Now that you have removed the dead or hazardous tree in your backyard, you think you can now sit, relax, and worry about nothing-- until you see the stump left in your yard. Tree stumps are a landscaping problem, and the first thing you want to do is to get rid of it as soon as you can. There are different methods to use for effective stump removal, but what would best suit your style and needs?

If you want a hassle-free approach, you can hire a professional tree care service to handle the stump, but this could cost you some cash. You can also do the job yourself and rent a stump grinder from a rental center, but it has disadvantages: the machine is heavy and dangerous for inexperienced users.

If the first method doesn't appeal to you, try the manual approach. This method requires removing the stump with your hand. Although it is cheap, it demands much labor, and you also need to figure out where to dump all the wood and debris the process produces. Many cities don't pick up stumps, so you better check before doing it yourself.

In this blog article, we will discuss the manual method of removing a stump, but we will highlight the chemical method, which is another easy and cost-effective approach. However, you need to manage your expectations because the chemical method does not give results in an instant.
 
Manual Method
Do you have a tree stump you want to eliminate? If you do and you choose to remove it using the manual method, you will need a shovel, a mattock, and an ax. Some homeowners have their preference when it comes to the tools they use probably because of their expertise using each one, so if you don't feel comfortable using the ones we mentioned earlier (or you don't have them), there are other tools you can use:

• Heavy steel bar, also called digging bar, or utility bar can be useful to cut through roots using the sharpened end. You can also use it to extract a stump after it has become less tight.
• A small bow saw is useful when you need to cut roots that can't be handled by a mattock.
• A large bow saw is used when you don't want to use an ax because this tool is much safer compared to the latter.
• Steel-toed boots and gloves, for obvious reasons.

Now that you have your essential tools prepared, do these following steps:

1. Use the mattock's broad end to unearth the soil around the stump.
2. Clear all dirt with a shovel and be ready to do it a lot, especially when you are removing a large stump.
3. Cut through the roots using the sharpened end of the mattock.
4. Unearth and cut under the root ball until you reach the taproot. In most cases, taproots will demand the use of a large bow saw or an ax. Rid the taproot of dirt before cutting.
5. Warning: Never attempt to use an ax if you aren't an expert at it. It can be deadly if utilized by an amateur, so use the alternative below.
6. With an ax, cut down the taproot and make sure to aim carefully to avoid hitting dirt that can lessen its effectiveness.
7. If you aren't skilled with axes, use a large bow saw to cut through the taproot. It is a time-consuming method but is much safer than using an ax.

What if you have stumps from large trees? In this case, manual removal is usually out of the picture. You may be tempted to wrap the stump with a chain and connect it to your four-wheel-drive truck, but if you don't know what you're doing, this can only damage your truck in the process.
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As you can see, the manual method entails tiring tasks like digging, chopping, and sawing, which means it is not the approach fit for everyone. With that being said, we will now introduce you to a more straightforward approach to eliminate a tree stump.
 
Chemical Method
The goal of this method is to speed up the rotting process of the stump. If you wait for nature to take its course, you will end up wrinkled and bored, that is why with the use of nitrogen and water, you will aid the natural rotting process of the stump. It is still a slow process but is much faster than nature.

1. Reduce the stump as much as you can using a chainsaw. Be careful not to strike the ground to avoid dulling your chain.
2. With your widest drill available, drill holes in different places into the stump. Make the holes deep and wide as much as possible.
3. Pour water into the holes followed by a fertilizer with high nitrogen content.
4. Wet the ground surrounding the stump thoroughly. Use a plastic tarp to cover the stump. This will lock in the moisture around the stump to help the rotting process.
5. Put organic mulch, such as tree bark over the tarp to help retain moisture. Water the mulch thoroughly because wet mulch is heavy and it can help hold the tarp in place.
6. One of the most important (and most difficult) things to do in this method is to wait and be patient. Yes, you have hastened nature's natural process, but the stump wouldn't be gone right away. If you can't wait, this method is not for you.
7. Remove the mulch and the tarp regularly and water the area around it again. Add more nitrogen source if you still have some and put the plastic tarp and mulch back. Water the mulch to make the tarp heavy and in place.

