Cities and suburbs across the nation are seeing tree loss at an alarming rate. The USDA Forest Service estimates that we lose an estimated 175,000 acres of tree coverage each year. 
The reality is that this loss of tree coverage is often preventable with proper maintenance and care. However, some trees are beyond salvaging and pose a risk to both humans and the surrounding infrastructure. When a tree becomes a hazard, it needs to be removed.
After tackling tree removal, many homeowners are left with an unsightly and problematic stump in their yard. Stump removal is a necessary step and one that shouldn't be tackled without the right tools and know-how.
What is stump removal and why is it important? Read on to find out.
What Is Stump Removal?After a tree falls or is cut down, you're left with a stump and the entire root system. Even if the stump is only a few inches tall, it can be disruptive to your yard, and ultimately, it's best to remove it.
There are a few different methods to approach stump removal, some of which are more invasive than others. Stump removal (sometimes referred to as stump grinding) removes that final chunk of the fallen or cut tree from your yard, creating space for your grass or other plant life to grow. 
How Does Stump Removal Work?Some homeowners wonder if they can handle stump removal on their own. Is this a job fit for the master of DIY?
Unless you have specific equipment, you're going to find that stump removal isn't as easy as it may seem. In fact, the most common DIY method for stump removal isn't one that we recommend. Let's take a look at both the DIY method and the safer, easier method we use at Riverview Tree Services.
The DIY MethodIn order to remove a stump on your own, you will need:

• A corded drill and 12 inch bit extension
• A chainsaw
• An extension cord
• Safety goggles
• An ax
• Stump remover chemicals

After using your chainsaw to cut the stump down as much as possible, you will use your drill to make a series of holes. The first set of holes will go into the top of the stump and you'll want them to be about 12 inches deep on a vertical line.
The second set of holes will go into the side of the stump at about a 45-degree angle. You want to make one angled hole for every vertical hole so that the sets of holes are connected.
Once this is complete, you will pour stump remover chemicals into the top holes and let them make their way down into the tree. Over time, these chemicals will kill the root system. From there, you can use your ax to remove the dead stump.
Why don't we recommend this method? While stump remover chemicals aren't inherently harmful to your lawn, they are poisonous. They must be handled with care and kept away from animals and children.
Our MethodAt Riverview Tree Services, we skip the chemicals altogether. The reality is that your tree's root systems will decompose over time, and that decomposition will actually enrich your soil in a natural and healthy way.
How do we make this happen? We bring in a stump grinder that grinds your stump down until it's between four and twelve inches below ground. We then reduce that wood to wood chips which can be used to refill that hole or as an attractive mulch for your yard.
From there, we let mother nature take over!
Why Is Stump Removal Important?You may be wondering why stump removal is important. Isn't it just an eyesore? The reality is that stumps can cause problems when left in the ground and we'll take a look at what those problems are.
Stumps Are Hazardous to People and EquipmentStumps that are low to the ground aren't any safer than stumps that are a few feet tall. In fact, these hidden stumps can present some major problems of their own.
For kids playing in the yard, stumps create a tripping hazard if they are too low. Taller stumps may encourage climbing, which is best reserved for safe play equipment.
Stumps can also break the blades of lawn equipment like mowers and edgers, creating some pretty costly problems.
Stumps Can Spread Decay and Other Unwanted CrittersStumps are prone to attracting decay, mold, and fungi. Not only can these things be dangerous for your pets and children but they can spread to otherwise healthy trees and flora, wreaking havoc on your yard.
In addition, stumps are a welcome home for critters like beetles, carpenter ants, termites, and other wood-boring insects. While you may not mind what they do to an old stump, you won't be happy if they make their way over to your deck!
Unsevered Roots Can Cause Structural ProblemsWhen stumps are left untampered with and the roots are unsevered, the roots can continue to grow. Depending on where the stump is located, these roots can cause damage to sidewalks and driveways. If the stump is close to your home, these roots can even cause foundational problems.
Get Stump Removal in Temple Terrace, Florida TodayIf you're a homeowner or landlord dealing with a stump on your property, don't let it sit any longer. Look for stump removal services near you and protect your yard, your family, your home, and your equipment.
