Frequently Asked Questions
Got Questions? We're the Ones to Ask
Since 1983, homeowners and businesses across Houston have been asking our ISA Certified Arborists about their trees. Here are answers to the questions we hear most often.
About Champions Tree Preservation
How long has Champions Tree Preservation been in business?
We’ve been caring for Houston’s trees since 1983. Champions Tree Preservation is a second-generation, family-owned and operated business with more than 40 years of hands-on experience.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. We’re fully licensed and insured, including workers’ compensation and general liability coverage, so your property and our crew are protected on every job.
What certifications and affiliations do you have?
Our team is led by ISA Certified Arborists and follows ANSI A300 standards. We’re proud members of the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) and the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), we’re TCIA-accredited, and we hold an A+ rating with the BBB.
What areas do you serve?
We serve Houston and the surrounding communities, including Memorial, Meyerland, Klein, River Oaks, Spring, Tomball, and The Woodlands.
Do you work with both homeowners and businesses?
Yes. We work with homeowners, businesses, and property managers on everything from a single backyard tree to commercial properties.
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes. Every estimate is free, detailed, transparent, and comes with no obligation, so you can make an informed decision about your trees.
How can I reach you, and what are your hours?
Call us at 281-320-8201 or email info@championstree.com. Our office hours are Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm, and Saturdays from 8:00 to noon.
Services
What services do you offer?
Can a tree with structural problems be saved instead of removed?
Often, yes. Weak branches or split trunks don’t always require removal. Our cabling and bracing techniques use discreet, high-strength supports to reinforce vulnerable limbs and stems, stabilizing the tree and extending its lifespan.
Where do your new trees come from?
Unlike landscaping companies that source whatever is cheapest at a wholesale nursery, we have direct access to our own local tree farm. Our experts help you choose species suited to Houston’s climate, soil, and your goals.
Tree Removal
How do I know if a tree needs to be removed?
Common warning signs include large dead branches hanging in the canopy, cracks or splits in the trunk or major limbs, mushrooms or other fungal growth at the base, a lean that has increased over a short period, and roots lifting out of the soil. Removal is also often necessary after severe storm damage, with advanced disease or infestation, or when roots or branches threaten structures or utilities. A certified arborist can give you a clear answer based on the tree’s actual condition.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Houston?
Residential tree removal on private property generally does not require a permit in the City of Houston for trees under 8 inches in diameter. However, specific HOA rules or “Heritage Tree” ordinances may apply. We help homeowners navigate local regulations to ensure compliance before any work begins.
Why use a crane for tree removal?
Cranes allow low-impact removals, especially in tight spaces near homes. Each limb is secured to the crane before it’s cut, then lifted vertically up and away, bypassing your roof, patio, and landscaping. Our telescopic boom cranes can also reach trees that are otherwise inaccessible, and they let us dismantle dead or hazardous trees without sending a climber up.
How long does crane-assisted removal take?
What might take a climbing crew two days to dismantle piece by piece can often be done in a few hours with a crane, which means less disruption to your routine.
Do you clean up after a tree removal?
Yes. Every removal includes a thorough cleanup and debris haul-away. We also recycle: branches are chipped into organic mulch and larger logs are repurposed, so every part of the tree is put to good use.
How far can a tree lean before it falls?
Most arborists use about 15 degrees from vertical as a rule of thumb, but health, root stability, soil conditions, and species all matter. A tree that suddenly shifts or starts leaning more than it did before is one of the most dangerous signs. Contact a professional arborist as soon as possible if you notice it.
When should I call for emergency tree removal after a storm?
Call right away if a tree or large limb is hanging over your home, car, or power lines; if you see deep splits or cracks in the trunk or major branches; if a tree has a new or worsening lean; or if you notice cracked soil, exposed roots, or soft, spongy ground near the base.
Tree Trimming & Pruning
When is the best time to trim trees in Houston?
For most species, late winter (January–February) is ideal. To prevent the spread of oak wilt, avoid pruning live oaks and red oaks between February and June. Our ISA Certified Arborists can help you schedule trimming to maximize tree health and minimize disease risk.
What's the difference between tree trimming and pruning?
Pruning promotes long-term health and structure by selectively removing diseased, weak, dead, or damaged branches with precise, strategic cuts. Trimming focuses on shape and appearance by removing overgrowth. If a tree is encroaching on structures or blocking walkways, it needs trimming. If it has dead, crossing, storm-damaged, or weak hanging branches, it needs pruning.
How often should trees be trimmed?
It depends on species, age, location, and condition. Young trees typically need work every one to three years to develop good structure. Mature trees need attention focused on removing dead, damaged, or diseased wood, and fruit trees often benefit from annual dormant-season trimming.
