Frequently Asked Questions
Are we licensed and insured?
Yes, we maintain licenses in Minneapolis and St. Paul and maintain $1,000,000 in
liability insurance. All Bratt Tree Company employees are covered under a Workers Compensation policy.
How far away from south Minneapolis do we give estimates?
At all times of the year we service all locations in Minneapolis, Edina, Richfield and the Highland Park and Groveland-Macalester neighborhoods in St. Paul. These locations are within a 5 mile radius of our office in Minneapolis. In the winter months, December-May, we will give consideration to locations slightly farther out of the 5 mile radius.
Why is it better for the health of my trees to have them pruned in the winter?
During the growing season, trees take water and minerals from the soil and
with the help of photosynthesis convert these elements into sap. The trees
build up a supply of sap which is stored over the winter to generate new growth
in the spring. If pruning is done during the growing season, the ability of
the tree to produce sap is dimininished, and the tree's ability to produce
new growth the following year is reduced. This can be
of little consequence in small trees, but can leave large trees in a state of decline.
Also, during the winter months, all of the bugs, fungi, and bacteria that normally attack new wounds on live trees do not present a threat because they are dormant at this time of year.
Additionally, it is easier for an arborist to clearly see the branch structure of a tree in the winter and to make better pruning judgments.
Both pruning and removal are less invasive with respect to the surrounding landscape during the winter months. Bringing trucks onto the lawn or dropping pruned branches has a lower impact on dormant landscape plantings and gardens.
And finally, pruning in the winter almost always transfers to a lower price. We highly recommend it!