If you live in the Temple Terrace area, Riverview Tree Services is here to help. We offer full-scale tree and shrub maintenance, from planting to pruning to removal. Contact us today to get a free estimate before you decide if we're right for you.

Are you tired of that dead tree in your front yard obstructing your view? Are you worried about children, pets, or even yourself tripping and falling over a tree stump? A tree removal service can be beneficial in several ways. 
It's important to call in the professionals when you have a tree or tree stump that needs removing. Why? Removing a tree takes training and experience to get the job done right. 
To ensure everyone's safety and to protect all property surrounding the tree, you should hire a professional tree removal company, but how will you know if you're hiring the best tree removal company? In our guide below, we'll discuss several factors to keep in mind when selecting the right tree removal services. 
Continue reading below to find out more!
Look Into Their CertificationsBefore you hire a tree service company, you'll want to ensure they're reputable. How can you do this? Look into their certifications?
Are they qualified to complete the type of work you're requesting? Certified arborists will have documentation proving they've completed the necessary training. Ask about any certifications or training program completion documents that'll act as proof that they're a legit company. 
Some companies are even members of different industry organizations. If so, have them show you proof of this as well. Unfortunately, not all companies are reputable, and this is the best way to avoid being scammed. 
Ask About Their ExperienceThe next step is to ask about their experience. Experience isn't always everything, but you'll want to find a company that has enough experience to give you some peace of mind while completing the project. There are a few questions you can ask to gain some insight into their amount of experience. 
Ask them how long they've been in business for and how long they've been in business in the local area. Do they have multiple locations, and are they a chain? The more years of experience they have, the more knowledge they'll have about solving different problems that might arise during the tree removal process. 
A company that's been in service for several years also shows they're doing something right to stay in business. Keep in mind that an actual physical address is also a good sign, indicating the company is reputable and not a scam. 
Check Into Their InsuranceInsurance is essential when hiring a tree removal service. Accidents happen at times. Although accidents can't always be avoided, the majority of them can by hiring a reputable company and ensuring they have insurance as well. 
If an accident were to occur, general liability insurance will cover the cost of damages or injuries to you, the workers, or your property. Don't hire a service without checking into their insurance first. Ask to see proof of their insurance as well, don't simply take their word for it. 
Keep in mind state regulations will vary. 
Request a Quote Ahead of TimeThe company you're considering hiring should provide you with a quote before the hire. Request a quote from a few different companies to compare the costs. Don't use the price as your only determining factor, however. 
Use the price quoted to help guide you throughout the process. If a company isn't able to provide you with a quote, then continue your search for a company that will. If you plan to speak with several different companies to compare prices, then you should also ask how long a quote will be honored. 
This will help give you a clear idea of a timeline. 
Search for Reviews and ReferencesAs with hiring or purchasing anything else, you'll want to check the reviews online. You can also ask the company to give you a few referrals. When you're not sure who to hire, you can always go to friends or family for references. 
Then, be sure to head online and look up their reviews. One not-so-great review shouldn't steer you in the opposite direction, but several bad reviews are a red flag. If the company provides you with referrals, then take the time to call each one and ask them some questions about their personal experience working with the company. 
Know the Type of Services OfferedA great way to begin building a relationship with a reputable arborist is to hire a company that offers multiple tree services. You may need a tree or stump removed at the moment, but when you need tree trimming, pruning, and other services, who will you contact?
If you can find a company that offers a variety of tree services, then you'll have someone you know and trust each time your yard requires their services. Be sure to have the company give you a list of all their services before hiring them. 
Understand the Cleanup ProcessNot all companies have the same cleanup policies. It's essential you ask about the cleanup process before the project starts. If there's something specific you want to be done with the tree limbs, such as cutting them down into firewood, then be sure to be vocal about this. 
If the company can't provide these services for an extra fee, then you'll want to be clear about this and all other cleanup policies ahead of time so there are no surprises. 
Are You Ready to Hire a Tree Removal Service?Do you have a tree or tree stump in your yard that needs removing? Are you ready to hire a tree removal service? If so, Riverview Tree Services might be the right company for you.
Use the information given in this guide above to ensure you feel confident in your decision and then let us help serve you and all your tree service needs.
Contact us today for your free quote!

