Alpine Tree Service
Professional Tree Service FAQ
Have Questions About Tree Care? We’re Here to Help.
We know tree care often comes with a lot of questions—from how often to prune to what happens during a tree removal. To make things easier, we’ve gathered answers to the questions we hear most often from homeowners, property managers, and municipalities across Boise, the Treasure Valley, and the Wood River Valley.
Don’t see your question listed? Give us a call—we’ll be happy to help.
General Questions
What services does Alpine Tree Service provide?
We offer a full range of tree care services including pruning and shaping, tree removal and stump grinding, insect and disease management, soil and fertilization care, and certified arborist inspections. Every service is carried out with a focus on long-term tree health, safety, and property value.
What makes Alpine different from other tree companies?
Alpine has been family-owned and locally rooted in Idaho since 1984. Our crews include ISA Certified Arborists, licensed applicators, and certified crane operators. We also own the only in-house 30-ton crane in the Treasure Valley, which allows us to handle even the largest or most technical tree removals safely and efficiently.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. Alpine Tree Service is fully licensed and insured. Our insurance protects both our crews and your property, giving you peace of mind during every project.
What areas do you serve?
We proudly serve the Treasure Valley—including Boise, Eagle, Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell, Star, and Kuna—as well as the Wood River Valley, including Sun Valley, Ketchum, Hailey, and Bellevue, as well as areas surrounding these. Are you a bit farther out or a state over? Call to learn about our service exceptions.
Do you offer free estimates?
Yep! We provide free, no-obligation estimates for all tree work. An ISA Certified Arborist will visit your property, assess your trees, and provide clear recommendations so you can make informed decisions. Contact us!
Safety & Insurance
How do you ensure safety during tree work?
Safety is our top priority. Every project is carefully planned by certified arborists, and our crews follow strict safety protocols. We use modern equipment, advanced rigging techniques, and when necessary, a crane to lift materials securely over properties to complete jobs safely.
Do you carry insurance to protect homeowners and property managers?
Yes. Our insurance covers both residential and commercial projects, protecting you from liability if something unexpected were to happen. We’re happy to provide proof of coverage upon request.
What training or certifications do your crews have?
Our team includes ISA Certified Arborists, TRAQ certified arborists, licensed plant healthcare applicators, certified crane operators, and pruning/removal specialists. We also invest in ongoing training to stay current with best practices in tree care
What is an ISA Certified Arborist?
An ISA Certified Arborist is a tree care professional who has passed a rigorous exam and maintains certification through continuing education. It takes years of hands-on tree care experience—at least three years in the field—before someone can even qualify to take the exam. On top of that, most arborists spend weeks or months studying tree biology, soil health, pruning practices, and safety standards to prepare. This credential ensures your trees are cared for by someone with proven knowledge in tree biology, safety, and industry standards.
Scheduling & Timing
How quickly can you remove a tree after an inspection?
It depends on the size of the tree, the complexity of the job, and our current schedule. Some can be handled within a week, while others may require more planning. We’ll always communicate timelines clearly during your estimate.
How long does tree removal usually take?
Most residential tree removals can be completed in a single day. Complicated, technical, or jobs with a large quantity of tree removals (especially near buildings or power lines) may take longer, but our crane and advanced equipment allow us to work safely and efficiently.
How long does stump grinding take?
Grinding a stump typically takes 1–2 hours depending on its size and root system. We grind stumps below ground level and leave the area ready for replanting or landscaping.
Can you remove trees in the winter or when it’s snowing?
Yes. Tree removals and pruning can be done year-round, including in winter. In fact, winter is often a great time for pruning because trees are dormant, while the tree is not using its leaves to make food for itself. This decreases the amount of stress the tree endures during pruning.
What is the best time of year to prune trees?
It depends on the species. Many trees benefit from late winter or early spring pruning, while fruit trees often need seasonal shaping to encourage better production. However, all trees besides fruit trees can be pruned at any point throughout the year. Our arborists can recommend the right timing for your specific trees.
Do I need to be home when you’re working on my property?
Not always. As long as our crews have access to the work area, we can complete the job without you being home. Many clients appreciate the flexibility and return to find their yard clean and their trees beautifully cared for.
Service-Specific Questions
Tree Removal & Stump Grinding
How do I know if a tree needs to be removed?
Signs include large cracks, hollow trunks, root damage, severe decline, mushroom growth, or hazardous placement near buildings and driveways. An arborist inspection is the best way to know for sure.
Do you offer emergency tree removal?
Yes. If a tree is posing an immediate hazard—such as storm damage or sudden leaning—we provide responsive emergency removal services to restore safety quickly.
What happens to the wood and debris after removal?
We remove all wood and debris unless you request otherwise. Some clients ask us to leave firewood-sized logs, while others prefer complete cleanup. Either way, your yard will be left neat and safe.
