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Tree & Landscape FAQs
Answers to the questions homeowners ask most about tree care, landscaping, and working with our team.
Common Questions
What Homeowners Want to Know
Whether you're wondering about tree health, how we work, or what to expect from the process — we've answered the questions we hear most from homeowners across San Jose and the South Bay.
Tree Care
Tree Health & Maintenance
Are there any trees you won't work on, or find extra challenging?
So far, there has never been a tree we have turned down or found too challenging for our team to care for. There are hazardous trees that could be very hazardous, but our team is highly experienced in recognizing the potential hazards and working safely and professionally.
When is it time to call an expert?
It is always time to call an expert. We find that even for the smallest tasks having an expert provide service will ensure it is performed correctly and in such a way that benefits the tree. In some cases, even the smallest of tasks can cause significant damage to a tree long term if not performed correctly. For example: if a tree has been planted too deep, it may die within the first few years because it will not receive adequate oxygen to the roots. Incorrect tree planting is a common problem we encounter and is avoided when an expert performs the service.
Is my tree sick or unhealthy?
Usually, we will be contacted to assess a tree thought to be sick or unhealthy if it is portraying these signs: dead limbs or twigs, yellow leaves, little to no growth over the past few years, sap dripping from the leaves or trunk, mushrooms or conks growing from trunk or roots, loose bark on the trunk, mistletoe in the canopy, no fruit production, or early leaf drop. These are a few of the many signs to look for in a sick or unhealthy tree and some of these are more serious than others. Our arborist can be contacted at any time to come out and assess your tree or landscape problem.
How do I know if my tree needs maintenance?
Some important things to look for to determine whether the tree is ready or overdue for maintenance are dead limbs, dense canopy, the intense shade beneath the tree, broken branches, cracks in limbs or trunk, and an unbalanced tree canopy. For most tree species, we recommend regular maintenance every 2–3 years to maintain a safe and healthy canopy.
Any tips on healthy tree care?
In the years of service we have provided to the Bay Area, many tree problems can be avoided if some basic tree needs are met. First, plant the right tree in the right place — big trees require lots of space, so don't plant a large tree close to your home. Second, maintain the tree's native environment as best as possible, since some trees need more water and sunlight than others. Third, have an arborist assess the tree as early as possible and at least every two years to recommend the best practices for developing a specimen that will last for generations. Fourth, maintain organic material beneath the canopy to provide nutrients to the soil and roots. And fifth, before performing any construction or landscaping, have an arborist assess the vicinity of expected tree roots and plan accordingly to ensure the survival and vitality of the trees.
Can you do preventative maintenance?
This is an area that we specialize in. Preventative maintenance can begin when the tree is just a few years old to start developing proper limb and structure formation to produce a full and robust canopy. We can begin pruning and caring for trees to minimize tree and limb failures and improve structural integrity at any growth stage, but starting in the early years will provide the best results. Preventative maintenance may include pruning, cabling, reduction, thinning, and even removal.
Working With Us
Our Services & Process
Do you leave the trees in the street for pickup by the city, or take everything off-site for disposal?
We can do either. The City of San Jose allows green waste to be left in piles in the street in specific sizes and dimensions. All other cities do not offer this service. We can also haul all debris off-site if desired, taken to a recycling facility.
Can the homeowner assist in tree work?
It is not safe for the homeowner to assist in the tree work because it can be a very dangerous operation working around heavy machinery and under falling limbs. We do not permit homeowner participation due to safety requirements. We do want the customer to provide feedback on their thoughts on the services provided as they are in progress to ensure their desires are being met.
Is there a minimum charge?
There is a minimum charge, but it all depends on the project. We have minimum prices for stump removals, tree services, irrigation repair, chemical applications, and emergency services. Please call for more information.
Do you charge by the job or by the hour?
Most of the time projects are charged by the job, but we do offer hourly rates as well.
Do you take credit cards?
We take all major credit cards. We do not accept credit cards for projects over $3,000 unless the credit card fee is applied to the payment.
About the Company
Our Team & Background
What makes you different than the rest?
Our services are different because they are performed by local, experienced, and knowledgeable professionals. We have had years of training in the proper care and management of trees in the Bay Area and have mastered the art of providing these services. The entire operation is also guided by a certified arborist to ensure that quality is provided on every project. We stand by our work and aspire to maintain the confidence of the customer by answering any questions they may have about our services and their trees. We intend to provide services to the Bay Area for many years to come and desire to maintain the excellent reputation we carry on now to the third generation.
What are your qualifications and certifications?
Robert Apolinar is a certified arborist internationally recognized through the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). He is a Plant Health Care Technician through the Western Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture (WCISA). Robert is a Licensed Qualified Applicator through California's Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR). The state of California recognizes Robert as a contractor with knowledge and expertise in the field of trees. Robert's qualifications include years of experience in trees, landscape, pest management, and providing these services to municipalities and residents of the Bay Area.
How long have you been in business?
Robert Apolinar has been in the tree industry for nearly 20 years. Robert grew up training under his father, who is an arborist with his own company, and became a certified arborist while being employed by him. San Jose Tree Service began in 2011.
Still Have Questions?
We're Happy to Talk Through It
The best way to understand what your trees or landscape need is a conversation with our team. We'll walk you through everything — no pressure, no guesswork.