FAQs
Here you will find frequently asked questions from our community.
Please contact us or call 603-886-4581 if you need any help.
Click the box icon for answers + details.
Yes. While most of our work is in the spring, summer, and fall, we do work throughout the winter months. We offer Nifty Lift Service (portable, self-propelled aerial unit with a 92′ working height), hand climbing as well as crane service for those trees that are not easily accessible. Please keep in mind that performing the tree work during winter months can minimize lawn damage where your lawn is protected by the snow and frozen ground. Often times, the price of tree removal can be lower in the slower winter months than in the busy spring.
Absolutely! Be sure to look out for loose or hanging branches, splits, or cracks. Also keep an eye on loose soil around the roots for uprooting. If you see any of these, please contact us to book a service.
Ask for a contractor’s certificate of insurance: Also, get it directly from the contractor’s insurance company. Just because a contractor shows you an insurance policy, that does not mean they have paid their premiums or that the insurance is still active. Anyone who gets hurt on your property without proper insurance, makes you liable.
Check the contractor’s credentials: Don’t just take their word for it. For example: one customer wanted us to remove a tree from her roof, but went with a “restoration” company that claimed they were sent by her insurance company. Five days later, she called us back to say that the “restoration” company sent a man with just a chainsaw to remove the tree that required a crane. Also, that they were on her roof until 2:30 in the morning unable to remove the tree. We immediately sent a crane to her house and removed not only the tree on her roof, but also another tree that was starting to uproot.
The portable lift is a unique aerial device with a working height of 92′ that is self-propelled, which allows access to tight areas that may not be bucket truck or crane accessible. Its unique flotation tires make it lawn friendly. A portable lift provides a safe environment for our staff and work can be performed at a more productive rate. It is especially beneficial for dead or unsafe trees that could potentially put a climber at risk.
This can happen for multiple reasons (back filling can choke a tree, root and trunk damage caused by heavy construction equipment, sudden exposure to the sun – sun scalding, or a sudden change in landscape). Please contact us to book a free estimate.
Topping a tree is a pruning method where the upper branches or the crown of a tree are removed, often reducing the tree’s height significantly. It leaves wounds that the tree can’t readily close, and it ruins the structure of the tree. It also stimulates new water sprouts that are weak and can easily break. Plus, it disrupts the tree’s energy storage for future growth, which slowly destroys the tree. Contact us for the best tree pruning options.
Recognizing the warning signs of a sick tree is crucial for maintaining the health and safety of your property. Here are some key indicators that your tree may be in distress:
- Cracks in Trunk or Major Limbs: Deep, visible cracks in the trunk or large branches can signal structural weakness. These cracks may form due to internal decay, stress, or injury, making the tree more prone to breaking.
- Hollow or Decayed Areas: Hollow sections or decayed areas in the trunk or limbs indicate that the tree has lost significant internal support. This can happen as a result of fungal infections or insect activity.
- Extensive Deadwood: Large amounts of dead or dying branches, especially in the upper canopy, suggest that the tree is struggling. This could be due to disease, root issues, or environmental stress.
- Mushrooms Growing at the Base or Under the Canopy: Mushrooms growing around the base or within the tree’s canopy often indicate root or trunk decay, as fungi break down wood tissue.
- Sawdust Around the Base of the Tree: Sawdust or frass at the base of the tree can be a sign of insect activity, such as wood-boring beetles, which may be causing internal damage.
If you suspect deadwood, a dying tree, or want professional advice about your trees, contact us!
Mushrooms growing at the base of your trees can be a sign your tree is experiencing some form of decay or rot. Mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of fungi, which often indicate that the fungus is breaking down wood tissue, either in the roots, trunk, or base of the tree. If you notice mushrooms at the base of your tree, it’s important to have the tree inspected by a professional arborist as soon as possible. Contact Tip Top Tree Service for a professional assessment of mushrooms growing near your trees. We can provide expert advice and, if needed, tree removal services to ensure the safety and health of your property.
Sawdust at the base of your tree can be a sign of insect activity, most commonly from wood-boring insects such as beetles or carpenter ants. These insects’ tunnel into the wood, creating small holes and producing sawdust, as they chew through the tree’s structure. This sawdust accumulation is often an indicator that your tree might be experiencing internal damage. If you suspect insect activity or notice sawdust around your trees, Tip Top Tree Service can provide a professional assessment and, if necessary, tree removal services to protect your property and maintain safety.
This indicates woodpeckers or borers. Holes in your tree can be caused by a variety of factors, including borers, woodpeckers, or diseases. The size, shape, and pattern of the holes can provide clues about the underlying issue. If you notice holes in your tree, it’s important to have the tree inspected by a professional arborist. Tip Top Tree Service offers expert assessments and tree removal services to ensure your property remains safe and well-maintained.