Do you use a crane for every tree removal?
No. Our crane is used for large, technical, or hard-to-reach trees where it improves safety and efficiency. For smaller removals, our crews use climbing and rigging techniques.
Will my yard be damaged by heavy equipment?
We take precautions to protect your property, including using mats and careful equipment placement. Our crews are trained to minimize impact and always perform thorough cleanup afterward.
How deep do you grind stumps?
We typically grind stumps 6–18 inches below ground level, depending on your needs. This prevents regrowth and allows you to replant or landscape the area.
Can I replant a tree where one was removed?
Yes! We recommend Franz Witte Nursery for their robust tree selection!
Plant Health & Preventative Care
What is “preventative tree care” and why does it matter?
Preventative care means keeping trees strong and resilient so they avoid major issues down the road. This includes soil health, structural pruning, pest and disease prevention, and regular inspections. It helps trees live longer and reduces costly removals.
Can proactive soil care really make a difference?
Yes. Healthy soil supports stronger roots, better nutrient absorption, and greater resistance to pests and drought. We use organic blends like Alpine Custom Blend and Alpine 75 Bio Mineral Tea to strengthen soil from the ground up.
How can I protect my trees from pests and diseases long-term?
Regular monitoring by an arborist is key. We look for early signs of stress, apply organic or low-impact treatments as needed, and recommend care plans tailored to your property.
Do you offer care plans for ongoing tree health?
Yes. While we don’t use a one-size-fits-all “program,” many of our clients schedule seasonal or annual visits for soil care, inspections, and preventative treatments. We’ll gladly build a plan that supports the long-term health of your trees.
Tree Pruning
How often should you prune your trees?
Most shade trees benefit from pruning every 3–5 years, but younger or ornamental trees may require more frequent attention. Some homeowners like to opt for annual pruning. Regular pruning improves structure, airflow, and aesthetics while preventing hazards.
Can pruning really improve the health of my trees?
Yes, definitely! Proper pruning reduces the risk of disease, improves airflow and sunlight penetration, and strengthens overall tree structure. It also enhances curb appeal by keeping trees balanced and beautiful.
Soil & Fertilization
What kind of fertilizer do you use?
We use Balanced Earth products which are organic, environmentally safe products, including our own Alpine Custom Blend and Alpine 75 Bio Mineral Tea. These are pet-, child-, and pollinator-safe while building strong root systems and healthier soil.
Are your treatments safe for kids, pets, and pollinators?
Yes. Protecting families and ecosystems is always part of our approach. Whenever possible, we choose organic and low-impact treatments.
Insects & Diseases
Why are my trees leaves turning yellow?
Yellow leaves can signal many issues: pests, fungal infections, root stress, or nutrient deficiencies. The only way to know for sure is with a site inspection, where an arborist can diagnose and recommend solutions.
How do you treat pests without harming the environment?
We use Integrated Pest Management (IPM), focusing on organic and low-impact treatments first. We only apply chemical solutions when absolutely necessary, and do so with consideration of surrounding landscapes.
Can sick trees be saved?
In many cases, yes. With soil improvements, targeted treatments, and proper pruning, declining trees can often be restored. If removal is the only safe option, we’ll explain why.
Site Inspections
How often should my trees be inspected by an arborist?
At least once a year is a good guideline. High-value landscapes, older trees, or properties with many trees may benefit from seasonal inspections.
What happens during a site inspection?
An ISA Certified Arborist will walk your property, assess tree health, check for risks, and provide clear recommendations. Inspections give you peace of mind and a plan for your trees
Equipment
What equipment do you use for large tree removals?
In addition to advanced rigging strategies, a spider lift, and bucket trucks, Alpine is the only company in the Treasure Valley with an in-house 30-ton crane. This allows us to safely and efficiently handle the largest, most technical jobs.
Will my yard be damaged by heavy equipment?
We take steps to protect your property, including using mats or alternative access methods when needed. Our crews are trained to work carefully and minimize impact. If there is a concern about particularly marshy land, it may be best to schedule your project for the winter, when the ground is frozen.
Do you clean up after the job is finished?
Always. Thorough cleanup is part of every project. We remove debris and leave your yard neat and safe—many clients say they wouldn’t know we were there if not for their healthier trees.
Clients
Do you work with HOAs and property managers?
Yes. We regularly provide consistent care across HOA communities and commercial properties, balancing budgets with the need for safety and curb appeal.
Can you handle tree care for multiple commercial properties?
Absolutely. Our crews are equipped to manage large or multi-site projects with the same level of professionalism and reliability at every location.
Do you provide services for schools and public spaces?
Yes. We care for trees on campuses, parks, and municipal properties with a focus on safety and minimal disruption.
Do you work with utility companies near power lines?
Yes. Our crews are trained to safely remove or prune trees near power lines, substations, and easements, helping utilities reduce risks and prevent outages.
