Warning Signs that a Tree on Your Property Is More Likely to Crash Down During a Storm

When a tree becomes hazardous, diseased, or grows too close to your home, removal may be the best solution. However, tree removal is not a simple weekend DIY project—it’s a complex and potentially dangerous task that demands professional knowledge and precision. Hiring an ISA-certified arborist enables the job to be completed safely, efficiently, and with care for your property and surrounding landscape. At Sawtooth Tree Service, our local ISA-certified arborists provide expert tree removal in the greater Boise area. Here are four reasons why relying on certified arborists for tree removal is the smartest and safest choice. Certified Arborists Prioritize Safety Tree removal involves significant risks, especially when dealing with tall, heavy, or decaying trees near structures or power lines. ISA-certified arborists are trained to assess safety hazards before starting work and use skilled techniques and proper equipment to eliminate risks. Their experience allows them to remove trees in controlled sections, minimizing the chance of injury or property damage. Attempting to remove a tree without proper training or tools can easily result in accidents that certified professionals are equipped to prevent. They Have Expert Knowledge of Tree Health Certified arborists are trained in the science of tree care, giving them a deep understanding of how to assess the health, structure, and stability of trees. Before removing a tree, they evaluate whether it can be safely pruned or treated instead. If removal is necessary, their understanding of root systems and canopy balance ensures that the process is done in a way that won’t harm nearby vegetation. This expertise helps protect your landscape and maintain its overall health. Proper Equipment and Techniques Ensure Efficiency Thorough tree removal requires specialized tools—particular chainsaws, rigging systems, and stump grinders—that most homeowners don’t have or know how to safely operate. ISA-certified arborists have access to professional-grade equipment and know exactly how to use it to remove trees efficiently and cleanly. They Can Provide Complete Cleanup and Future Recommendations After a tree is removed, the job isn’t finished. Certified arborists handle stump grinding, debris cleanup, and disposal, leaving your yard safe and tidy. They can also recommend replacement trees or preventive measures to keep remaining ones healthy and strong. By trusting ISA-certified professionals, you gain peace of mind knowing the work is done thoroughly, responsibly, and with the future of your landscape in mind. Tree Removal in Boise, ID When you need an arborist in Boise and the surrounding area, contact Sawtooth Tree Service at  (208) 268-8199  . We provide expert residential and commercial tree care in the greater Boise area. Feel free to give us a call to arrange a free arborist estimate in Boise, ID!

When a tree is cut down, many property owners are left with the question of what to do about the stump. While it may not seem urgent, leaving a stump in place can create safety issues, attract unwanted pests, and limit how you use your yard. Professional stump removal is the most effective way to eliminate these problems. At Sawtooth Tree Service, we provide expert stump removal in the greater Boise area. Here are four ways that stump removal can enhance your property. Improved Safety for Your Yard One of the most important benefits of professional stump removal is increased safety. Tree stumps can be hidden hazards, especially in areas where children play. They can also pose a tripping risk to visitors or create obstacles for lawn care equipment. Professionals ensure the stump is fully removed below ground level, reducing the chance of accidents and leaving you with a safer, more navigable landscape. Protection Against Pest Problems Old stumps are notorious for attracting insects such as termites, carpenter ants, and beetles. These pests often nest in decaying wood and can eventually spread to healthy trees or even to your home. Professional stump removal eliminates this breeding ground, helping protect your property from costly infestations. Restored Curb Appeal A lingering stump can make even the most well-kept yard look neglected. Over time, sprouts may grow from the stump, creating an unattractive cluster of small branches. Professional stump removal restores a more polished appearance to your landscape, boosting your curb appeal. And for homeowners considering selling, this improvement can also make the property more attractive to potential buyers. More Usable Space Stumps often take up valuable space that could otherwise be used for new landscaping or outdoor projects. Whether you want to install a patio or add a garden bed, removing the stump creates a blank slate for future improvements. Professional stump removal can allow you to more fully utilize your yard without having to work around obstacles. Professional Stump Removal in Boise, ID For stump grinding and removal in Boise and the surrounding area, contact Sawtooth Tree Service at  (208) 268-8199  . Our local arborists provide expert residential and commercial tree services. Feel free to give us a call to arrange a free arborist estimate in Boise!