 
Supplies Needed

• Drill
• Plastic Tarp
• Garden Mulch
• High-nitrogen garden fertilizer
• Chainsaw (either gas-powered, electric, or battery-powered will do)

 
Another Chemical Method: Burn It Out with Stump-Out
If you can't wait long for the stump to rot away, there is another cheap method you can use. The product "Stump-Out" is a stump removal agent used to break down the stump's wood fiber and making them porous. The wood then absorbs kerosene quickly and will burn once ignited. If your city allows this method, you can try to use this easy method.

If your tree stump is too large or difficult to utilize one of these DIY methods, please call Allentown Tree Service LLC for a free tree stump grinding quote.  

Allentown ranks third in the largest cities in Pennsylvania. It sits in Lehigh County and is a perfect location for people looking for a popular place to live in Pennsylvania. It has a total population of 118,032 as of 2010. The city, although popular, is not as busy as Pittsburgh or Philly, so you can still enjoy your solitude now and then. If you don't know much about the amazing history of this town, sit back, relax, and read on.

A former mayor of Philadelphia, William Allen was responsible for establishing Allentown in 1762. He lived a comfortable life and got his wealth from working as a shipping merchant. Allen also held a high position as the Chief Justice of Pennsylvania. The town commemorated its 250th anniversary last 2012, which makes it one of the oldest cities in the country.

If you have visited Allentown, you know that the Liberty Bell is one of its most interesting sites. The Liberty Bell, which was also known as the Pennsylvania State House bell, is significant to the overall history of the town. Each year, the Liberty Bell draws thousands of visitors wanting to see one of the most important memorials in all of U.S. It was successfully concealed from the British in the Revolutionary War and was kept at the Liberty Bell up to the present.

The town's flourishing economy depends greatly on their silk and textiles industries. The Adelaide Silk Mill in Allentown was one of the largest producers of silk in the world when it started operation in 1881. Allentown continues to thrive economically as it attracts new businesses.

As one of the most historic cities in the country, Allentown has been mentioned many times in different movies such as I Love You to Death and The Hangover Part II. Billy Joel also has a song based on Allentown which is also given a title after the town. Frank Sinatra's "The Train" is also in reference to Allentown.

If that is not enough, Allentown is home to several famous names. Ed McCaffrey and Andre Reed, both NFL wide receivers actress Amanda Seyfried, music publisher Howard Buss, and Lauren Weisberger all came from Allentown.

The town also offers something for entertainment and art lovers. There is no scarcity of options in this town with a colorful history and vibrant culture. You can visit the Miller Symphony Hall, the Nineteenth Street Theater, the Allentown Museum, and plenty more. One of the oldest civilian bands in the U.S. called the Allentown Band also got their roots in Allentown.

You can find your cup of tea in Allentown. Whether it is art, entertainment, culture, history, education, or career, this city got you covered. If you are looking to visit this place or thinking of relocating here, it is definitely the place to be, and you will never regret choosing it as a destination. Allentown has a promising future, and it is just wonderful if you could be part of it.

Maybe you have a piece of land in your residential area or commercial property that you want to use for other purposes, but you just can't do because there is just too many trees, bushes, and other debris in the area. What you need is to clear the land, so that you can benefit from that vast land space in your yard. However, make sure you are ready for the task because land clearing is quite a complicated task.

Here are three essential tips to remember before you begin with land clearing:

Have the Right Equipment
You need the proper equipment to complete a land clearing project. From hand tools down to chainsaws, all these equipment are essential for a successful DIY land clearing.