Trees are some of the most valuable and beautiful living things on earth. They provide oxygen, shade, building materials, and are a key part of the beauty of many parks and yards.
However wonderful trees are, unfortunately there comes a time when cutting down the tree is necessary. It's important to find out if you have a dying tree on your property so you can address the problem before it becomes a safety hazard.
Keep reading to learn about 7 ways to tell if your tree too sick to save. 
1. It Has Few LeavesDeciduous trees lose their leaves each year, of course. But, if few leaves come back, or if the tree loses most of its leaves before it should, it's a sign the tree may be dying.
Dying trees may also hang onto their autumn leaves well into the winter, after they should have fallen to the ground. Any abnormal leaf activity could be a bad sign. 
Evergreen trees can also show signs of distress through their needles. If their green needles turn brown, red, or yellow, that is a serious sign the tree might be dying, or at least needing immediate attention. 
If only one side of the tree looks bare, that could still mean you need to cut the whole tree down, since living and dead parts of the tree make it unbalanced and likely to fall over. Tree removal is our specialty, so don't hesitate to ask for a professional opinion. 
2. It Has Several Dead LimbsA few dead branches are not usually a big deal. They just fall to the ground and the tree continues just fine. However, if there are several, large limbs and branches that are dying, that is a serious concern. 
As more and more branches die, the structural integrity of the tree is diminished. Regular maintenance can address some dead branches, but once it passes a certain point, the tree is dying and will need to be cut down for safety. 
3. The Bark Is Chipping AwayAs trees begin to die, their bark becomes very brittle and falls off the tree in large chunks. It could also develop long vertical cracks that go from near the ground and up the tree. 
Multiple deep splits in the bark that keep getting worse are bad signs for the life of the tree. The same is true of problems with the bark that gets worse with each rainfall or strong windstorm. 
4. There Is Visible Root DamageRoots are usually hard to see, but there are some situations that might reveal root damage. The most obvious is when the root system is too shallow and can be seen growing above the ground. This is not normal and signifies the tree is not healthy. 
Healthy trees have huge, deep root systems. It can be hard to know exactly where the roots extend. So, if you are digging or doing construction work in your yard, there is a chance you may inadvertently damage the roots. 
If the damage is serious enough, it may endanger the life of the tree (and is certainly a danger to you if it leads to the tree falling). Even if you can't see the root damage, trees that suddenly lose color or look unhealthy could have sustained root damage. 
5. The Tree Develops a TiltIf an otherwise straight tree develops a lean, it's an indication it may be dying. This could happen suddenly or slowly over the course of time.
A very strong storm may damage a tree and cause a lean to develop immediately. However, most winds and storms do not permanently affect the tree. If the tree can't withstand moderate winds, it is not healthy.  
Root damage or other longer-term health issues could lead to a slow-developing lean. Either way, a leaning tree is both unhealthy and a safety risk.
6. It Has an Insect InfestationTrees provide great habitat for many insects and other animals. But, they can also become too infested with insects.
When this happens, it is detrimental to the tree. There are lots of insects that cause problems for trees in Florida. 
Some insects, like bark beetles, seek out dying trees. If your tree is full of these beetles, it's another sign that the tree is on its way out.
7. The Wood Below The Bark Is BrownWhile the bark is supposed to be brownish, the layer of wood just below the bark, called the cambium, is green when healthy. In order to test this, you'll have to make a small incision in the tree.
Cut down past the bark and take a look. If the wood is green, that's good. If it appears brown and dry, that's a sign the tree is dying.
Test multiple areas around the tree to be sure. This is sometimes called the scratch test, and it won't harm the tree. 
Call The Professionals If You Have a Dying TreeA dying tree poses a big risk to you, your family, and your home. It's always sad to have to cut down a tree, but it needs to be done before the tree falls and does damage.
If you have evaluated your tree and seen some of the above signs that it's dying, please contact us right away. Or, if you just have some tree-related questions, feel free to reach out.
Our experienced arborists can evaluate the situation and let you know the best course of action, whether that's a good trim or cutting it down. 
Just like you, we love trees and want you to enjoy them safely. 

​Are you worried about one of your trees falling on your house or in your yard? Well, it's a completely valid concern, because it does happen all too often. 