At Sawtooth Tree Service, our crew of local ISA-certified arborists takes great pride in providing expert tree care in the greater Boise area. No matter the scale of the job—from big tree removal to light trimming—our team will work efficiently to get the job done correctly and in a timely manner. And we appreciate it when our clients take the time to offer feedback about their experiences with us. Here’s a look at some of our recent reviews. “I first had Dave and his crew from Sawtooth come to my house a few years back to trim some trees and remove another—they showed up and went after like a group of worker bees, everyone had a job and knew what they were doing. Very professional and picked up after themselves. Fast forward to this year. I called them back to remove a tree in my backyard—the crew was friendly, personable and fun to talk to. They had my tree down and gone in less than 2 hours, ground the stump and even took a pile of branches from another tree at no extra cost. They're very affordable and I highly recommend this company. Thanks guys!” — Cody V. “Sawtooth did a GREAT job!! Took out a giant old elm tree and removed limbs. Service & response was awesome and the price was reasonable. I would definitely hire these guys again!!” — Karen M. “Once again Dave and his crew at sawtooth were great! We have had them back to help with trimming up a spruce and maple tree that was long over due for haircuts- they look so much better now! We will continue to use them when we need and always recommend them for all your tree service needs!” — Rebekah F. “Dave and his team at Sawtooth did a great job as usual. I keep coming back because you can always count on the guys to be professional and nice. Cleanup is always very tidy.” — Eddie B. “Great service and better pricing than others we called. Their team was respectful of the property and made everyone feel comfortable. The trees look amazing!” — Andrew R. “Amazing tree service. I have had them take down 3 trees over the years and they have always been very pleasant to work with. I highly recommend this service if you’re looking. The crew have always been nice and knowledgeable about the trees and what they are doing.” — Angelia W. Arborist in Boise, ID When you need an ISA-certified arborist in Boise and the surrounding area, contact Sawtooth Tree Service at  (208) 268-8199  . Feel free to give us a call to request a free arborist estimate in Boise!

When preparing to sell your home, first impressions matter. Curb appeal can significantly influence a potential buyer’s perception before they even step inside. Well-maintained trees and landscaping can elevate the appearance of your property, making it feel more inviting and valuable. Hiring a certified arborist is a smart investment in this process. Their expertise can transform an average yard into a standout feature that attracts more attention and potentially leads to a faster and more profitable sale. At Sawtooth Tree Service, our ISA-certified arborists can do tree work that will help to beautify your property before putting it on the market. Here are four ways a certified arborist can enhance your property’s curb appeal before listing your home. Pruning and Shaping for Visual Impact A certified arborist knows how to skillfully prune and shape trees to highlight their natural beauty while ensuring their health. By removing overgrown and dead branches, an arborist creates a cleaner appearance that enhances the yard. Proper pruning also improves sunlight penetration, which can benefit the surrounding lawn and flower beds. A well-shaped tree can provide symmetry and balance to your landscape. Removing Undesirable Trees Sometimes, a tree does more harm than good. If you have trees that are leaning, decaying, or showing signs of disease, they could detract from your home's curb appeal or even pose a safety risk. A certified arborist can assess these trees and determine whether removal is the best option. Taking down a problematic tree not only improves aesthetics, but can also give buyers peace of mind knowing the property is free of immediate safety hazards. Addressing Tree Health and Pest Issues A tree that looks unhealthy can be a red flag to potential buyers. Discolored leaves, pest infestations, and fungal growth can all make a yard feel neglected. Certified arborists are trained to diagnose and treat a variety of tree health issues. With the right care, they can revive a declining tree or prevent further spread of disease. Healthy, vibrant trees make a property look more attractive overall. Improving Visibility and Access Overgrown trees can block important views, hide architectural features, or crowd walkways and driveways. An arborist can selectively thin out or lift canopies to improve visibility and access, helping your home’s best features shine through. By framing the house properly and ensuring clear sightlines, the property feels more welcoming and market-ready. ISA-Certified Arborist in Boise, ID For tree care in Boise and the surrounding area, contact Sawtooth Tree Service at  (208) 268-8199  . Feel free to give us a call to ask for a free arborist estimate in Boise!