• Chainsaw- A chainsaw will come in handy when you begin a land clearing project. You will need something to cut down trees as well as logs. Invest in a high-grade chainsaw because this is what you will use to cut limbs and branches into smaller segments. Make sure that you know how to handle a chainsaw though because it can be dangerous. If you are not confident with your skill, the best thing to do is to contact a professional tree removal company.
• Excavator- If you will clear the land because of future construction, then it is a must to remove the stumps. In this case, an excavator is necessary to unearth the stump. An excavator is considered heavy equipment that is why if you don't have any experience using it, the best way is to get in touch with a reputable tree company to remove the tree stumps.

Use the Trees for Your Benefit
Don't get too excited with land clearing that you forget to appreciate rare hardwoods in your land. You may gain some profit if you sell logs from the tree such as Ash, Easter Red Cedar, or Black Walnut trees. Some companies will be interested in wood that they can use for wood chips, mulch, or fuel. If you don't want to sell them, you can save it for yourself as firewood for the cold months.

Obtain the Necessary Permits
You cannot begin a land clearing project until you have obtained the permits required for the job. You should ask your local municipality about the permits needed so you can start the land clearing as soon as possible. Getting the permit can be a tedious process, so make sure to be patient as you wait for the approval. There would also be permit fees that you need to settle, so be prepared with some cash.
 
Hassle-free Land Clearing
There are risks and challenges involved in land clearing. As much as you want to save on tree removal service, your safety should still be the number one priority. Leave the job to a professional tree company and save yourself the hassle of preparing the tools and acquiring permits. Whether you have a small backyard or a large commercial property, a professional tree service company can help you get rid of trees, bushes, logs, and other debris so that you can use your land for more important purposes.

It is understandable that business owners become too busy running their business that they forget about the importance of tree removal and everything it comes with. Trees are a great addition to any business property, but they can be a nuisance and pose a threat if not addressed early on. There can be several reasons why your precious tree should be removed, including disease, storm damage, and change of landscape.

An experienced Allentown tree service company should do tree removal because it is an elaborate and dangerous job. The difficulty of tree removal depends on many factors such as the size and location of the tree.

You need to consider the following things before removing a tree:

• Is it near electrical lines?
• How close is it to buildings/ constructions
• Personal injury risk

When Should You Remove a Tree?
It is hard to bid farewell to a tree that has provided your business with a great view and became a place where your employees spend their time enjoying its shade. However, if it's already a threat to your safety, removing it is a must. Make sure to consult an arborist before deciding to remove the tree. Your tree may still survive with proper tree care technique.

Custom Care is Important in Tree Removal
Residential tree removal differs from that of commercial tree removal. One significant difference is that in commercial property, you have to consider pedestrians as well as traffic while doing the process. The site should be closed to the public if you will perform tree removal in an area where it gets easily trafficked. Further, there may be other regulations and laws that should be considered before removing a tree in a commercial area. The city may require special permits and license before being allowed to remove a tree.

Why Do You Need a Professional for Tree Removal
As a business owner, you may want to save money on tree removal cost. However, you cannot just let one of your employees to get a chainsaw and do the job. This will only do more harm than good because tree removal is not for amateurs. Tree removal should be done by someone who has professional training in tree care and removal to make sure the job is done correctly.

Here are some reasons why you need a professional tree removal company:

• Efficiency- Finishing the job right and fast is important in commercial tree removals. The job should be done as quickly as possible to avoid disrupting business activities.
• Stump Removal- Tree stumps can be a nuisance and can cause injuries as well. That is why if you don't want your customers to trip on these stumps, you can have them removed right away.
• Root Removal- Some roots can be invasive. Before these roots cause damaged pipelines and foundational problems, you can have them removed by a professional tree service.

A professional tree removal service can also take care of other services such as stump grinding, branch trimming, and more, so be sure to contact an expert when you have tree concerns.

You may be in need of someone to handle your tree care needs, but you don't know who you can ask for help. It is a very typical scenario, and homeowners turn to the internet to search for the best tree services in the area. However, this doesn't immediately resolve your problem because there are a lot of options available for you. It is a very crucial step to getting a desirable outcome because if you fail to select the right company, it might cause more troubles for you in the future.

