Does Capitol Tree Care have a Certified Arborist on staff?

Yes. The owner, James Burtchell, is a Certified Arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). James’ ISA certified number is TX-3593A.

Is Capitol Tree Care insured?

Yes. Capitol Tree Care holds a general liability policy in the amount of $1,000,000.00/ incident to protect each customer in the event of an accident. A certificate of insurance can be provided to each customer per request.

Why should we hire Capitol Tree Care over the competition?

Not only is the owner an ISA Certified Arborist, James holds a Bachelor’s degree in Forest Science from Texas A&M University, College Station. James is ISA Texas Oak Wilt Certified, TOWC-0269 and is a ISA Qualified Tree Risk Assessor. Alongside formal education, James also has been working in the tree care industry since 2007 and has obtained years of on-the-job experience. Proper knowledge is key in the industry since there a lot “tree trimmers” out there that provide unqualified service at a cheap price.

Does Capitol Tree Care provide free estimates?

Yes. We provide free estimates for services, however we do charge for an Arborist consultation or tree assessment. Customers often overlap free estimates vs. a consultation. A consultation consists of a customer requesting an Arborist to assess a tree for safety and health or to provide recommendations before purchasing a new property. Free estimates are in place for customers looking for the cost to provide a service such as tree pruning, tree removal or health care services.

What measures does Capitol Tree Care take to protect a customer’s tree(s) from Oak Wilt?

Oak Wilt is a devastating vascular fungus that affects Live Oaks and Red Oaks. To ensure we protect each of our customer’s assets. We sterilize all saw blades before each job and seal all cuts on Oaks over ½” in diameter. We also consult our customers to avoid pruning Live Oaks and Red Oaks between February 1 – June 30.

Do I need a permit to remove my tree?

The City of Austin, TX requires a removal permit if the trunk diameter of the tree is 19” DBH or larger. DBH stands for diameter at breast height which is measured at 4.5’ from the base of the trunk.

We are about to begin construction. Can anything be done to protect our trees throughout the process?

Absolutely! Construction can be extremely stressful to a tree and can cause decline or the death of a tree. Protecting trunks and root zones, as well as supplemental watering, can maintain health and vigor and protect from possible soil compaction or physical damage to the trunk of canopy. Refer to our Construction Mitigation service page for more information!

What are some signs that my tree may not be healthy?

Poor shoot elongation and die-back at the tips of each shoot are indications that your tree may be in decline or stressed. Stunted leaf size, extremely thin canopies and chlorotic (yellowing) leaves are also indications of poor nutrition or stress.

Does Capitol Tree Care provide health maintenance?

Yes! We provide services such as soil aeration and organic health care to keep your trees healthy and promote strong tree vigor. Ask us about our ongoing maintenance plans and how they can help protect your trees!

Should I be watering my trees?

Central Texas has seen multiple years of intense drought condition resulting in the loss of 1 million trees in Texas alone. Proper watering of trees during the hot summer months will increase your tree’s ability to function, thrive and protect itself from harmful fungi and pests. To ensure proper watering, water your trees with a slow & deep application throughout the entire Critical Root Zone (CRZ) of the tree. The CRZ is the root zone located under the entire canopy of the tree. During the hottest months of the year, watering once a week is a safe practice, but also account for rainfall as to avoid keeping your soils saturated. Saturated soils can be just as detrimental to a tree as having a lack of water.

Photo Gallery | Capitol Tree Care

Pruning a very large, heritage Live Oak!

Large Cottonwood Removal

Oak Wilt Management

Large Cottonwood Removal

Large Cottonwood Removals

Large Cottonwood Removal

30 gallon Monterrey Oak planting

Large Hackberry Removal

Large Hackberry Removal- Completed

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, A.E. Wood Fish Hatchery- Crane Removal of collapsed Hackberry in the San Marcos River.

Grinding 2 Ash stumps

ORGANIC TREE FEEDING! Deep-Root Feeding with a high-grade, organic, Liquid Compost Extract.

