Frequently Asked Questions

We serve Bloomington and all of Monroe County as our primary service area, plus the surrounding communities of Ellettsville, Spencer (Owen County), Bedford (Lawrence County), Martinsville and Mooresville (Morgan County), and Nashville (Brown County). Our crews travel up to 40 miles from our Bloomington base for scheduled work and emergency response.

Yes. Bloomington Tree Service Pros carries full general liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage on every crew. Our team includes ISA-certified arborists who maintain their credentials through ongoing continuing education. We are happy to provide proof of insurance to any property owner or property manager before work begins.

Yes. Every estimate is free, on-site, and provided with no obligation. We do not give binding prices over the phone because accurate tree work pricing requires seeing the tree, the access conditions, and the surrounding structures in person. We will schedule an estimate visit at a time that works for you and provide a written quote before any work is agreed to.

For routine pruning and non-urgent removals, we typically book one to three weeks out depending on the season. Late winter through early spring is our busiest scheduling period for pruning, and late spring through summer is peak removal season. If your situation is urgent — a tree threatening a structure, a dead limb over a walkway, or storm damage — call us immediately and we will prioritize accordingly.

We accept checks, credit cards, and bank transfers. Payment is due upon completion of the work unless other arrangements have been made in writing. For large projects, we can arrange a phased payment schedule tied to project milestones. We do not require deposits for standard residential work.

In many cases, yes — if the tree fell due to a covered event like a storm and caused damage to a structure (your home, garage, fence, or vehicle). Most policies also cover the cost of removing a fallen tree that is blocking a driveway or accessible path. If the tree fell but did not damage anything, coverage varies by policy. We provide detailed documentation including timestamped photos and itemized invoices in the format insurers require to process claims quickly.

Yes. Every job includes complete debris cleanup. All wood, brush, and chips are either hauled away or left on site as mulch at your direction. We rake the work area, blow off driveways and walkways, and leave your property in better condition than we found it. Clean, professional job sites are a point of pride for our crews.

The key question is structural integrity. Trimming can address dead branches, shape a canopy, or remove isolated problem limbs — but it cannot fix advanced internal decay, a compromised root system, or a trunk that has lost structural strength. If your tree has multiple warning signs, an honest assessment from an ISA-certified arborist in Bloomington is the most reliable way to know which option is appropriate. We evaluate both possibilities on every visit and recommend removal only when it is genuinely the safer or more practical choice.

Most residential tree removals in Bloomington are completed in a single day. A small to medium tree in an open, accessible location typically takes two to four hours. A large oak or tulip poplar near a structure — especially one requiring crane equipment or full sectional rigging — may take a full day or more. We give you a realistic time estimate during your free on-site assessment so you can plan accordingly.

We ask that someone be available at the start of the job to confirm the plan, point out any concerns, and answer questions from the crew. After the initial walkthrough, you do not need to remain on-site. We will contact you when the work is complete for a final walkthrough before the crew leaves your property.

We take specific precautions to protect your property during every job. Ground protection mats are used over lawn areas where equipment must travel. Access routes are planned to minimize soil compaction and turf damage. In most cases, the area immediately around the stump is the only spot showing visible disturbance after the job is done, and that is addressed as part of cleanup.

All brush, wood sections, and chipped material are removed from your property and hauled away as a standard part of our service. If you would prefer to keep the firewood from a hardwood removal, we can cut the trunk into rounds and stack them at a convenient location on your property. Chipped brush material can also be left as mulch if you have a use for it. Let us know your preference at the time of your estimate and we will plan accordingly.

Yes. We carry full general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage on every job we perform. Certificates of insurance are available on request and can be provided to lenders, property managers, or HOA boards as needed. Tree removal involves genuine hazards, and working with an uninsured company creates financial risk for you as the property owner. We encourage every homeowner in Bloomington to verify insurance coverage before hiring any tree service.

Yes. We routinely assist Bloomington homeowners with insurance claims following storm events. We provide detailed before-and-after photographs, written descriptions of work performed, and any supporting documentation your carrier requests. If you are filing a claim, let us know when you call so we can capture the right information from the beginning. Reach us at (812) 432-2013 and mention your insurance situation when you schedule your estimate.

Most mature shade trees in Bloomington benefit from professional pruning every three to five years. Young trees that are still developing their structure benefit from more frequent attention — every two to three years — to correct problems while the wood is small and the fixes are inexpensive. Trees in high-stress locations, near power lines, or with ongoing health issues may need more regular monitoring. Your ISA-certified arborist can give you a maintenance schedule recommendation after an on-site assessment.

