Certifications & Memberships

The information in italics is provided by the American National Standards Institute ANSI A300-1995. More information here.

Arbor Terms Defined & Seasonal Tips

Arborist ANSI A300-1995 3.2-A professional who possesses the technical competence through experience and realted training to provide for or supervise the management of trees and other woody plants in the residential, commercial, and public landscape. An Arborist is someone whom, through education and training is certified and/or qualified to practice arboriculture. Some states, e.g. Connecticut, require that a certified arborist does many of the arboricultural tasks e.g., pruning, cabling, fertilizing and pesticide application. This certification process was originally set up through the Department of Consumer Protection and now is run through the Department of Environmental Protection in Connecticut 1-800-424-3369. Call and check if your arborist is a certified arborist. All records are public. Arboriculture is a bonafide art and science where the application of federally mandated ANSI professional standards and techniques are developed so we can improve the condition of shade, ornamental and fruit trees. Our practices include pruning, cabling, bracing, fertilizing, aeration, control of insects and diseases, landscaping, tree planting, designing, wildlife management, and consulting. The arborist is supposed to be knowledgeable about the typical growth habits and preferred site location and conditions of healthy trees and is able to diagnose problems from the obvious insect infestation to the less obvious environmental stresses such as changes in soil grade, pollution, drought, etc., that affect tree health.

Cabling and Bracing Often, trees don't develop structural integrity. Sometimes they can be pruned to reduce breakage at weak areas. However, trees with structural defects may benefit from cabling and bracing. Cabling and bracing extend the life of a tree. A cable is an artificial support system. The materials are comprised of hot-dipped-galvanized-dropped-forged-steel components. They are installed as a reactionary measure to a situation that was allowed to grow. They can prevent the loss of large sections, etc. of a tree. Bracing is similar in the sense of cabling, except it is one long steel rod that goes through the split section and/or weak crotch. Leave it up to a certified expert to determine if your trees are safe, especially over the house and playground (living areas).

Construction injury minimization Construction can cause damage to your existing trees and other landscape plants. Preventing construction damage is critical and can add years to your landscape life. Establishing barriers (fencing) around valuable trees and landscape plants is how you keep equipment away from the base of the tree and some of the root zones. On Earth Plant Care Specialists can help you to keep your trees alive longer. Call us to help you establish contracts and be proactive.

Crown Clean ANSI A300-1995 3.13-The removal of dead, dying, diseased, crowded, weakly attached, low-vigor branches, and watersprouts from a tree's crown. The removal of dead, dying, diseased, crossing and rubbing, and objectionably weak wood of a specific size, (developmental prune interior canopy, removing excessive water sprout growth/epicormic.

Crown Raise ANSI A300-1995 3.14-The removal of the lower branches of a tree in order to provide clearance. To raise the height of the lower canopy by removing low branches/limbs back to the parent stem or lateral branches/vegetative buds.

Crown Reduce ANSI A300-1995 3.15-The reduction of the top, sides, or individual limbs by the means of removal of the leader or longest portion of a limb to a lateral no less than one-third of the total diameter of the original limb removing no more than one-quarter of the leaf surface. Commonly known as drop crotch pruning because the tips of the branches are cut back to a lateral branch or bud according to the one-third-rule, i.e., no more than one third of the plant is removed. And any cuts that are made, the remaining lateral branch will be at least one third of the diameter of the size of the diameter of the pruning wound just made. This can reduce the size of the plant but maintain its natural form or silhouette. This helps to reduce the risk of snow or ice damage. It can also create a formal and tidy appearance, or allow for a view.

Drip Line The area beneath the perimeter of the foliage/canopy of the tree. Note: Most trees grow roots two to three times past the drip line.

Ecological Restoration The purpose of an ecological restoration project is to restore the health of the remaining woodland, wildflower field, or wetland so that it is a biological niche for the multitude of living animals. Ecologically diverse ecosystems attract wildlife. On Earth Plant Care Specialists performs ecological restorations in order to protect and nurture the "natural" living conditions for wildlife.

