Above Ground Tree & Landscape

Owner is honest, quick to respond, professional, and just an all around «good guy». His crew did great work and left the work areas clean for a fair and competitive price. Will definitely use their services again.

Above Ground Tree & Landscape differentiates itself from other local tree care specialists in the areas of knowledge, quality of work and courteous customer service. As opposed to the many slash-​and-​burn chainsaw outfits, Above Ground takes an approach similar to that of the medical profession: health and wellness.
It starts with a consultative philosophy. Owner Jonathan Sledge is one of only a few local certified professional arborists. Arborists are trained to spot and correct problems, and provide a comprehensive and holistic approach to ensure the well-​being of your trees. In our first meeting with Jonathan, we learned more about the species, growth characteristics and proper care of our trees and shrubs than we received from the so-​called landscape experts at the nurseries. And the charge? Nothing — but armed with the knowledge, most agree to contract with Above Ground to perform the recommended work.
Above Ground doesn’t do damaging things like «top» trees or shape them into lollypops. When they make cuts, they are done for a specific purpose and they know how to do it in a manner whereby the tree can heal itself. More importantly, they don’t scale trees with spikes which — hello — can open wounds in the bark and expose it to insects, water and disease. Instead, they use a rigging system which is safer for both tree and human. In addition, they don’t simply drop the limbs and/​or the entire tree, an approach that tends to leave deep gouges in the ground or damages surrounding plants. Branches are tied off and gently lowered to the ground; trees are cut in sections and similarly lowered.
The jobsite is left remarkably clean. Tarps are placed under the tree base, logs and branches to catch the sawdust from the chainsaws. Any leaves or small branches that fall from pruning are raked up and removed.
Above Ground also understands the value of customer service. To maintain good neighbor-​relations, Jonathan proactively approached our neighbors to let them know about the work he and his team were going to do and asked whether he could briefly access their driveway to haul off debris. When a neighbor compliments the work of something as intrusive as tree removal (trucks, loud chainsaws, etc.), you know you’ve found a great vendor!
Jonathan readily admits that tree removal is not his favorite thing. Yet selective removal enables remaining trees to thrive. And weak, dead trees must be addressed to ensure safety. What really piques his interest is plant health care — creating a plan to foster strong growth and homeowner enjoyment.
Interestingly, given their expertise and superior care, Above Ground is not any more expensive than lesser tree care outfits. Of course, you can always find someone cheaper. But we tend view trees like a bit like humans. If you do too, wouldn’t you want a board certified doctor to diagnose and perform your surgery?