Minor pruning — removing small suckers, trimming low branches you can safely reach from the ground, or cutting limbs under two inches in diameter — is reasonable DIY work if you use clean, sharp tools and make cuts at the branch collar. Anything that requires a ladder, involves cuts larger than a few inches in diameter, or is near a structure, utility line, or major limb junction should be left to a professional. The risk of injury and the risk of damaging the tree both increase significantly as the work gets larger and higher off the ground.

Routine pruning of trees on private property in Bloomington generally does not require a permit. However, trees along public rights-of-way, in protected greenbelts, or subject to local conservation easements may have restrictions. If your tree is near a property line or you are unsure about its status, call the City of Bloomington Urban Forestry office before scheduling work. Our team can also help you identify any relevant local requirements during the estimate process.

The terms are often used interchangeably, but there is a technical distinction. Trimming typically refers to cutting back overgrown vegetation for aesthetics or clearance — keeping a tree within bounds. Pruning is a broader term that encompasses all selective branch removal for health, structure, safety, and appearance, following specific arboricultural standards. When we say we follow ANSI A300 Part 1 pruning standards, we mean every cut is made with a defined purpose: to improve health, reduce risk, or achieve a specific structural goal. It is not just cutting branches — it is making decisions about the tree's long-term future.

Work directly on utility lines — the high-voltage transmission and distribution lines — is performed by utility company crews under specific safety protocols that require specialized training and equipment. We do not perform utility line clearance on energized lines. However, we regularly prune trees that are growing toward utility lines on private property, creating the clearance needed to reduce the risk of contact before it becomes a utility company issue. If you have a tree that is already contacting lines, contact Duke Energy or your utility provider first.

Ask for three things before hiring any tree service in Bloomington: proof of general liability insurance, proof of workers' compensation insurance, and confirmation that an ISA-certified arborist will be involved in the work. An ISA certification means the arborist has passed a rigorous exam covering tree biology, pruning standards, diagnosis, and safety. Without it, you have no assurance that the person making decisions about your trees has any formal training. Also ask whether the company follows ANSI A300 standards — any reputable arborist will know what that means and be able to explain it to you.

If a tree falls on your structure, your homeowner's insurance typically covers the damage to the structure itself under the dwelling coverage portion of your policy. The cost of removing the tree from the structure is usually covered as well, up to policy limits. Whether the tree owner is liable depends on whether negligence can be established — a dead or visibly decaying tree that the owner knew about and failed to address creates greater liability exposure than a healthy tree that failed in an exceptional storm. Regular professional pruning and documented arborist assessments are your best protection from both the damage and the liability.

Most single residential stumps are ground in 30 minutes to two hours, depending on diameter, species, and root complexity. A small softwood stump may be done in under 30 minutes. A large oak stump with dense root architecture could take two or more hours to bring to standard depth. We will give you a realistic time estimate when we assess the stump during your free consultation.

You do not need to be physically present during the grinding, but we do ask that someone is available to confirm the stump location and provide access to the property — particularly if the stump is in a fenced back yard — at the start of the appointment. Once access is confirmed, our crew can typically complete the work without requiring your ongoing presence.

Our tracked grinder is designed to minimize lawn disturbance, but some surface impact from equipment movement is unavoidable on soft ground. We take care with equipment positioning and use ground protection mats when conditions call for extra caution. The area immediately around the stump will be disturbed during grinding, but the surrounding lawn is left in the same condition it was found. Any turf damage directly adjacent to the stump perimeter is a normal result of grinding and is typically addressed with our topsoil backfill and seeding service.

In most cases, stump grinding as a standalone service is not covered by standard homeowners insurance policies. However, if the tree that left the stump caused property damage when it fell — such as damage to a structure, fence, or vehicle — your policy may cover some costs associated with removal and cleanup, which can include stump grinding as part of a broader claim. We recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to understand your specific policy coverage. We are happy to provide detailed invoices and documentation for insurance purposes when needed.

Wood chips from stump grinding are excellent organic mulch for established garden beds, around the base of trees, or in natural areas of your yard. Spread them 2 to 4 inches deep — keeping them a few inches away from plant stems and tree trunks — and they will suppress weeds, retain moisture, and break down over time to enrich the soil. The one place to avoid using fresh wood chips is directly over the area where the stump was ground, since the decomposition process can temporarily affect soil nitrogen in that specific zone. We can either pile the chips in a location of your choosing or haul them away as part of your service.

We serve all of Bloomington and Monroe County and typically schedule appointments within a few business days of your initial call, depending on current demand and weather conditions. For projects requiring the 811 utility marking process, we factor in the standard notification lead time — typically three business days in Indiana — when scheduling. Contact us at (812) 432-2013 to discuss your timeline and get your appointment on the calendar.