Fertilizing-Deep Root Fertilizing The addition of necessary elements to the pre-existing soil in order to improve the plant's health. Fertilizers are not plant food. Trees make their own food-sucrose. Fertilizers are combinations of nutrients that plants require to carry on their normal activities. With the proper combination of air , water and nutrients, plants can function effectively. Our fertilization techniques will help your plants maintain their health and vigor. If fertilizing is not a part of your ordinary tree care program, please consider the benefits. Fertilizing is recommended when plants are deprived of their natural organic elements simply because the organic cycle is broken by the raking of the leaves. Also, grass is a plant and takes quite a bit of water and nutrients that the trees could be using for their own growing purposes. Remember, a healthy tree is more likely to ward off any attacks of insects or disease. Stressed plants are often attacked by opportunistic insects and fungi. That's just how it works in the natural world.

Fertilization and root health care program Trees exist in an environment characterized by natural cycles and the recycling of essential elements. Growing in niches suitable to their species, trees shed their parts or die, returning organic material to the soil. As this organic material decomposes, it conserves the supply of essential elements, such as nitrogen, making these nutrients available.

Girdling Roots ANSI A300-1995 3.21-Roots located above or below ground whose circular growth around the base of the trunk or over individual roots applies pressure to the bark area, ultimately restricting sap flow and trunk/root growth, frequently resulting in reduced vitality or stability of the plant. While removing the sod for the mulch bed or otherwise, girdling roots are often discovered. These roots are strangling roots. As the root grows wider, so does the tree trunk. Once they meet, the strangling begins to occur. It is like having a rubber band around your finger too tight. G.R. restricts the flow of water soluable nutrients and sucrose causing a stressful situation and can also undermine the structural integrity of the Basal area of the tree.

Hazard Tree Identification ANSI A300-1995 5.3.3.1-Hazard reduction pruning is recommended when the primary objective is to reduce the danger to a specific target caused by visibly defined hazards in a tree. Hazard reduction pruning should consist of one or more of the maintainence pruning types. To identify the condition of trees and recommend maintenance procedures.

Hazardous Tree A tree that is a serious potential threat for injury to people or damage to structures because of the condition of the tree. When the term is used, it is always a priority.

Insect and disease management The best line of defense against pests and diseases is the plant's health. The healthier a tree is, the better able it will be able to ward off pests and diseases. At On Earth Plant Care Specialists our primary goal is preventative pest management. Even with preventive maintenance schedules, sometimes a tree simply cannot defend itself against the onslaught of pests and diseases. If this happens, we assess the tree's health, and recommend the most effective and environmentally sensitive approach possible for the cost to cure the problem. State-of-the-art natural pest controls, dormant oils, safe soaps, and organic materials are the primary products we use to help restore a tree to health. Only as a last resort - in order to bring down the population level - will we utilize restricted chemicals.

Lightning protection Thousands of trees are struck by lightning yearly. Lightning can strike one of your prized trees, and the results can be a total loss. Installation of a lightning protection system is possibe. Highly valuable trees can be protected.

Mulch Bed Created to a specific shape designed with a distinguished edge defining the mulch bed, lawn, tree, etc. The turf is removed from the bed and replaced by 3” of mulch (e.g., wood chips). This will ensure a long bed life span as well as prevent weeds from coming up. This process of mulching is used to improve soil conditions in the planting bed. Mulch moderates the soil temperature, retains the soil moisture, enhances microbial activity, invites earth worms, etc., which are all advantageous for plant growth. Mulch beds are very beneficial for urban trees which otherwise are cut off from the natural recycling process of organic matter from plants, because the tree is usually raked clean of the fallen leaves and debris. Mulch beds also reduce the risk of salt damage to the roots and mechanical injury e.g., from lawn mowers and weed whackers debarking the base of the tree. Last, but not least, these mulched areas can be used for planting Spring, etc., flower bulbs and other perennials. The final result being an aesthetically pleasing and healthy landscape.

Mulching In many cases, the best thing you can do to help your trees and shrubs is "MULCH". Mulching helps to conserve moisture around the tree's root zone and keeps the soil cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. It helps to prevent debarking around the base of the trunk. Mulching is simply the addition of organic material around the base of your trees and shrubs. Many suitable materials are available, but one of the most convenient is shredded wood chips. Wood chips are readily available, inexpensive, easy to work with, long lasting, and attractive.