Proper pruning plays a vital role in maintaining the health, safety, and appearance of your trees. While it may seem like a simple task, improper pruning can do more harm than good. That’s why it’s best to entrust the job to an ISA-certified arborist, which are professionals who have undergone extensive training, passed rigorous exams, and are committed to continuing education. At Sawtooth Tree Service, our local ISA-certified arborists provide expert tree pruning in the greater Boise area. Here are four benefits of hiring an ISA-certified arborist to prune your trees. Promotes Healthier Growth A certified arborist understands the biology of trees and knows how to prune in a way that promotes healthy growth. Rather than randomly cutting branches, they carefully remove dead, diseased, or overcrowded limbs to improve airflow and sunlight penetration. This not only boosts the overall vitality of the tree, but can also help prevent the spread of disease and pests. Strategic pruning encourages a stronger structure and long-term resilience. Enhances Safety Around Your Property Overgrown or damaged branches can pose serious hazards, especially during storms or high winds. An ISA-certified arborist can identify limbs that are at risk of falling and remove them safely before they cause injury or property damage. They also know how to assess the structural integrity of the tree as a whole, helping to prevent accidents that could result from hidden weaknesses. Improves Aesthetic Appeal Tree pruning done by a professional can greatly enhance the visual appeal of your landscape. ISA-certified arborists are skilled in shaping trees in a way that highlights their natural beauty while also maintaining balance and symmetry. A certified arborist can tailor the pruning approach to suit your yard’s space, as well as the needs of the species. Protects Tree Longevity Incorrect pruning, such as excessive removal of branches, can severely damage a tree and shorten its lifespan. An ISA-certified arborist knows how to make precise cuts that encourage healing and minimize stress to the tree. Their knowledge of proper timing and technique helps prevent long-term damage and supports a thriving canopy for years to come. Professional Tree Pruning in Boise, ID For an ISA-certified arborist in Boise and the surrounding area, contact Sawtooth Tree Service at  (208) 268-8199  . Feel free to give us a call to ask for a free arborist estimate in Boise!

Large trees can be majestic. However, there are times when even the most impressive tree becomes a liability rather than an asset. When a tree poses safety risks or interferes with the functionality of a property, removal is often the safest and most responsible choice. At Sawtooth Tree Service, our local arborists provide expert big tree removal in the greater Boise area. Here are four common reasons that big trees need to be professionally cut down. Severe Structural Damage Big trees are especially susceptible to structural damage caused by storms or disease. When large limbs crack or the trunk develops deep splits or cavities, the tree becomes unstable. A structurally compromised tree can collapse without warning, potentially injuring people or damaging homes, vehicles, or other property. Because large trees are heavy and difficult to manage, removing them safely requires the skill and equipment of trained professionals. Irreversible Disease or Infestation Diseases such as oak wilt or root rot can spread quickly and devastate a tree’s health. Similarly, infestations from insects like bark beetles can weaken a tree beyond recovery. Once a big tree is severely infected or infested, it can become brittle and dangerous. Worse, the problem can spread to surrounding trees, threatening the entire landscape. In such cases, professional removal helps prevent further damage and promotes the health of nearby trees. Proximity to Structures or Power Lines A large tree growing too close to a home, fence, garage, or utility line can pose significant risks. Overhanging branches can fall during storms and damage roofs or windows. Tree roots can disturb foundations or break through underground plumbing. If the tree is interfering with power lines, it becomes a fire hazard and a threat to service reliability. In situations where pruning won’t resolve the issue, removal is often necessary. Severe Lean If a large tree starts leaning dramatically, it could be a sign of compromised roots or internal instability. While not all leaning trees are dangerous, a significant shift can indicate an impending fall. A big tree that is leaning toward a home should be assessed quickly, and if the risk is high, it should be professionally removed to protect people and property. Tree Removal in Boise, ID When you need an arborist in Boise and the surrounding area, contact Sawtooth Tree Service at  (208) 268-8199  . We provide expert residential and commercial tree care in the greater Boise area. Feel free to give us a call to request a free arborist estimate in Boise, ID!

When a big tree becomes unstable or unhealthy, it can quickly become a hazard. A compromised tree has the potential to fall or drop heavy limbs, which can cause serious damage to your home and put your family at risk. Recognizing the warning signs early can help you take action before disaster strikes. At Sawtooth Tree Service, our local ISA-certified arborists can identify dangerous trees and expertly address them as necessary. Here are four common signs that a tree might be threatening your home. Leaning Toward the House If a tree is noticeably leaning toward your home, especially if it didn’t lean that way before, it could be a sign of structural instability. Trees may lean due to root damage, soil erosion, or storm stress. While some trees naturally grow at an angle, a sudden or increasing lean indicates that the tree could be at risk of falling. This becomes especially dangerous when the tree is tall enough to reach your roof or windows. Cracks in the Trunk or Major Limbs Cracks or splits in a tree’s trunk or large branches are red flags. These fractures weaken the structural integrity of the tree and can result in the tree breaking apart under its own weight. If the crack is deep or runs vertically along the trunk, it may be a sign that the tree is severely stressed or decaying from within. Large limbs with visible cracks can also fall without warning, potentially landing on your roof or cars. Root Damage or Uplifted Soil A tree’s roots are its foundation. When roots are damaged, the tree may become unstable. Signs of root trouble include visible root damage or soil heaving around the base of the tree. Uplifted soil could indicate that the tree is beginning to lose its grip in the ground, making it more likely to fall in high winds. Dead or Falling Branches When a tree begins shedding branches, especially large ones, it’s often a sign of stress. Large, dead branches, also known as widowmakers, can fall at any time and pose a serious risk to anything below. If you notice that a tree is frequently dropping limbs or has multiple dead branches, it’s time to call a professional arborist to assess its health and safety. Tree Removal in Boise, ID When you need an arborist in Boise and the surrounding area, contact Sawtooth Tree Service at  (208) 268-8199  . Feel free to give us a call to request a free arborist estimate in Boise!