Yes. Partially decomposed stumps are often easier and faster to grind than fresh-cut stumps because the wood has already softened. However, very advanced decomposition can cause the stump to break apart during grinding rather than chip cleanly, which occasionally affects how evenly we can grind to depth. We assess each stump individually. In some cases of extreme decomposition, physical removal of the remaining material by hand or excavation may be more efficient than mechanical grinding, and we will discuss this with you honestly during the estimate process.

For active hazards — trees on structures, trees on power lines, trees blocking access routes — our target response time for Monroe County is 2 to 4 hours from your call. Response time can extend during widespread storm events when multiple crews are deployed simultaneously across the county. Our dispatcher will give you an honest estimated arrival window when you call and will update you if conditions change.

Yes. After-hours emergency response carries a surcharge of 20 to 50 percent above our standard daytime rates, depending on the time of call and crew requirements. This is standard across the industry and reflects the real cost of maintaining 24/7 staffing capacity. Our dispatcher will give you a clear explanation of applicable surcharges before committing your crew. We believe in transparent pricing, especially in stressful situations.

Do not approach the area. Keep everyone at least one full tree-length away from any downed line and assume it is energized until Duke Energy confirms otherwise. Call us at (812) 432-2013 and report the situation to Duke Energy at 1-800-521-2232. Our crews are trained in ANSI Z133 electrical hazard protocols and will not begin extraction work on tree-on-wire situations until the line has been safely managed by utility personnel. Your safety comes first, every time.

In most cases, yes — if the tree has fallen and caused direct damage to an insured structure such as your home, garage, or fence. Indiana homeowners policies typically cover emergency tree removal under the dwelling or other structures coverage when a covered peril, such as a windstorm, caused the tree to fall. Coverage for tree removal alone, without direct structural damage, varies significantly by policy. We recommend reviewing your specific policy and calling your insurer's claims line to confirm coverage before authorizing work if time permits.

Yes. Bloomington Tree Service Pros employs ISA-certified arborists and is fully licensed and insured to operate in Indiana. Our certification through the International Society of Arboriculture reflects ongoing education in tree care best practices, including emergency response, rigging, and hazard assessment. Our liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage protect you as a property owner. We carry documentation of our credentials and insurance on every job and are happy to provide copies upon request.

We provide 24-hour emergency tree removal throughout Bloomington, Indiana and all of Monroe County. This includes all Bloomington neighborhoods — Prospect Hill, Elm Heights, Bryan Park, Seminary Square, McDoel Gardens, Broadview, Sherwood Oaks, and all areas north, south, east, and west of the city. We also serve Ellettsville, Stinesville, and surrounding Monroe County communities. If you are unsure whether your address falls within our response area, call us and our dispatcher will confirm immediately.

Absolutely. Our crew leads have extensive experience working alongside insurance adjusters and can walk you through what your insurer typically needs to process a storm damage claim efficiently. We provide itemized invoices, timestamped photographic documentation, and written descriptions of the hazard and work performed. If your adjuster has specific questions about our scope of work or our assessment of the damage, they are welcome to contact us directly. We consider thorough insurance support to be a core part of our emergency service, not an extra.

Light brush clearing in Monroe County typically runs $1,500 to $3,000 per acre for sites with primarily invasive shrubs and small-diameter trees. Full grubbing of mature second-growth forest on sloped or karst terrain can run $5,000 to $10,000 per acre or more. The actual cost depends heavily on vegetation density, terrain, equipment access, end use of the site, and whether debris hauling or erosion control are required. A site visit is necessary for accurate pricing — we provide free on-site assessments for all Monroe County properties.

Possibly, and the answer depends on where your property is located, how much area will be disturbed, and whether any regulated features are nearby. The City of Bloomington requires a Land Disturbance Permit for clearing and grading above certain thresholds. Projects near mapped floodplain require Monroe County Drainage Board coordination. Work affecting jurisdictional wetlands or waters may require a Section 404 permit from the Army Corps of Engineers. We identify applicable requirements during our site assessment before any work begins — catching these issues early is far less expensive than addressing them after clearing has already started.

Forestry mulching uses a tracked machine with a drum cutting head to grind brush, saplings, and small trees directly into wood chip mulch, which is deposited on the ground in place. It leaves no burn piles, causes minimal soil disturbance compared to excavation, and provides immediate erosion protection on sloped sites. It is the right choice for most residential brush clearing projects in Monroe County where full grubbing is not required. If your end goal is construction-ready grade — building pad, driveway, or septic system — traditional excavation is needed for stump and root removal below grade.

Yes, but this type of work requires careful regulatory review before any clearing begins. Monroe County has significant floodplain areas along its creek systems, and clearing within or adjacent to those areas involves the Monroe County Drainage Board and potentially the Army Corps of Engineers if jurisdictional wetlands are present. We identify these issues during our site assessment and help you understand what approvals are needed. Proceeding without the correct permits in regulated areas can result in stop-work orders, restoration requirements, and fines that far exceed the cost of getting it right the first time.

