation of each service, simply click on the button to automatically "page down" to the appropriate definition, or you may manually scroll this page to view the detailed list of services. If we can provide one or more of these services for you, or if you would like more information, please contact us and a representative will respond as soon as possible. Natural Pruning (Oak Pruning Specialist) A properly maintained tree adds great value to your property which increases with each passing year. To thrive and remain healthy, trees, like your lawn and garden, require proper care. Natural pruning can solve many of the problems associated with urban trees. The old skills such as climbing, use of ropes, and the safe operation of chain saws are still required. As a good rule of thumb, and in the best interest of your personal safety as well as the welfare of your trees ... if you need a ladder to reach a limb or the job requires the use of a chain saw - it's best to call in a professional. He is properly equipped and trained and can decide on the proper placement of the cuts to take advantage of the trees' natural processes. Natural Pruning can improve your trees in many ways: Pruning of dead, dying, diseased, interfering, weak or hazardous branches. Pruning of lower branches and foliage by Elevating up to a pre-determined height, e.g. 8' above ground level or 6' above a roof. Thinning for light and wind filtration. Mistletoe removal, a parasitic growth that when left unchecked can quickly multiply and kill a tree. Vista Pruning to open view by selective pruning. Back to the top Tree Removal Tree removal is required for trees that have become dangerous to people or property. These would include the following: Dead, dying or diseased trees  Trees that have cracks or splits in trunks or crotches  Storm damaged trees  Decayed trunks or root rot  Trees outgrowing a safe area  Back to the top Stump Removal and Root Pruning Stump Grinding Removes stumps below grade level by grinding. Grindings are then used to back fill the hole to make it safe. Leaving useable wood chips for your landscaping. Root pruning Used to prevent roots from uplifting drives, walks and foundations. It is also used on construction sites to protect the tree from damage from crushing, ripping or compaction in nonprotected site areas. Root barriers can also be installed to prevent future root intrusion. Back to the top Mangrove Pruning Mangroves are tropical trees that offer a unique habitat along Florida's estuaries. Three species of mangroves are native to Florida: Red mangrove, Black mangrove and White mangrove. The Department of Environmental Regulation protects the trimming of these mangroves. Pete & Ron's Tree Service has arborists that are certified mangrove trimmers, having the training and knowledge to understand these complex laws. We can prune your mangroves professionally and meet all state and local requirements. Back to the top Problem Diagnosis and Management Our Certified Arborists are trained to recognize, diagnose, and treat trees that have developed problems or that have become hazardous. Some of the most common things they look for are: Dead Wood Decay Cracks Cankers Insect Attack Weak Branches Root Problems Poor Tree Structure Symptoms and Signs of Pollution Damage Chemical Injury Through a thorough field examination, they will look for existing and potential problems and recommend the best treatment for each unique situation. Back to the top Fertilization Our urban trees are deprived of the natural nutrients found in the forest. The landscaping and lawns extract the majority of fertilizer that is broadcast. Deep root fertilization places these nutrients below the surface where the root hairs can easily absorb these essential elements. We provide 2 types of nutrients: Macro nutrients ( nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium ), which are used in the largest portions by the tree. Micro nutrients ( iron, magnese, magnesium, zinc, copper, sulfur, and molybdenum ), are trace elements that are required in smaller proportions and are lacking in our Florida soil. We inject these into the soil in a water base solution using a grid pattern to maximize coverage of the root system. This provides irrigation and breaks up soil compaction as well as providing the essential nutrients. In a normal tree a minimum of one application per year is recommended. In a stressed tree, up to six applications can be used. Back to the top Herbicide Application Herbicides are applied to kill undesirable trees, stumps and foliage. Our applicators can spray various commercial herbicides to address your specific needs. This process is used to kills trees that are considered to be invasive exotics (Brazilian peppers, Australian pines and melalucca to name a few), which are competing with native species. We have the state licenses that are required for this service. Back to the top Construction and Development Consultation Prior to construction, a tree evaluation needs to take place. Trees are rated based on species and condition and a preservation plan is designed. This includes protection of root zones, trunks and branches. The site will then be monitored for grading, fill and compaction, and underground installations. Barricading, pruning, spraying and fertilization are highly recommended to minimize construction stress and damage. Post construction consultation will ensure the future care of the trees. Back to the top Cabling and Lightning Protection Cabling Cables and braces are installed to provide support to weak crotches or potentially dangerous limbs by connecting 2 or more limbs together. This technique can be used to make a valuable tree safe for many years. Lightning Protection A lightning protection system which uses hardware installed in your tree to direct the charge harmlessly into the ground. Trees that are historic, of great economic value, or large trees close to a structure should be protected. Trees in a park or on a golf course where people seek refuge should also have a system installed. Back to the top Storm and Disaster Work We are experts in storm and disaster work, whether it's a local "no name" storm, lightning damage, or larger disasters throughout the Southeast. Our experience with major disasters began with "Hurricane Andrew, Miami, Florida '92" and expanded with "Hurricane Fran, North Carolina, '96", "Hurricane George, Puerto Rico '98", "Hurricane Floyd, North Carolina, '99", and our latest storm "Tropical Storm Gabriel, Sarasota, Florida '01". Our location on the West Central Coast of Florida makes us uniquely qualified to respond to storm related disasters in the Southeast. We can provide hazardous tree and debris removal for an individual or on a statewide level, utilizing tree crews, bucket trucks, cranes, chippers, grinders, loaders and dump trucks to quickly provide all phases of emergency work. Back to the top Free Wood Chips We chip and recycle virtually all our wood from our pruning and removal work. Our large chippers allow us to process the wood into a desirable useable mulch or groundcover. With our increasingly dryer weather here in the Tampa Bay area a 4" (four inch) layer of mulch can help your trees and landscaping in a number of ways: Mulch insulates soil. Retains moisture. Keeps out weeds. Prevents soil compaction. Reduces lawnmower and weed eater damage. Adds an aesthetic touch. Whether you are a homeowner, landscaping firm, government entity, residential or commercial property, our wood chips will work for you. These chips are good for landscaping, driveways and composting. We deliver them free of charge. Our delivery loads are approximately 6-8 cubic yards. We can deliver as many loads as you would like! We put you on our chip list and deliver the next time we are working in your area. The approximate make-up of the wood chip material is 70% wood chips and 30% chipped leaves and twigs. Contact us to be put on the chip list Back to the top