When a tree dies, it can quickly become a safety hazard. Dead trees are more likely to fall, potentially causing damage to nearby structures or injuring people. If you suspect a tree on your property is dead, it’s important to recognize the warning signs and take action before it becomes a problem. At Sawtooth Tree Service, we provide expert tree removal in the greater Boise area. Here are five signs that a tree is dead and you should call the arborist for a professional assessment. No Leaves or Unusual Leaf Loss One of the most obvious signs of a dead tree is a lack of leaves during the growing season. If your tree remains bare while others around it are full and green, it could indicate that the tree is no longer alive. If your tree is losing leaves at an unusual time of year or appears unhealthy compared to surrounding trees, it’s time to have an arborist inspect it. Brittle or Peeling Bark Healthy trees have firm, intact bark that provides protection and insulation. If you notice large sections of bark peeling away or falling off, it could be a sign that the tree is no longer sustaining itself. And if the layer beneath the bark is dry and brown instead of moist and green, the tree may be dead. An arborist can determine if the tree is beyond saving or if corrective measures can be taken. Dead or Falling Branches A tree that is losing branches frequently or has several large dead limbs is likely in distress. Dead branches are brittle and may snap off even in mild winds, posing a risk to people and property. If you notice large limbs dropping without explanation or an excessive number of dead branches in the canopy, your tree may be dead or dying. Fungal Growth at the Base The presence of fungi growing at the base of a tree is often a sign of internal decay. If the tree is compromised from the inside, it may not be structurally sound, increasing the risk of it falling. A professional arborist can determine whether the tree is salvageable or should be removed for safety reasons. Hollow Trunk A hollow or decayed trunk suggests that the tree’s internal support system has deteriorated. Trees with significant internal decay are prone to breaking, especially in storms. If your tree shows signs of a hollow trunk, it’s crucial to call in the arborist for an inspection. Tree Removal in Boise, ID When you need an arborist in Boise and the surrounding area, contact Sawtooth Tree Service at  (208) 268-8199  . Feel free to give us a call to arrange a free arborist estimate in Boise!

At Sawtooth Tree Service, we’re proud members of Boise’s small business community. We strive to earn our customers’ satisfaction by providing top-quality tree services in Boise at fair rates. Whether you need light pruning or numerous tree removals, our local ISA-certified arborists will work diligently to get the job done right. And we’re grateful when our customers offer feedback about the work that we did for them. Here’s a look at some of our recent customer reviews. “Sawtooth is unsurpassed. Any superlative that I might add would be redundant. But I'll do it anyway. The crew is professional, courteous, knowledgeable, efficient and just plain excellent at what they do. Additionally, their pricing is unbeatable.” — Jeffrey S. “I was very pleased with the job Sawtooth Tree Service did trimming and cutting down our trees. I highly recommend them!” — Elicia K. “Sawtooth did an amazing job cutting down two massive pines in our backyard. They were careful not to damage our fence and even had our veggie garden survive when it was right near the fall line. Could not believe how quickly they removed both trees, including the stump grinding. Thank you for such a seamless process. Very reasonable prices too. Thank you!” — Brittany N. “We had a tree and four shrubs removed by Sawtooth. They were prompt and did a great job removing the trees and roots, as well as cleaning up all the debris. I also thought they were reasonably priced.” — Megan K. “Sawtooth Tree Service removed a 110 year old tree from a tight spot in my backyard. They did an amazing job all in one day. They had all the right equipment, great staff, and cleaned up beautifully afterward. They had to go in the neighbor’s yard for access and were respectful, leaving their yard in great shape too. I was grateful to be in good hands with this company and highly recommend them.” — Tilley B. “These guys do great work. Extremely efficient and good guidance on tree removal.” — Chad S. Arborist in Boise, ID When you need an ISA-certified arborist in Boise and the surrounding area, contact Sawtooth Tree Service at  (208) 268-8199  . Feel free to give us a call to arrange a free arborist estimate in Boise!