A tree may need to be removed if it’s showing signs of decline or poses a safety risk. Common warning signs include dead or falling branches, trunk cracks, a hollow or decaying trunk, mushrooms or fungi growing at the base, leaning significantly, or roots that are lifting sidewalks or damaging your foundation. Trees that are too close to a home, growing into power lines, or have suffered major storm damage may also be candidates for removal. A professional arborist can inspect the tree and determine whether removal is necessary.
Tree trimming and tree pruning are often used interchangeably, but they serve different purposes. Trimming is usually done to improve the appearance or shape of a tree, typically involving light cuts to maintain its aesthetics or to keep branches away from structures. Pruning is more focused on the health and structural integrity of the tree—it involves removing dead, diseased, or overcrowded branches to encourage healthy growth, improve airflow, and reduce the risk of falling limbs. Regular pruning helps prevent future problems and extends the life of the tree.
Tree removal can impact your yard, especially if heavy equipment is used or if the tree is large and located in a tight space. However, experienced tree services, like Tip Top Tree Service, take precautions to minimize damage, such as using protective mats, rope rigging systems, or bucket trucks. If you’re concerned about your lawn, flower beds, or nearby structures, be sure to discuss this with your tree contractor ahead of time.
Yes, tree roots can cause damage if the tree is planted too close to your home or underground pipes. Roots naturally seek out moisture and can infiltrate cracked sewer lines or push against foundation walls, sidewalks, and driveways over time. While not every tree causes problems, species with aggressive root systems—like silver maples or willows—should be planted far from buildings and infrastructure. Regular inspections can catch problems early.
First and foremost, stay away from the tree—especially if it’s near downed power lines or resting on a roof or vehicle. Call 911 if it’s creating a safety hazard. For removal, contact a professional tree service with experience in emergency storm damage. They’ll be able to safely remove the tree, clear debris, and check nearby trees for potential risks. Many tree services offer 24/7 emergency response for these situations.
DIY tree removal is risky and not recommended unless the tree is very small and easily accessible. Trees can fall unpredictably, especially if there’s internal decay or structural weaknesses. Without the right equipment and training, you could damage your property—or worse, get seriously injured. Professional tree services have the tools, experience, and insurance to handle removals safely and efficiently.
It’s a good idea to have trees professionally inspected at least once a year, ideally before or after storm season. Regular inspections can identify potential hazards like dead limbs, disease, pest infestations, or weak branch attachments before they become serious. Trees near homes, power lines, or frequently used spaces should be monitored more closely.
Yes, but it requires advanced techniques and equipment. When a tree is close to a structure or utility lines, professionals use rigging systems, bucket trucks, cranes, and careful dismantling methods to remove the tree in sections. These jobs are complex and should never be done by a homeowner. Safety is the top priority, so hire an insured and experienced crew for close-quarters removals.
Yes, for large or hazardous trees, crane-assisted removal is often the safest and most efficient option. Cranes allow crews to lift sections of the tree vertically and place them in a drop zone without letting them fall. This is especially useful when there’s no space to drop branches or logs due to nearby homes, fences, or landscaping.
Many tree services sell firewood as a byproduct of their removal and trimming jobs. They may offer split and seasoned hardwood firewood for sale and delivery during the fall and winter months. Some also provide “green” firewood (not yet dried), which can be stored and seasoned for later use.
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About Tip Top Tree
Since 1992, Tip Top Tree Service, located in Hudson, NH, has been offering expert tree care and tailored consulting services.
We proudly serve residential, commercial, and municipal clients throughout New Hampshire and Massachusetts.
Our licensed and skilled team is here to support you at every stage of your project, from initial planning to on-site execution.
With our full range of equipment, including a 75-foot bucket truck, crane service, log loader, chip truck, and chipper, we’re prepared to tackle projects of any size, from small residential lots to large commercial properties.
What Our Customers Say
“Mark and his crew were excellent – could not have asked for better service and nicer guys to work with.”
“Professional, experienced, and affordable. It’s clear why they’ve been in business for decades.”
“Couldn’t be more pleased with how quick Mark came to our rescue.”
Service Areas
Tip Top Tree Service proudly serves the following communities
New Hampshire:
Hudson, Litchfield, Windham, Londonderry, Derry, Pelham, Salem, and Nashua.
Massachusetts:
Dracut, Lowell, and Tyngsboro.
Book A Tree Service
Prefer to talk to us? Call 603-886-4581