Round Rock, Texas

Tree trimming and removal in Round Rock

A limb over the roof, a dead tree, or a stump you are tired of mowing around? Text me a photo of the tree. I’ll help you find a local tree service.

Text Terry about a tree

OnHand Home is not a tree service. I help you find one, and you get their business name before you agree to anything. There is no charge for my help. You pay the tree service for the work.

What the work involves

Tree work falls into a few jobs. Trimming or pruning removes limbs and leaves the tree standing. Removal takes the tree down in sections or in one piece. Stump grinding cuts the stump below ground level. Some companies do all three. Some only do removal.

On a visit, the crew lead looks at the tree, the lean, what is under it, and how close it is to the house, fences and lines. They then give a price for the cut, the cleanup, and whether the wood stays or goes.

A tree that is large, rotten, or close to a building is a risky job. The crew may need ropes, climbing gear or a crane. Ask how they plan to do it, and who pays for damage if something goes wrong.

Why Round Rock homeowners call a tree service

Limbs hanging over the roof, a fence or the driveway
A tree that looks dead, hollow, split, or is dropping large limbs
A tree that leans after a storm
Branches rubbing the house or blocking a window
A stump left from an earlier removal
Roots lifting a walk or patio
A tree that blocks light, or a view you want back
Storm debris on the ground after wind
A question about whether a tree is healthy

Trim, remove, or grind?

Tell the tree service what you want, and ask what they would do and why.

Trim Right when the tree is healthy and only some limbs are a problem. Ask for the cuts to be made at the branch, not by chopping the top off.
Remove Right when the tree is dead, badly damaged, or too close to the house to keep. Ask for a second opinion if the crew pushes removal for a tree that looks alive.
Grind the stump A machine grinds the stump to below ground. Ask how deep it goes, and what you can plant there afterward.
Leave the stump A stump can stay and rot. It costs less now, but you may still have to mow around it.

What changes the price

Tree work prices vary a lot. The same tree can get very different bids, so compare what is included.

The size and height of the tree
How hard it is to reach: a fence, a pool, a roof or lines in the way
Whether the crew can use a truck and a lift, or has to climb
Whether the tree is dead or rotten, which makes the cut riskier
Whether cleanup and haul-away are included, or the wood and chips stay on site
Stump grinding, which is often a separate line
Whether the work happens in a rush after a storm
Any permit or inspection the City asks for

Questions to ask the tree service

Use these to compare quotes side by side.

Can you show me proof of liability insurance and workers’ compensation?Tree work is risky. If a crew member is hurt or a limb hits your roof, you want the right policy behind the company.
Is a certified arborist on the job?Trees Are Good, the consumer site of the International Society of Arboriculture, has an arborist directory.
Exactly what is included: cut, cleanup, haul-away, stump?Each of these is often a separate line. Get them in writing.
How will you protect the roof, fence and lawn?Ask about ropes, lowering limbs, and ground protection.
Are you cutting oaks? When?Texas A&M Forest Service says oaks should not be pruned or wounded from February through June, to help stop the spread of oak wilt.
Do you paint oak wounds?The Forest Service says to cover or paint oak wounds at any time of year.
Does this job need a City permit?Round Rock has a residential tree removal permit application. Ask whether your tree needs one.
Do you top trees?The City of Round Rock calls tree topping unnecessary and dangerous.

Oak trees and the spring cutting window

Oak wilt is a tree disease that affects oaks. Texas A&M Forest Service says oaks should not be pruned or wounded from February through June.

The Forest Service also says to cover or paint any oak wound, no matter the time of year. If you are not sure a tree is an oak, say so and ask the tree service to identify it before they cut.

If a limb is on a power line

Stay away from the tree and the line. Do not trim near it yourself. The City of Round Rock tells residents to contact Oncor, the utility, at 1-888-313-4747 for tree limbs on power lines.

If a line is down or anyone is hurt, leave the area and call 911. OnHand Home is not an emergency service.

Round Rock and Texas notes

Texas A&M Forest Service says oaks should not be pruned or wounded from February through June, and that oak wounds should be covered or painted at any time of year.
The City of Round Rock Forestry page says residential tree removal permit applications go through the Round Rock Permit Portal. Ask whether your tree needs one before it is cut.
The City lists Oncor as the contact for tree limbs on power lines, and calls tree topping unnecessary and dangerous.

What happens after you text

You text meSay what is going on, add a photo if you can, and include your ZIP code. The message is already started for you, and you can change it.
I ask a question or twoI check the details a tree service will need and confirm you are in our area. We are starting in Round Rock.
I look for a tree serviceI check who can take the job. You get the business name before you agree to anything. If I cannot find someone, I tell you.
They quote and do the workThe tree service confirms the time and the price with you. You pay them for the work. I follow up afterward.

Tell me what is going on.

Text me a short description and your ZIP code. A photo helps.