In most cases, you want to resolve the issue before it becomes an issue. If you can determine when a tree is about to fall, then you can easily mitigate the side-effects of it actually falling. 
In this article, we will cover what to do when a tree falls, and how to know when it's about to. 
So keep reading to learn more.
How to Know If A Tree Is About to Fall?As mentioned earlier, the best way to resolve an issue is to prevent it from occurring. Fortunately, when it comes to trees, they are pretty good at giving signs about their health. So let's take a look at those.
Dead Branches That Fall With EaseFirst, dead branches are not a sign that a tree will fall over entirely. However, it does present a great insight into the general health of the tree. When you start to see lots of dead branches, your tree is telling that something is not right.
Branches are shed because the tree is good at self-management. It's trying to make itself smaller, which probably means that it's not getting enough nutrients, which also means that it might be getting attacked by insects or infected with a disease.
Hole In the TrunkOne of the common side-effects of trees that self-prune (drop-dead branches) is the appearance of cavities/holes in the trunk.
This open wound can lead to the decay of the integrity of the tree. However, this does not directly mean that it will collapse soon. If the cavity has enough solid wood around and it's isolated, then the tree is most likely not going to break in half or tip over.
It's best to contact an arborist for further assessment.
Missing Bark Or Deep CracksAnother sign that your tree is dying is the missing presence of or lack of bark on the trunk of the tree, which should definitely be examined by a tree professional.
The presence of cankers is a definite sign of tree death. Also, if you see deep cracks on the trunk, you should be concerned. These will make the trunk weak, thus making the tree a potential hazard. 
When you spot these issues, take care of them sooner than later.
Tight V-Shaped GrowthTrees are miracles. If a tree's branch growth is not at an ideal distance, there is something wrong with it. Branches that grow too close to each other will be in a V-shape, which is deviated from the perfect U-shape that it can have. 
The best time to recognize this branch growth is during the winter or late fall after the leaves have fallen, and the tree has already went deep into hibernation.
Rotten and Weak RootsThis issue is harder to spot but it's persistent nonetheless. Because the tree roots are covered in the soil it might be difficult to uncover at first, but there is one reliable method for finding tree rot.
Look for fungi and mushroom growth around the base of the tree, which is a good sign that the wood is rotting.
What Do I Do If a Tree Falls?First and foremost, ensure everybody's safety. Once that is settled, assess the circumstances for the presence of other hazards, such as downed power lines. If this is true, stay as far as possible and call the utilities/power company. 
Treat any cable or line as it is life, and stay away until proper specialists have arrived and addressed the issue.
If the tree falls on your house, there are several factors that will help determine how bad the situations really, and the degree to which damage has occurred. Many of these will seem urgent or obvious, but here is a shortlist of considerations that will ensure the safety of your family.
First, evacuate ASAP. If you're on the third or second story, it's best to get on the main floor as soon as possible. Make sure everyone is safe and accounted for. 
Second, call emergency help. If you find yourself in a situation in which a tree is blocking an exit, call for help. This is an emergency, and emergency help is needed.
Third, protect the inside structure. Tree roof damage will expose your home to the elements. Be careful when covering anything that could be damaged by moisture, and make surer to lock the doors and secure valuables.
Hire an Arborist/Tree SpecialistIf you've already called for emergency help from an arborist, good for you. If you haven't, now is the time. Make sure they are certified and let them assess the circumstances. Arborists are efficiently-trained when it comes to complex tree and equipment situations.
They know what to do when it comes to tree removal, and have the necessary experience in getting the job done right. It's important that good work by qualified people will cost more than the same work being done by some unexperienced fella.
Professional prices come with worker's compensation insurance, liability, and bonded security. Not to mention, the use of specialty equipment, such as hardware, loaders, and cranes. If you think  the estimate is too high, ask what it consists of. You might be getting a lot more than just tree removal.
Let's Prevent the IssueNow that you know what to do if a tree falls, and how to determine if it's about to, you are well on your way in securing your household from tree hazards. However, knowing is one part of the equation, as you also need to act upon that knowledge. 
If you need help in assessing your yard for potential hazards and consequently removing them, get in touch with us and we will happily accommodate your needs.