The results of using this pro-active tree maintenance strategy are long term reduced costs, increased public safety, content residents, and an increased value of an essential City asset. Prior to commencement of work, WCA will post door hangers informing residents of the work that is to be performed. These notices will be delivered within the time specified by the City.
The objectives of tree pruning are:
- reduce the risk of failure
- provide clearance
- reduce shade and wind resistance
- maintain health
- influence flower or fruit production
- improve a view
- improve aesthetics
In addition to providing complete pruning operations, our highly trained and qualified staff will also perform clearance pruning services, which consist of removing branches to provide a specified clearance from the top of the curb and walkway when practical, typically nine (9) feet. This operation also involves clearing limbs or branches away from electrical wires, lights, buildings, and/or traffic signal devices. Also, we will remove all trunk sprouts and suckers and clear limbs to provide for pedestrian travel. All work will be performed in accordance with the Best Management Practices developed by the I.S.A., ANSI A300 Standards and ANSI Z133.1 Safety Standards. The debris will be removed from the job site and taken to a designated facility for recycling. All resulting debris will be removed from the job site daily and properly disposed of at the end of each workday. We will clean all job sites when work is completed, including the raking of leaves, twigs, etc. from the lawn and parkway and the sweeping of streets.
Removals
Removals will be completed per monthly lists compiled and submitted by the City or on an “as needed” basis after the trees have been marked. With a minimum of forty-eight hours advanced notice, WCA will inform Underground Service Alert (USA) of the location of work for the purpose of identifying any and all utility lines.
The removal process consists of lowering limbs delicately onto the ground to prevent any hardscape damage. We will also remove large trunks and debris from the job site. The debris will be removed from the job site and taken to a designated recycling facility. Immediately following the removal, the stump will be ground down in accordance with I.S.A. Standards and ANSI A300 Standards. Job sites will be cleaned daily, including raking of leaves and removal of all debris.
Tree Planting
We can replace trees that have been removed and plant new trees in accordance with City specifications. Trees will be planted by lists compiled and submitted monthly or on an “as-needed” basis. We are prepared financially and logistically to acquire and purchase selected tree species for tree planting in the City.
We have the capability to send notices via U.S. Mail informing residents of the work that is to be performed if requested by the City. These notices can include a photo of the new tree that is to be planted or the residents may view the specie at www.WCAINC.com. At a minimum of forty-eight hours in advance we will inform Underground Service Alert (USA) of the location of work for the purpose of identifying any and all utility lines.
Once the City approves the trees to be planted, we will plant in accordance with ISA Standards, ANSI A300 Standards and City specifications. A well-trained planting team will perform the soil preparation and installation of the tree.
Crew Rental
There are many services that we provide to agencies that don’t necessarily involve tree maintenance. Because of our commitment to customer satisfaction and our vast amount of resources, which includes specialty equipment, and qualified personnel, WCA responds to various miscellaneous requests. Some examples of these services are flag hanging, holiday light installation, changing ballpark lights, and miscellaneous use of our aerial towers and cranes. These types of services are performed on a crew rental basis, which consists of any number of men with necessary equipment. Special tree trimming projects are also performed under an hourly crew rental.
Emergency Response
West Coast Arborists has an Area Manager on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays. A toll free number will be provided to the City, Police Department and Fire Department. We will be prepared for emergency calls on a 7-day, 24-hour basis. Our emergency response team will do what is necessary to render the hazardous tree or tree-related condition safe until the following workday. Should the emergency call out occur during normal business hours, contact your Area Manager or Customer Service Representative and one of our teams will respond to the scene and perform the necessary work.
Line Clearance
An on-going trimming program provides safety when it come to tree and utility lines. Trees that interfere or have the probability of interfering with utility lines will be trimmed in a manner to achieve the required clearances as specified by the City in accordance with the California Public Utilities Commission. In addition to abiding by the clearance specifications set forth in General Order 95, utility line clearance pruning will be performed to protect the current health and condition of the tree and to maintain its symmetry. Limbs overhanging primary conductors will be removed, and natural pruning techniques that utilize the least number of cuts will be made to direct growth away from the utility lines.
Clearance Pruning
In addition to providing complete pruning operations, our highly trained staff will also perform clearance pruning services, which consist of removing branches to provide a fourteen (14) foot clearance from the top of the curb when practical, or as specified by the City. This operation also involves clearing limbs or branches away from wires, lights, building, and/or traffic signal devices. Also, we will remove all trunk sprouts and suckers and clear limbs to provide for pedestrian travel. All work will be performed in accordance with I.S.A. Standards, ANSA A300 Standards and City specifications.
Watering
Tree watering will be performed by a full-time, WCA team member on various routes, including landscape medians, and young trees when requested by the City. This team will also be responsible for reporting special care needs to the Small Tree Care Team. This could include reporting weeds, soil that has settled, and/or staking and tying needs.
Small Tree Care
We support the City’s belief that proper pruning and care during the early stages of the tree’s life will save money in the future, and create a safer, more beautiful, healthy, easy-to-maintain tree. We believe that tree care that is performed early will affect its shape, strength and life span. Our specialized Small Tree Care Team consists of certified personnel trained to perform the following:
- Selective structural pruning
- Removal of dead, interfering, split and/or broken limbs
- Pre-conditioning the water retention basin built around the tree
- Staking or re-staking
- Adjusting tree ties
- Adjusting trunk protectors
- Weed abatement
- Tree watering (up to one time per week depending on weather conditions)
As the trees we plant mature, it is apparent that the trees and adjacent parkways will require certain maintenance needs. Therefore WCA will work with City staff to establish a Small Tree Care Maintenance Program to address the tree and parkway maintenance requirements on an individual basis. Each tree is inspected to determine specific needs and maintenance activities are then performed accordingly.
