FAQs | RLB Tree Service

What is a tree service?
A tree service covers the professional care trees need to stay healthy and safe: pruning, trimming, removal, planting, and health evaluations. It's everything involved in keeping the trees on your property in good shape, from routine upkeep to emergency work.
Why should I hire a professional tree service?
Tree work involves real risk: heavy limbs, chainsaws, and trees close to your home or power lines. A professional crew brings the training, equipment, and safety protocols to handle pruning and removals correctly the first time, protecting both your property and the people doing the work.
Why is pruning important for trees?
Pruning keeps a tree healthy by removing dead or diseased branches, encouraging strong new growth, and improving its overall shape. It also reduces the risk that comes with overgrown limbs, which is a big part of why regular pruning matters as much for safety as it does for appearance.
How can I tell if a tree is diseased or stressed?
Yellowing leaves, dead branches, unusual growths, cracks in the trunk, and visible pests like beetles or caterpillars are all warning signs. If you notice any of these, it's worth having a professional take a look before the problem spreads.
Are tree services insured?
Ours is. RLB Tree Service carries liability insurance to protect our crew and your property on every job, and we'd recommend confirming that with any company before you hire them.
Do you provide emergency tree removal services?
Yes, 24/7, every day of the year. If a tree has fallen or looks like it's about to, whether that's from a storm, high winds, or just age, call us and we'll get someone out to make things safe.
How much does tree removal cost?
It depends on the tree's size, location, condition, accessibility, and how complex the job is. The best way to get a real number is a free, no-obligation estimate. We also offer discounts for military, veterans, seniors, first responders, and first-time homebuyers.
Will you clean up the debris after the job is finished?
Always. We haul away the branches, logs, and debris from every job and leave your property clean; no reason to leave you with a mess to deal with.
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes, on everything: tree removal, trimming, stump grinding, storm cleanup, and general tree care. There's no obligation, and no pressure.

When is the best time of year to trim trees?
Most trees are best pruned during their dormant season, typically late fall or winter. That said, a hazardous branch shouldn't wait for the right season; if it's a safety risk, call us and we'll take care of it right away.
How often should trees be trimmed?
Most trees do well with pruning every three to five years. Fast-growing species and ornamental trees often need more frequent attention to keep their shape and stay healthy.
How do I know if a tree needs to be removed?
Watch for dead branches, severe storm damage, hollow areas in the trunk, a noticeable lean, root damage, or disease; any of these can mean a tree has become a safety risk to your home or property. If you're not sure, we're happy to take a look and give you a straight answer.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree?
It depends on your city or county. Requirements vary across the St. Louis area, so we help determine whether a permit applies to your situation and walk you through the process if it does.
What happens to the tree after removal?
After we remove a tree, it can be cut into logs, chipped into mulch, or hauled away entirely, whatever works best for your property. We also offer stump grinding as an add-on service to finish the job completely.
Are you insured and licensed?
Yes, fully. We follow industry safety standards on every job to protect our customers, our crew, and your property.
What is included in your stump grinding service?
We grind the stump down below ground level, so you can replant grass, landscape the area, or prep for new construction without a stump in the way.
Can you trim trees that are close to power lines?
Yes, carefully. Trees near power lines require extra precautions, and we coordinate with utility companies when necessary to make sure the job gets done safely.