TREE BRACE PROJECT- TREE REMOVAL VS. TREE BRACE The base of the tree shows the root plate mounding the soil on the opposite side of the lean. The tree was moving and was an imminent hazard for tree collapse/failure. Instead of removing the tree, a plan to fabricate braces and install them to support the tree was devised. The braces were custom fabricated and installed by Capitol Tree Care, LLC.

TREE BRACE PROJECT- TREE REMOVAL VS. TREE BRACE The base of the tree shows the root plate mounding the soil on the opposite side of the lean. The tree was moving and was an imminent hazard for tree collapse/failure. Instead of removing the tree, a plan to fabricate braces and install them to support the tree was devised. The braces were custom fabricated and installed by Capitol Tree Care, LLC. The straps were removed after the concrete footers were set.

TREE BRACE PROJECT- TREE REMOVAL VS. TREE BRACE The base of the tree shows the root plate mounding the soil on the opposite side of the lean. The tree was moving and was an imminent hazard for tree collapse/failure. Instead of removing the tree, a plan to fabricate braces and install them to support the tree was devised. The braces were custom fabricated and installed by Capitol Tree Care, LLC.

STUMP GRINDING Grinding a stump with close proximity to a driveway and house walls and foundation. Ti-guard was implemented to protect windows from anything that might be kicked up during the grinding process.

TREE PROTECTION 2×4’s were used to wrap and protect this Live Oak from physical contact & damage from a skid steer making repeated passes during the excavation for a new swimming pool.

TREE PROTECTION Hardwood mulch and plywood disperse the weight of a skid steers making repeated passes over the Critical Root Zones of these Live Oaks during the excavation process for a new swimming pool.

TREE PROTECTION A 8″-10″ layer of hardwood mulch is spread over the Critical Root Zones of the above Live Oaks. These trees are protected prior to a skid steer accessing the back yard to dig the hole for a new swimming pool. We utilized mulch and plywood to disperse the weight of the skid steer over the root zone in order to minimize soil compaction through the root zone. Fencing was used to cut off access of workers, equipment and materials to the Critical Root Zones of these Live Oaks.

TREE CABLING This tree is a co-dominant(multi-trunked) Cedar Elm of significant size. The main branch union of the two leading stems is very weak and beginning to fail. Installing a steel cable between the main stems helped to add support and structure back to this failing union.

SOIL AERATION This heritage Live Oak in Dripping Springs is located on a property with new home construction. It is common to find compacted soils on construction sites due to the weight of heavy equipment, materials and repeated foot traffic. Aerating the Critical Root Zone promotes increased exchange of oxygen to the soil and roots and reduces soil compaction which can cause root die-back. Aeration is evident in this picture by the grid-like pattern of soil mounds under the canopy.

Trunk section of a highly decayed Cottonwood tree that was removed. The “conks” or mushroom fruiting bodies are seen on top of and inside the trunk section. Wood decaying fungi can cause structural degradation inside the tree, deeming it a hazard. This customer was lucky the tree did not fail in a storm or high winds.

HAZARDOUS TREE REMOVAL Our skilled tree climbers removed a dead and unstable Cottonwood trunk located just a few feet away for the corner of a house. This is the stump of that tree. Obvious fungal decay is present which caused the trees to degrade and become a hazard.

DROUGHT STRESS This Live Oak is showing signs of drought stress as indicated by the thinning canopy above and the dead branch tips. The symptoms above show branch-tip die-back and poor shoot elongation. This tree is a great candidate for a sound healthcare maintenance program geared to promote increased root development and increase overall tree health & vigor.

ROOT COLLAR EXPOSURE/EXCAVATION Live Oak prior to Root Collar Exposure process.

ROOT COLLAR EXPOSURE/EXCAVATION In the midst of exposing this Root Collar, a “girdling” or choking root is found around the base of the Live Oak. This root will be removed to allow the tree to property function without the root inhibiting the trees ability to move needed water and nutrients from the root system to the canopy.