Should I have my trees topped?
No. Topping weakens future growth and should always be avoided. For a tree that’s too dense, selective canopy thinning lets wind pass through the canopy and reduces strain on the trunk and roots.
Stump Grinding
Why not just leave a stump to rot?
Stumps can take over a decade to decay. In the meantime, they can attract termites, carpenter ants, and beetles, encourage fungal growth, create tripping hazards, get in the way of mowing and landscaping, and send up unwanted shoots that rob nutrients from your yard.
How deep do you grind stumps?
We grind stumps well below ground level, typically 6 to 8 inches, which severs the roots and eliminates regrowth. Afterward, we remove excess debris, level the area, and backfill the hole.
How long does stump grinding take?
A typical residential stump takes roughly one to two hours from setup through cleanup. Stumps under 12 inches often grind out in 15 to 30 minutes of machine time, 12–24 inch stumps take 45 to 90 minutes, and stumps over 24 inches can take two to three hours or more. Dense hardwoods like live oak, hard clay soil, and tight access can add time.
What happens to the wood chips?
The chips make an excellent natural mulch, and we can leave them for you to use around trees, flower beds, or pathways. If you plan to plant right away or the tree was diseased, ask us about hauling when you schedule so the crew can plan accordingly.
Tree Health, Fertilizing & Mulching
What is deep root fertilization?
Instead of spreading fertilizer on the surface, we inject liquid nutrients 12 to 18 inches below the soil, directly into the root zone, so the tree’s feeder roots get the full application instead of the grass. The high-pressure injection also loosens Houston’s compacted clay soil. Our certified arborists create a custom blend for each property, using mostly organic fertilizers.
How can I tell if my tree needs fertilizer?
Signs include yellowing leaves with green veins (chlorosis), stunted growth or a sparse canopy, early leaf drop, increased pest activity, and visible root damage from construction or erosion.
Should I fertilize my trees during a summer drought?
No. Fertilizer encourages new growth that demands more water at exactly the moment a heat-stressed tree has the least to spare. The exception is a confirmed, specific nutrient deficiency diagnosed by an arborist. Otherwise, water consistently and wait until temperatures moderate, typically in early fall.
How do you protect trees from oak wilt and pests?
Our plant health care programs combine proper nutrition with proven disease-management protocols to defend against threats like oak wilt, pine bark beetles, and root rot. Our Integrated Pest Management approach targets only harmful insects, using environmentally responsible treatments that preserve beneficial pollinators.
How often should I water my trees during a heat wave?
Established trees generally need a slow, deep watering once or twice a week during peak heat. Run a hose at a slow trickle near the drip line (the outer edge of the canopy) for 20 to 30 minutes, ideally in the early morning or evening. Younger trees planted within the last two to three years need more frequent attention.
How deep should mulch be around trees?
A three-inch layer is a good starting point for most trees. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk and avoid piling it up into “mulch volcanoes,” which can suffocate roots, trap moisture, and invite disease and pests.
Storm Preparation
When should I prepare my trees for hurricane season?
Houston’s hurricane season runs June through November, with the highest risk from August through October. A tree preservation checkup each spring catches problems while they’re small, and gives you time to schedule trimming, cabling, or removal before you’re competing with every other homeowner once a storm watch is issued.
Setting the Standard for Professional Tree Services with Care You Can Count On
Licensed & Fully Insured
We’re licensed and insured, ensuring every project is handled with professionalism, safety, and reliability.
Exceptional Quality Service
Our team delivers top-notch tree care services, exceeding expectations with precision, efficiency, and expertise.
Family-Owned & Operated
As a family business, we bring a personal touch and genuine care to every project rooted in community values.
State-of-the-Art Equipment
Our advanced equipment ensures efficient, precise, and safe tree care, no matter the size or complexity.
Specialized Crane Services
Our crane-assisted solutions handle challenging tree removals safely, even in hard-to-reach or complex areas.
Expert Arborist Consultations
Our certified arborists provide expert guidance, ensuring your trees receive the best care for long-term health and protection from disease like Oak Wilt.
Free, No-Obligation Estimates
Get a detailed, transparent estimate at no cost, empowering you to make informed tree care decisions.
Your Satisfaction, Guaranteed
Your happiness is our priority. We guarantee satisfaction with every service, ensuring results you’ll love.
Proudly Serving Houston and Beyond: Caring for Trees, Landscapes, and Communities
From the heart of Houston to its surrounding neighborhoods, we bring expert tree care and personalized service to every corner of our community. Wherever you are, we’re here to help your landscape thrive.
From Planting to Preservation: Nurturing Trees, Protecting Landscapes, Enhancing Beauty
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