Invasive species like autumn olive, bush honeysuckle, and multiflora rose resprout aggressively from root crowns after cutting. Clearing alone does not control them — it temporarily sets the population back while the root systems remain alive and ready to regenerate. Effective control requires cutting combined with immediate herbicide treatment to the cut stump or follow-up foliar treatment on resprouts. We identify invasive species on your property during our estimate visit, explain which ones require treatment for lasting control, and recommend an approach that addresses both initial clearing and follow-up management in the first growing season after clearing.

A standard residential lot of a quarter to half an acre typically takes one to two days with appropriate equipment, assuming reasonable access and no significant regulatory constraints. Larger acreages, full grubbing projects, and sites with difficult terrain or access limitations take proportionally longer. Weather is always a factor — clearing in saturated conditions causes rutting and soil compaction that creates drainage problems and can require additional remediation. We monitor forecasts and sometimes adjust schedules to avoid working when ground conditions would compromise the quality of the finished site. A realistic timeline is included in our written proposals.

Yes. We have the tracked excavators, forestry mulchers, and large-capacity debris handling equipment necessary for commercial-scale clearing projects. We have worked on sites ranging from infill residential lots inside city limits to multi-acre commercial development preparation across Monroe County and surrounding counties. For commercial projects, we provide a detailed written proposal that breaks out phases, timelines, equipment requirements, and any permit obligations. We can also coordinate with your civil engineer and general contractor to ensure clearing milestones align with the broader project schedule.

The primary factor is canopy health. If your ash tree has retained more than 60 to 70 percent of its normal canopy, it is generally a good treatment candidate. Trees that have lost more than 30 to 40 percent of canopy density have already suffered significant vascular damage, and the cost of treatment is unlikely to be justified by the result. Our arborists will give you an honest evaluation — we won't recommend treatment for a tree that isn't going to respond. Call (812) 432-2013 to schedule an assessment.

Iron chlorosis causes leaves to turn yellow between the veins, while the veins themselves remain green. It is most visible on young leaves at the tips of branches. In Bloomington, iron chlorosis is commonly linked to the alkaline pH created by the underlying limestone geology. When soil pH rises above about 7.5, iron becomes chemically bound in the soil and unavailable to roots even when adequate iron is physically present. Treatment involves trunk injection of chelated iron, soil acidification, and addressing root zone compaction that limits uptake.

Most trees benefit from deep root fertilization on an annual or biennial basis, depending on site conditions and tree health status. Trees in severely compacted or nutrient-depleted soils typically need annual treatment for the first several years while the soil ecosystem is being rebuilt. Trees in relatively healthy soil with a mulched root zone may only need treatment every two to three years for maintenance. Your arborist will recommend a schedule based on your specific trees and site conditions.

No — bacterial leaf scorch caused by Xylella fastidiosa cannot be eliminated from an infected tree. However, it can be managed effectively. Annual oxytetracycline trunk injections suppress the bacterium and reduce symptom severity. Combined with deep root fertilization, soil care, and appropriate pruning, many trees with bacterial leaf scorch can continue to provide landscape value for a decade or more after diagnosis. Early intervention produces significantly better outcomes than waiting until the crown is severely compromised.

Yes, substantially. Standard tree trimming addresses the above-ground structure of a tree — removing dead branches, reducing weight on overextended limbs, or improving clearance. Plant health care is a holistic, science-based program that addresses the full biological system supporting your trees: root zone health, soil chemistry, pest and disease pressure, structural stability, and long-term vitality. The two services complement each other, but they address different aspects of tree welfare. Many trees that look structurally fine from the curb are experiencing significant underground stress that only a trained arborist in Bloomington can detect.

An Airspade is a tool that uses a high-velocity stream of compressed air to fracture compacted soil without damaging roots. Standard mechanical aeration pulls soil cores from the top 3 to 4 inches of the ground — useful for lawns, but largely insufficient for tree root zones that extend 8 to 24 inches deep. The Airspade allows us to decompact soil throughout the entire effective rooting depth, and to do so safely around roots that would be severed by any mechanical digging tool. It is the professional standard for critical root zone work on mature trees.

The first step is a tree health assessment with one of our ISA-certified arborists. During this visit, we evaluate each tree on your property, identify current and emerging problems, and develop a prioritized care plan tailored to your trees and budget. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to plant health care — every property in Bloomington has a unique combination of tree species, soil conditions, and pest pressures that requires a customized strategy. Call us at (812) 432-2013 to schedule your assessment.