Genesis Tree Care

Common Questions About Tree Services

Check out our Frequently Asked Questions section for answers to common questions about our services and tree care. Please reach us at richard@genesistreecares.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

What services do you offer?

We offer tree pruning and trimming, tree removal, arborist services, stump grinding, storm damage removal and emergency tree services. Over the past 25 years, our 5 star reviews tell a great story about the services we provide.

Are you licensed and insured?

Yes, we are licensed and insured to provide tree services in the state of Maryland as a DNR Tree Expert.

We maintain licenses and insurance for all of our projects. Our Maryland arborist can provide tree inspections, tree maintenance, and tree removal services.

Some larger construction projects require special licenses and certifications. We work with local county jurisdictions and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to ensure proper permitting and licensing, when required, especially in critical areas of the Chesapeake Bay.

Working with a licensed and insured contractor is so important when it comes to your home, safety, and property.

How much does it cost to remove a tree?

The size and location of your tree will determine the actual cost. It's proximaty to property or power lines will also be considered. If a crane or other equipment are required, we will also consider these factors. Remember, that a cheaper price to remove a tree may mean you are risking something else entirely. Don't cut corners on expertise, licensing, and insurance with something as important as your home, safety, or property. We are happy to review your situation and provide a fair estimate.

What type of equipment do you use?

We use state-of-the-art equipment, including cranes, bucket trucks, and chippers, to safely and efficiently complete each job.

Who will work on my property?

The only people who will work on your property are our insured employees and contractors. Our team members have experience and arborist backgrounds so that we can help you nurture existing trees, or assist with storm debris removal.

I have older trees. Should I remove them? Are there options?

We believe that trees are one of the most treasured gifts nature gives to us. So, we work with you to maintain and nurture healthy trees with careful pruning. We will balance load a tree if previous trimming, storms, or other damage has occurred. In cases where the tree presents a danger to people or property, we can safely remove trees from your property. We also provide suggestions for care and nurturing that can sustain trees for many years.

Can I remove a tree in a critical area of the Chesapeake Bay?

All trees located in the critical areas of the Chesapeake Bay require special permitting and approval. We are licensed by the Maryland Dept of Natural Resources and understand the complexities associated with tree removal on the Chesapeake Bay. We will take care of the proper permitting required and ensure tree services meet your needs and the local requirements.

How much does pruning cost?

We provide free estimates for pruning that take into consideration the current condition of the tree, the amount of pruning necessary, and the amount of debris to be removed. Most importantly, we consider the long term viability of the tree for proper pruning techniques that will sustain your tree for years to come. Far too often, we hear that a cheap contractor pruned a tree and damaged it, making it more susceptible to storm damage and dying.

Trees & The Chesapeake Bay Critical Areas

What do I need to know about trees in critical areas?

Living in Maryland provides us extraordinary access to the Chesapeake Bay, but it also means that tree maintenance and planning must be carefully considered. Here are a few of the common questions we receive about Critical Areas of the Chesapeake Bay.

What is the Critical Area Program?

The Critical Area includes all land within 1,000 feet of Maryland’s tidal waters and tidal wetlands. It also includes the waters of the Chesapeake Bay, the Atlantic Coastal Bays, their tidal tributaries, and the lands underneath these tidal areas. Source: Maryland DNR

Can I remove trees if it is in the Critical Area Program?

In general, homeowners can obtain approval through the local planning office to remove one or more trees from their property as long as the trees are not located in the Buffer, and new trees are planted on the property. The Critical Area law requires no net loss of forest or developed woodland cover in the Critical Area. Replacement planting may be required at a higher ratio than one-to-one depending on the number of trees on your property and the size of the tree being removed. In general, trees that are located within the Buffer cannot be removed unless they are dead, dying, diseased, or creating a hazard to people or property. A Buffer Management Plan is required for all removal of vegetation within the Buffer except for mowing an existing lawn.

When is a Buffer Management Plan required?

Any development activity (human action that results in disturbance to land, natural vegetation, or a structure) on land that has frontage on a tidal waterway, a tidal wetland, or a stream, or any disturbance to the Buffer or expanded Buffer will require a Buffer Management Plan. The Buffer Management Plan must be submitted to and approved by the local government, usually the planning office.

Can I remove a tree or natural vegetation that blocks my view?

Removal of healthy trees and natural vegetation in the Buffer is not permitted solely for the purpose of creating a view. However, trees and shrubs can be pruned and limbed up to create openings that provide a view. The removal of invasive species and vines is permitted and can also improve a view. A Buffer Management Plan can be used for this purpose. Thoughtful design in selecting the type and location of plants in the Buffer, careful pruning of existing trees and shrubs, and a thorough approach to removing invasives and planting groundcovers can be used to enhance water views. The Green Book for the Buffer provides planting plans that maintain viewsheds and is an excellent resource for property owners in the Buffer.

FAQs About Tree Services in Maryland