If your tree service is done incorrectly, you are putting yourself and property in grave danger. You don't want added cost for hospital bills and repairs that is why it is crucial to use tree service of only the best tree company.

With the vast choice you have in Allentown, we know that choosing one can be overwhelming. It is true that some companies are better than others, but they all have their pros and cons. In this blog, we listed six of the best tree services in Allentown to help you decide which company would best fit your requirements.

Monster Tree Service Allentown PA - You might have heard of this tree company because it is a big franchise. The business started in 2008 and continued to expand with 29 outlets across the country. Monster Tree Service offers plant health care, tree maintenance such as tree pruning and tree removal. They follow strict guidelines set by the company.

Belles Tree Service - Craig Belles established Belles Tree Service because she knew that there were not enough tree services available in town. It is a tree service known for its hard work as well as its services namely tree removal, pruning, and health care.

Witts Tree Service - Witts Tree Service has proven itself through years in the business. It was established in 1976 and provides tree services, particularly, tree removal. They have a subsidiary known as the Thayer Crane Service that offers crane services.

Bartlett Tree Experts - It is a big franchise with over 100 offices in and out of the country. It offers both residential and commercial services as well as small-scale jobs like pruning. It also provides large-scale projects like storm damage repairs.

Jacob's Pro Tree and Shrub Care - Although considered a small company, Jacob's Professional Tree Care offers quite a wide range of services from plant health care to tree removal.

How Do We Compare to These Companies in Allentown

We may not be as large as Monster or Bartlett, but we can still provide equal services like them.  We can consider ourselves in the middle of these companies.  There are advantages to being not too big and not too small company. We can respond to your needs as fast as we can, and we promise to finish the task most efficiently and safely. We have enough certified tree experts who know how to take care of your tree needs. The years of service we have rendered can vouch for our dedication and commitment in keeping your tree healthy and your landscape beautiful.

For more information on how to select a good tree service company in Allentown, PA, please see this blog article.  

While you can do simple pruning on your own, tree removal is a completely different story. The two tree maintenance involves different techniques and the latter is more difficult than the first one. This is why tree removal is best done by certified arborists. Tree removal is dangerous work therefore, it requires expertise for it to be performed properly.
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Professional arborists work with tree removal companies, so you need to hire the best tree service company in your area. There will be a lot of advantages in using a professional arborist's service. Here are some of the benefits in hiring a certified arborist.

​Pruning may seem a simple task but if done improperly, can cause harm to the tree. A professional arborist has a vast experience when it comes to pruning and can do it well. The arborist can remove the damaged branches or limbs that pose danger to you and your property. In addition, the arborist can take care of overgrown trees that interfere with power lines and parts of your home, such as your roof. The arborist can tell you if the branch is in danger of falling and will know what to do prevent it from happening.

​Tree removal is only done when the tree is dead and is posing a great danger to nearby structures and people surrounding it. If this is not the case, the tree should be restored, by all means. If the tree can no longer be restored, it is best to call a professional tree removal service to take the tree down. Unlike pruning, tree removal can be more dangerous that is why it is ideal that a professional arborist will handle it. Aside from the skills, they also have the right equipment to ensure that the task is done efficiently and safely. Tree removal will involve heavy equipment and it can leave your property quite a mess when the process is done. Most tree removal packages come with the cleaning up service, so you don't have to worry about the tree debris afterward.

Professional tree services can also offer you with other services such as planting and relocating of your tree. A professional tree service company can also provide you with a consultation with regard to the health of your tree, so you can give the proper care they need to avoid diseases and damages.
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There are more advantages to hiring a professional arborist than not hiring one, so if you want to ensure your tree is well cared for, call your trusted professional tree service now.

