Spencer Tree Care LLC

Storm season is here - it's time to get serious about your trees.
Storms don't usually cause tree failures... they simply expose the hidden problems that were already there.

Yesterday, a client called me after a large tree near their house dropped a dead limb in the yard. Upon inspection, I discovered the limb had likely failed because of previous tree topping - a harmful practice that goes against ANSI A300 standards. Topping creates weak, fast-growing sprouts and makes trees more prone to failure, not less.
After a full assessment, I determined the tree could benefit from a proper structural prune and end-weight reduction, but it didn’t pose an immediate threat. However, as I continued walking the property, I spotted something on the side of the yard the client “had no concerns about.”

What I found was alarming: a codominant red oak with an active split in the union. The crack was visibly opening and closing with the wind. One strong storm gust, and this tree could be coming down - toward the house or on the fence.

This is exactly why professional arborist inspections are so important. As an ISA Certified Arborist and Tree Risk Assessment Qualified (TRAQ), I’m trained to identify common, and often hidden points of failure like codominant stems, included bark, decay, and damage from poor pruning practices such as topping.

Whether this client chooses to work with us or not, we always do our due diligence by thoroughly assessing the entire property. A quick look from someone just eager to make a sale often misses these critical issues. Proper arborist care follows industry standards and improves tree health and safety, rather than making problems worse.

Don’t wait for the next storm to reveal what’s hiding in your trees. A proactive inspection can save your property, your peace of mind, and often the tree itself through correct, timely care.

If you have mature trees near your home or structures, message me to schedule a thorough assessment. Early action is always better than emergency cleanup.

Some of last week's action. We are so thankful to be able to provide this service to our wonderful community!

Shane Spencer
ISA Certified Arborist SO-7110A
ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified
Certified Treecare Safety Professional

Two years after Tree Growth Regulator application + proper root care - real results from my own yard.

Both photos were taken in early April, two years apart. In 2024 this tree was putting out a lot of fast, unbalanced canopy growth and was starting to struggle with girdling roots and vine competition.

In 2024 we:
• Applied Cambistat to moderate canopy extension and encourage stronger root development
• Performed pneumatic excavation to expose and correct girdling roots
• Removed euonymus vine competing at the base
• Installed support bolts to stabilize the codominant stem
• Added a 3–4" mulch layer across the entire dripline

Since then the mulch has naturally broken down and the grass has grown back in, but the structural improvements remain.

The difference is clear: a calmer, more uniform canopy, healthier color, and a tree that’s investing energy where it actually matters long‑term.
This is why growth regulation, structural support, and proper root care work so well together - and why I use the same approach on my own property that I recommend to clients.