The Tree Guy Blog

A dead tree isn’t just an eyesore—it can become a serious safety hazard. When trees die, their structural integrity weakens, making them prone to falling, especially during storms or high winds. Falling limbs or entire trees can cause significant property damage or injury. That’s why it’s essential to recognize the signs of a dead tree early and consult with a professional arborist to determine if removal is necessary. At The Tree Guy, our local arborists are experts at identifying and safely removing dead trees. Here are four signs that a tree is dead and should be taken down by an expert. No Leaf Growth One of the most obvious indications that a tree is dead is the absence of leaves during the growing season. If a tree remains bare while neighboring trees are full of leaves, it may be dead or dying. This is especially telling in deciduous trees that should leaf out in spring. Dead trees will not produce new growth, and their branches will stay barren even when environmental conditions are favorable. Brittle or Crumbling Bark The bark of a healthy tree should be relatively firm and intact. If the bark is peeling excessively, flaking off, or crumbling when touched, this can point to a serious health problem. In many cases, dead trees will have large sections of missing bark or deep cracks in the trunk. These signs reflect internal decay. Branches Snap Easily When you break off a branch from a living tree, you’ll usually find it’s somewhat flexible and green on the inside. In contrast, branches from a dead tree will snap easily, feel dry, and appear brown or gray throughout. If multiple branches across different parts of the tree show this level of brittleness, it’s a strong indicator that the tree is beyond saving. Fungus Growth on the Trunk or Roots Fungal growth at the base of a tree or along its trunk can be a symptom of internal rot. When a tree begins to decay from the inside, fungi often take hold in the weakened wood. While not every fungal presence means a tree is dead, it’s often a sign of significant internal damage. An arborist can evaluate the severity and determine if the tree poses a safety risk. Tree Removal in Ventura, CA For expert tree removal in Ventura and the surrounding area, contact The Tree Guy at (805) 254-6682 . Feel free to give us a call to ask for an arborist estimate in Ventura, CA!

At The Tree Guy, we aim to exceed our customers’ expectations by doing top-notch tree work at fair rates. Whether you need big trees to be safely removed or if you need a stump to be eliminated from your yard, our team of local arborists will work diligently to complete the job to the highest standards. And we appreciate it when our customers offer feedback about their experiences with us. Here’s a look at some of our recent customer reviews. “Working with John and his crew from the tree guy has been a wonderful experience. They are dependable, reasonably priced, safety conscious, and respectful of me and my property. They got the job done quickly, safely, and efficiently. I can't say enough positive things about John and his crew. I have a tricky tree due to proximity to power lines. And they handled it like the pros. Don't scroll any farther call John today.” — Tammy G. “Responsive, timely, a fair price, and excellent work. Jonathan and his team are highly recommended!” — Dennis W. “Look no further, Jonathan knows his stuff. He helped me with caring for my palm trees and educated me on their anatomy, good and bad signs, how to take care of them, and he was excited about it the whole time. You can tell he loves his job and he will always be my first call when I need the job done right.” — Gary S. “John was amazing from the beginning to end. Made sure to explain what work should be done on our trees and gave us the best and fairest price for the service. His crew was very attentive to details and made sure to get the work done exactly as we wanted without damaging any off the trees. We had 6 palm trees done and another tree trimming. They cleaned up everything afterwards. Would definitely recommend them.” — Luiz K. “Thorough knowledge and understanding of trees and their needs. Intelligent accommodation of our wishes. Thorough job well done with great clean up and after care. Thank you! I highly recommend The Tree Guy!” — Daniel L. Tree Services in Ventura, CA When you need an arborist in Ventura and the surrounding area, contact The Tree Guy at (805) 254-6682 . Feel free to give us a call to arrange an arborist estimate in Ventura, CA!

Tree stumps may seem harmless enough after a tree has been removed, but leaving them in your yard can lead to a variety of problems. From safety concerns to diminished curb appeal, old stumps can sully your outdoor space. Fortunately, stump removal is a straightforward solution that offers several lasting benefits. At The Tree Guy , we specialize in stump grinding and removal in the greater Ventura, CA area. Here are four ways that getting rid of tree stumps can improve your property. Prevention of Pest Problems As a stump begins to decay, it can attract unwanted pests such as termites and ants. These pests may eventually make their way to your home, causing further damage. Stump removal eliminates a potential breeding ground for insects and helps keep your yard and home free of infestations. Enhanced Curb Appeal A stump left behind in your yard can create an eyesore, especially if it’s in a visible location. Over time, the wood can decay and become discolored, making your landscape look unkempt. Removing the stump helps create a cleaner, more attractive yard that reflects the overall care and pride you take in your property. Whether you're planning to sell your home or simply want to enjoy a more beautiful outdoor space, eliminating stumps contributes to a more polished appearance. Increased Safety Tree stumps can pose a tripping hazard, particularly for children or guests who may not see them in the grass. If you're mowing your lawn or working on landscaping, a stump can also damage your equipment. In some cases, roots may continue to grow and create uneven ground, which adds another layer of risk. Removing the stump creates a safer yard with fewer liability concerns. More Usable Space Even a single stump can take up valuable yard space that could be used for something more enjoyable. Once a stump is removed, you’ll have more room for planting new trees or shrubs, installing a garden, adding outdoor seating, or expanding your lawn. This can make your yard better suited to your desires. Stump Grinding & Removal in Ventura, CA For stump removal in Ventura and the surrounding area, contact The Tree Guy at (805) 254-6682 . Feel free to give us a call to request an arborist estimate in Ventura, CA!

Wood chips are an incredibly versatile and eco-friendly resource that can benefit your property in a variety of ways. Whether you’ve recently had trees removed or trimmed, or you’re simply looking for sustainable landscaping materials, using wood chips effectively can improve your property. At The Tree Guy, we offer brush chipping in Ventura, CA that produces wood chips, which you can then use in various ways in your landscaping. Here are four excellent ways to make the most of wood chips on your property. Mulch for Garden Beds One of the most common and beneficial uses for wood chips is as mulch in garden beds. When spread over soil, wood chips help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Over time, they also break down and enrich the soil with organic matter. Using wood chips as mulch can also give garden beds a clean, uniform appearance that enhances your landscape design. Pathways and Trails Wood chips can be used to create attractive, soft-surface walkways around your yard or through wooded areas. They provide a natural look that blends well with outdoor settings while helping to prevent mud and erosion. A thick layer of wood chips can provide a comfortable walking surface and is especially useful in areas that get a lot of foot traffic. They also help control weeds along the path and reduce dust in dry conditions. Erosion Control If your property includes slopes or areas that are prone to erosion, wood chips can serve as a natural solution. When applied to vulnerable spots, they act as a barrier that slows water runoff and helps stabilize the soil. As the wood chips decompose, they also improve soil structure and fertility, which can help make the area more resilient to future erosion. Playground Surface Wood chips can make an excellent, shock-absorbing surface for playgrounds and play areas. They provide a cushion that helps reduce the impact from falls, making the area safer for children. Compared to synthetic materials, wood chips are more natural and biodegradable. They can also be replenished easily and are often more cost-effective. Wood Chips in Ventura, CA When you need brush chipping in Ventura and the surrounding area, contact The Tree Guy at (805) 254-6682 . We provide expertise with both residential and commercial tree care in greater Ventura. Feel free to give us a call to request an arborist estimate in Ventura, CA!