By following some simple criteria, you can be certain to select a tree service company in Allentown, PA that is professional and does high-quality work.  This disciplined approach to evaluating tee contractors is necessary as the industry is fraught with unqualified, uninsured, and unprofessional companies.   Using one of these companies could expose you to financial and legal risk.  Don't take that risk by not doing your homework.  Below are several simple research criteria you should use when evaluating tree service companies.
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​Tree care companies should carry two types of insurance.  First, they should have a worker's compensation policy provided by the state that protects their workers should they get injured on the job.  As you may know, absence this coverage, if someone is injured on your property, as the property owners, you will most likely be held responsible and need to cover the medical costs associated with the injuries.  Second, they should have adequate liability coverage should an accident happen during the performance of the work and some of your property is damaged, such as a roof or windows.  Again, without the coverage, as the home or business owner, your policy would have to cover the cost of the damages.   Therefore, when talking to local tree contractors, always ask to see copies of these two insurance policies.  A large tree removal or tree trimming can be dangerous work - always ensure your contractor has the property coverages to complete the work safely, from a financial and legal perspective.  

Online reviews can provide you with a general overview of the professionalism and quality of the business.  Websites like Yelp, the BBB, and Google all have customer reviews that you should consider.  More importantly, first-hand, personal references are the best.  As for at least 3 past customers who you can call.  These references should be no older than 3 months.  Lastly, family and friends are another great sources of information, however, they won't always be available if they haven't used a tree service company recently.  

​Never accept a verbal quote.  You risk scope change and/or price escalation after the work is done.  Always insistent on a written estimate that details work scope and price.  A written estimate is also necessary to compare competing bids to ensure like-work has been bid.  Sometimes the scope of the work bid may vary from quote to quote, and you don't want to not be comparing apples-to-apples.

​Based on the above information, you should then be able to make an informed decision.  One word of caution is to be wary of a quote that is exceedingly low.  This is almost always a red flag as they either don't understand the nature of the work you want to be performed and/or are taking unnecessary shortcuts in the performance of the job.   Also, never put down more than 50% to the price, paying the balance only after the job has been completed to your satisfaction.  Unscrupulous tree companies have been known to only complete a portion of the job and then skilling out with your money if you paid 100% upfront.  

In following these simple guidelines you should have no problem in selecting a quality tree service company in the Lehigh Valley area.  Call Allentown Tree Service LLC for a quick, free quote for any tree service work you need.  We are confident we exceed all of the above criteria and more.  

Trees are great additions to a home. In fact, a properly placed tree can increase the value of a property, especially in urban areas. However, there are some scenarios in which the presence of trees becomes a source of problems for homeowners. This is especially so with roots. While invisible, roots pack highly destructive potential if it grows the wrong way. In some cases, the damage they cause may make emergency tree removal a necessity. Here are some ways that roots can damage your property:

​The foundation of a property can get damaged by the wayward growth of plant roots. This is especially so when it comes to large trees, which can have massive roots that can stretch for meters away from the base. Roots, especially the big ones, can penetrate through foundations, which can cause problems such as surface cracks and floor leaks. In some cases, it can even make the foundation weak, which can lead to an untimely collapse.  If they don’t damage the foundation directly, roots can weaken the soil where the foundation stands.  In addition to foundations, tree roots can damage concrete or asphalt driveway, sidewalks, and walking paths.

​The odds may seem to be low, but roots can cause significant damage to a home’s piping and sewage system. There are some scenarios where the roots can grow down to such depths that they accidentally hit pipes. If it hits your water pipeline, your water supply may either weaken or get cut off altogether. You can also be prone to excessive water charges. If you hit the sewage line, it can cause some sanitary issues in your property. There are even rare cases where other pipes such as gas lines get damaged. 

​The roots of trees may interfere with your landscaping plans. While there are a lot of scenarios where roots actually add a more natural style to your garden, sometimes roots grow so haphazardly that they interfere with your garden theme. Growing roots can also interfere with a landscaping style currently present. There are 3 ways to go about such scenarios: change your landscaping plans, single out specific surface roots, or take down the entire plant altogether. 

Sometimes there is a case to be made for tree removal because the tree's roots are damaging some aspect of your property.  Tree root damage can take a long time to happen as their growth is very slow.  However, root growth is very strong and can be quite intrusive.   When roots begin to encroach or even start damaging your property, such as foundations, landscaping, etc., it may be time to call a professional tree service in Allentown, PA to discuss removing the tree.