Plant health care Plants are trees. Trees are individual living breathing biological organisms. A tree's health is measured by its vigor, appearance and structure. A healthy tree can better defend itself from infestation from insects and diseases. A thorough going over of your property creating a detailed evaluation of each plant is done in order to figure out what could attack and when. Then a proactive system is created so we are one step ahead of defending your plants from the natural entities that otherwise could devastate your costly landscape plants.

Planting and Transplanting Planting is bringing onto your property a somehow contained plant, choosing a proper location, and installing it in the ground. Transplanting is digging up a plant that is already on your property and planting it in another location.

Pruning ANSI A300-1995 3.37-The removal of plant parts. The removal of dead, dying, diseased, crossing and rubbing and objectionably week branches. As trees grow, they need direction. This may be in the form of pruning, thinning, shaping or removing deadwood. Specialized training and equipment, as well as an "eye" for what really needs to be done, are tools of the trade for professional arborists. Pruning enhances the appearance and value of landscaping, but its importance is more than cosmetic. No more than 1/3 of the tree will be removed at one time.
Proper pruning:
Is essential to the health of ornamental and shade trees
Removes weak, dead, storm damaged, diseased, or interfering branches
Can be used to train growth patterns of young trees
Minimizes the risk of storm damage
Provides clearance for streets, sidewalks, driveways, structures and overhead lines

Soil aeration Aeration of the soil is a rejuvenating cultivation practice. It improves the turf's ability to obtain water, nutrients and oxygen. Soil aeration is also used to improve root growth.

Speakers for garden clubs and other group meetings We offer our knowledgeable staff to speak on tree related issues for your club or other group meetings.

Split Wood Firewood length round log sections are split into burnable size pieces with a hydraulic log splitter. Time and Material basis will be used to calculate the cost. How much wood that can be split in a day varies according to the location and the size of the wood.

Take Down Includes the following procedures:
Cutting/getting the tree down, chipping of the brush & debris, and raking the work area clean.
NOTE: Our chipper processes up to 11" diameter wood easily. If you don't need/want wood, this can save you money because you are not paying to have the wood taken away or moved to some other location on the property. Cutting the wood into manageable fire-wood length “round logs,”
and leaving the wood at the base of the tree. Moving the wood to another location and/or stacking it has an additional charge according to the location.


Take Down Hazard A situation where serious injury to people or damage to structures can occur because of the condition of the tree. When this word is used, it is always a priority.
Take Down includes the following procedures:
Cutting/getting the tree down, chipping of the brush & debris, and raking the work area clean.
NOTE: Our chipper processes up to 11" diameter wood easily. If you don't need/want wood, this can save you money because you are not paying to have the wood taken away or moved to some other location on the property. Cutting the wood into manageable fire-wood length “round logs,”
and leaving the wood at the base of the tree. Moving the wood to another location and/or stacking it has an additional charge according to the location.

Take Wood Getting the wood to the truck, loading the wood on the truck and taking it from the premises. The price includes the dump fee, unless otherwise specified.
NOTE: Our chipper chips up to 11" diameter wood easily. If you don't need/want wood, this can save you money because you are not paying to have the wood taken away. Sometimes, it can be economical to split wood and chip it. NOTE: Stacking wood esp., round, whole logs on the ground can attract wood eating insects, e.g., termites, carpenter ants and beetles. Therefore, leaving wood on your property that you don't intend to burn is not recommended.

Tree and Stump Removal Due to the poor condition of a tree, and the tree's location, a removal may be necessary. There are two types of removals, general and technical. A technical removal may involve the temporary disconnection of electricity, telephones and cable utilities. A crane may even be required in some situations. At all levels of our company, we strive to find the safest solutions for hazardous and difficult tree removal.

Tree Value appraisal With all the good things trees can do for us, they can be the victim of accidents, vandalism, or storms. Each tree has a value for tax and insurance purposes. It is a value that should be determined only by a professional arborist, as it involves objective costs combined with subjective evaluation of tree condition, location and health.

24 hour 7 day Emergency Service Call anytime if you have a dangerous situation. Our experienced crews will be dispatched immediately