ROOT COLLAR EXPOSURE/EXCAVATION This heritage Live Oak has a buried Root Collar as indicated by the “telephone pole” look at the base of the tree. Root Collars are the “flare” at the base of the tree where the trunk transitions into the root system. Root Collars are meant to always be exposed and not buried. A buried tree with a buried Root Collar is more susceptible to crown rot and “girdling” or choking of the tree at the base. The Airspade tool is utilized to excavate the root collar by blasting the soil away with air under very high pressure. The Airspade allows Arborists to minimize physical damage to the tree normally seen when using hand-tools.

ROOT COLLAR EXPOSURE/EXCAVATION This Live Oak now has a properly exposed Root Collar/Root Flare. In order to maintain the exposed area, a tree well using cut limestone will be constructed through a “dry stacking” process.

ROOT COLLAR EXPOSURE/EXCAVATION A “girdling” or choking root is pictured on the left side of the trunk. This root was removed to allow proper flow of water and nutrients throughout the tree.

ROOT COLLAR EXPOSURE/EXCAVATION A sharp-shooter shovel was used to provide scale for the size of the tree. The “girdling” or choking root is also no longer present at the base of the tree.

ROOT COLLAR EXPOSURE/EXCAVATION This picture shows the Root Collar without the “girdling” or choking root around the base of the tree.

ROOT COLLAR EXPOSURE/EXCAVATION The “girdling” or choking root was removed and the wounds were painted with a tree wound sealant as indicated by the dark black blotches pictured above.

ROOT COLLAR EXPOSURE/EXCAVATION Tree well constructed by “dry-stacking” cut limestone is utilized to hold back soil permanently.

ROOT COLLAR EXPOSURE/EXCAVATION Due to the depth of the buried Root Collar, a tree well constructed by “dry-stacking” cut limestone was utilized to hold back the soil permanently.

ROOT COLLAR EXPOSURE/EXCAVATION This tree has a buried Root Collar as evident by the “telephone pole” look at the base of the tree. The absence of a flare at the base of the tree is evidence of a buried Root Collar. This tree is a candidate for Root Collar Exposure using the Airspade tool.

ROOT COLLAR EXPOSURE/EXCAVATION This absence of a flare at the trees base is evidence for a buried Root Collar. This tree received Root Collar Exposure. The large wound on the trunk is the aftermath of contact with heavy equipment during the construction of a house. This tree and another Live Oak located just feet away, both show evidence or construction damage and drought stress. Both trees had the Root Collars exposed, the Critical Root Zone aerated to alleviate soil compaction and the root systems were fed with a high-grade, organic, Liquid Compost Extract.

ROOT COLLAR EXPOSURE/EXCAVATION This Pecan located on the back patio of “Stay Gold”, a bar downtown on East Cest Chavez, had buried “Root Collar”. The Airspade tool pictured above was utilized to blow the soil away from the base of the tree, exposing the Root Collar.

ROOT COLLAR EXPOSURE/EXCAVATION Pecan at “Stay Gold” bar with exposed Root Collar.

ROOT COLLAR EXPOSURE/EXCAVATION Pecan at “Stay Gold” bar after Root Collar Exposure and construction of a tree well to hold back soil permanently.

ROOT COLLAR EXPOSURE/EXCAVATION Pecan at “Stay Gold” bar in the midst of the Root Collar Exposure process.

ROOT COLLAR EXPOSURE/EXCAVATION This Pecan located on the back patio of “Stay Gold”, a bar located on East Cesar Chavez, is in the midst of having it’s Root Collar Exposed.

ROOT COLLAR EXPOSURE/EXCAVATION Pecan tree at “Stay Gold” bar following Root Collar Exposure process and construction of a tree well to permanently hold back soil.

TREE CABLING & BRACING This Chinese Pistache has a poor union between the two main stems. This tree was “bolted” and a steel cable was installed to provide adequate support and structure to avoid the tree splitting and failing.