​When a plant ends up becoming too damaging for your property, the only recourse is to remove the plant from your lawn. However, it should be done correctly to prevent further damage. Contact us for tree removal services. Our vast experience and state of the art equipment will get the job done right.

Tree trimming is one of the most basic responsibilities of people who have trees in their property. Whether you own a house, a business establishment, or a vacant lot, it is both your right and responsibility to keep your trees properly trimmed. You can choose to do it on your own, but it is best to hire a tree service in Allentown to get the job done right. Regardless of what path you choose for trimming, there are some basic guidelines you should follow. Here are some things you should do to ensure your trimming job is done right.
 
Learn About Your Rights 
If the tree grows within your property, you have full right and responsibilities to take care of it. You have full responsibility for the portions of your tree, including the leaves and branches that fall from it. You are fully responsible for trimming and clearing it in whatever way you like. However, if the tree is growing between property lines, you might need to talk with your neighbor about it. The final action plan depends on whatever agreement the two parties strike about the tree that splits their property.  However, in most cases you can independently trim the portion of your neighbor's tree that overhangs your property.
 
Trees Growing Over a Street 
There are special rules to consider if your tree’s growth actually a few feet away from the street. In some cases, prompt action is necessary, especially if there’s threat of hitting public property, such as light posts and power lines. However, you shouldn’t take action right away, as it is possible that maintenance trimming and pruning for such tree is the responsibility of the town’s public works department. Before proceeding with tree trimming, inquire with your local public works department.
 
Insurance and Liability
Keep in mind that trees growing within your property are your full responsibility. In other words, if they cause damage for whatever reason (a branch or the entire tree itself falls into your neighbor’s property), it is your responsibility to compensate for damages. This is why it is smart to get insurance to cover expenses for such situations. The good news is that as long as you properly trim your plant, the odds of such scenarios happening are not that big. Still, it’s best to be prepared for such situations.
 
Tree trimming should not be that complicated if you play within the rules and you keep your trees well-groomed.  If you need help in keeping your trees trimmed, you can contact us today for more info.  

Many home projects are great for DIY efforts; however, tree service, especially tree removal and tree trimming on large mature trees, is not one of those DIY project property owners should take on themselves.  Allentown Tree Service in a local yet industry-leading tree removal and trimming company.   Here we explain why it is best to choose our professional tree service company for tree trimming projects.  

We Have Certified Expertise in Tree Care

Our company is deeply educated and experienced in the tree-care science,  We know that late autumn or winter is a great time to trim trees. The colder temperatures stop tree sap from constantly running. This minimizes sap bleeding and stress on the tree. Insects are normally dormant in the colder seasons of the year as well, eliminating tree damage or infection.

Our tree service professionals are training and certified by some of the leading tree care associations, such as the Tree Care Industry Association and the International Society of Arborists.   These organizations provide a wealth of information and tree care education - something all of our staff members take full advantage of.

Fast and Efficient Service

Employing a professional tree trimmer ensures a quick, reliable and effective process. With our tree service, we utilize only the best equipment to get the project done correctly. We are also experienced in using chainsaws, wood chippers, and bucket trucks.

Our trimming services include thinning tree branches to help them avoid buildings and power lines and buildings. We also remove broken, diseased, or dead limbs. We also provide emergency tree trimming, especially after strong storms. With 25 years of experience, not only do we complete our tree service work flawlessly, we ensure that everything is taken care of with the utmost care.

Improved Safety for Your Family

Working with tree service professionals is the safest, smartest option. We assess and prepare all our equipment before every job. We also take necessary precautions to maintain the safety of the site, minimizing the risk of accidents and injuries to our staff and to anyone project area. We always utilize the proper protective gear as well to prevent accidents and injury.

For reliable and safe tree trimming service, call us today at 610-981-1297. You may also fill our form to request a FREE quote. We serve Allentown, PA and the surrounding communities.