TREE BOLTING This co-dominant(multi-trunked) Chinese Pistache has two main stems with a very poor branch union, prone to splitting/failure. A bolt was installed, along with a steel cable in the canopy, to provide adequate support and structure to the tree.

Red Oak Removal, Picture 1 of 4 This Red Oak was declining most likely from prolonged effects of drought which opened the door for secondary pest and disease to further stress and decline the tree. In this case, the tree showed signs of the Hypoxylon Canker fungal pathogen and wood boring beetles.

Red Oak Removal, Picture 2 of 4 This Red Oak was declining most likely from prolonged effects of drought which opened the door for secondary pest and disease to further stress and decline the tree. In this case, the tree showed signs of the Hypoxylon Canker fungal pathogen and wood boring beetles.

Red Oak Removal, Picture 3 of 4 This Red Oak was declining most likely from prolonged effects of drought which opened the door for secondary pest and disease to further stress and decline the tree. In this case, the tree showed signs of the Hypoxylon Canker fungal pathogen and wood boring beetles.

Red Oak Removal, Picture 4 of 4 This Red Oak was declining most likely from prolonged effects of drought which opened the door for secondary pest and disease to further stress and decline the tree. In this case, the tree showed signs of the Hypoxylon Canker fungal pathogen and wood boring beetles.

Live Oak Crane Removal, Picture 1 of 10 This Live Oak leaned over the back of a house and the trunk failed, causing the tree to collapse on the roof. Utilizing a crane to support the trunk as we severed the canopy was necessary to avoid the trunk falling onto the deck below.

Live Oak Crane Removal, Picture 2 of 10 This Live Oak leaned over the back of a house and the trunk failed, causing the tree to collapse on the roof. Utilizing a crane to support the trunk as we severed the canopy was necessary to avoid the trunk falling onto the deck below.

Live Oak Crane Removal, Picture 3 of 10 This Live Oak leaned over the back of a house and the trunk failed, causing the tree to collapse on the roof. Utilizing a crane to support the trunk as we severed the canopy was necessary to avoid the trunk falling onto the deck below.

Live Oak Crane Removal, Picture 4 of 10 This Live Oak leaned over the back of a house and the trunk failed, causing the tree to collapse on the roof. Utilizing a crane to support the trunk as we severed the canopy was necessary to avoid the trunk falling onto the deck below.

Live Oak Crane Removal, Picture 5 of 10 This Live Oak leaned over the back of a house and the trunk failed, causing the tree to collapse on the roof. Utilizing a crane to support the trunk as we severed the canopy was necessary to avoid the trunk falling onto the deck below.

Live Oak Crane Removal, Picture 7 of 10 This Live Oak leaned over the back of a house and the trunk failed, causing the tree to collapse on the roof. Utilizing a crane to support the trunk as we severed the canopy was necessary to avoid the trunk falling onto the deck below.

Live Oak Crane Removal, Picture 6 of 10 This Live Oak leaned over the back of a house and the trunk failed, causing the tree to collapse on the roof. Utilizing a crane to support the trunk as we severed the canopy was necessary to avoid the trunk falling onto the deck below.

Live Oak Crane Removal, Picture 9 of 10 This Live Oak leaned over the back of a house and the trunk failed, causing the tree to collapse on the roof. Utilizing a crane to support the trunk as we severed the canopy was necessary to avoid the trunk falling onto the deck below.

Live Oak Crane Removal, Picture 10 of 10 This Live Oak leaned over the back of a house and the trunk failed, causing the tree to collapse on the roof. Utilizing a crane to support the trunk as we severed the canopy was necessary to avoid the trunk falling onto the deck below.

Live Oak Crane Removal, Picture 8 of 10 This Live Oak leaned over the back of a house and the trunk failed, causing the tree to collapse on the roof. Utilizing a crane to support the trunk as we severed the canopy was necessary to avoid the trunk falling onto the deck below.

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