Tree Care Tips

From Apex to Zebulon and from soil to canopy, we cover all things trees. Explore a wealth of tree care tips for The Triangle area. New articles added monthly!

A forest near Raleigh, NC on snow day

Tree Care Tips for Raleigh & The Triangle, NC

Have questions about your trees? Want to know if your Durham tree needs trimming or if that tree over in Garner should be removed? Need suggestions for the best trees to plant in your Raleigh yard or recommendations for dealing with a leaning tree in Wake Forest?

Check out our blog for all the vital tree care tips you need to keep your yard and garden looking their best and your home and loved ones safe.

trees for small backyards

What Are The Best Trees for Small Backyards?

By Will Etheridge | February 6, 2026

Many homeowners already know about trees that reach towering heights. However, you don’t need a massive estate to enjoy the benefits of a beautiful canopy. If you have limited space but want the shade, color, and privacy that only trees can provide, you are looking for compact cultivars and ornamental species specifically bred for smaller…

how to dispose of tree branches

How To Dispose of Tree Branches Properly in Wake Forest, NC

By Will Etheridge | February 2, 2026

Have you just finished trimming your trees and are looking for ways to get rid of the unwanted branches? As a trusted provider of professional tree service in Wake Forest we have a few options for how to dispose of tree branches. If you’re in Wake Forest, it’s important to understand how to dispose of tree…

A storm fallen tree on top of a roof of a house ready for emergency removal by Raleigh tree service.

What Constitutes a Tree Emergency?

By Will Etheridge | January 19, 2026

Understanding When You Need Immediate Tree Removal Services A tree emergency can happen at any time. Whether it’s a storm blowing through or an unexpected situation on your property, knowing when to call for help can save you time, money, and stress. I’ll walk you through what qualifies as an emergency and how to recognize…

trees most likely to fall in wind

Is a Tree Falling Caused by Wind Damage?

By Will Etheridge | January 19, 2026

What Is the Impact of Wind on Trees? It’s a common question after a tree falls during a storm: Does insurance consider it wind damage? Here’s a breakdown of how insurance companies typically view fallen trees and their relation to wind damage. Wind Damage and Fallen Trees If the wind causes a tree to fall,…

how far can a tree lean before it falls

How Far Can a Tree Lean Before It Falls?

By Will Etheridge | January 16, 2026

How far can a tree lean before it falls? The short answer is that it depends more on why the tree starts to lean than on a specific angle. A tree that grows at a slant or that has multiple trunks might prove stable. However, when you have a leaning tree that suddenly tilts, you may…

why is my tree trunk turning black

Why Is My Tree’s Trunk Turning Black?

By Will Etheridge | January 16, 2026

A tree trunk turns black most commonly due to sooty mold caused by insect honeydew, fungal or bacterial diseases, or environmental stress. Sap-feeding insects like aphids and scale produce sticky honeydew that allows black sooty mold to grow on the bark. Fungal infections such as black knot, or bacterial problems like cankers and wetwood, can…

how to root a cutting from a tree

The Dangers of DIY Tree Cutting

By Will Etheridge | January 1, 2026

The Dangers of DIY Tree Cutting: What You Should Know Before Trying It Yourself Tree Cutting Safety: What You Should Avoid Cutting down a tree is a job that should always be left to professionals. Even if you think you can handle it yourself, there are numerous risks involved. Here’s what not to do when…

Tree damage clean up near you in Wake County, NC

Why Is Tree Removal So Expensive?

By Will Etheridge | November 18, 2025

Understanding Tree Removal Costs: What Drives the Price Up? When it comes to emergency tree removal, costs can range widely, depending on several factors: Tree Size: Larger trees, especially those with extensive root systems, require more time and effort to remove. Location: Trees located in hard-to-reach places or those that require specialized equipment like cranes…

A large, fallen tree after a storm, being assessed by Raleigh Tree Service, in Wake County, NC.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Tree Removal After a Storm?

By Will Etheridge | November 3, 2025

After a storm, homeowners often wonder whether their insurance will cover the cost of removing a fallen tree. In most cases, if a tree falls onto your home or other structures (like a fence), homeowners insurance typically covers the cost of removal. However, this coverage often comes with some exclusions, such as stump grinding or…

Raleigh Tree Service removing a hazardous tree from a front yard in Raleigh, NC.

When to Remove a Tree in Raleigh: Key Warning Signs

By Will Etheridge | November 3, 2025

Learn when to remove a tree in Raleigh to keep your property safe from damage. Discover the warning signs of a dangerous tree today.

Raleigh Tree Service using a climber and a crane to remove a large tree growing dangerously close to a home near Raleigh, NC.

The Surprising Benefits of Winter Tree Removal in Raleigh

Find out why winter is the perfect time for tree removal in Raleigh. From safer conditions to faster service, see how cold weather works to your advantage.
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Raleigh Tree Service removing a large, hazardous tree very close to a home in the Triangle, NC

How To Prepare Your Property for Tree Removal in Raleigh, NC

Learn how to prepare your property for tree removal in the Raleigh area with these simple tips to keep your property safe & streamline the process.
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A suburban Raleigh landscape with mature trees in the summer.

Raleigh Summer Tree Care Tips to Beat the Heat

Essential Raleigh summer tree care tips to keep your trees healthy and strong in the heat. Read now to prevent your trees from damage, disease, or decay.
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Droplets of water spread by a sprinkler for summer watering for new trees in Raleigh.

How to Keep Your New Trees Thriving in Raleigh’s Summer Heat

Discover how to protect your investment in newly planted trees with our comprehensive summer watering guide tailored for Raleigh's climate. Learn expert techniques, optimal schedules, and common pitfalls to avoid.
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trees most likely to fall in wind

5 Raleigh-Area Trees Most Likely to Fall in Wind

Learn how to identify which trees are more likely to fall during strong winds. Call us if you need help protecting vulnerable trees on your Raleigh property.
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is my tree dead or dormant

Is My Tree Dead or Dormant?

Not sure if your tree is DEAD or DORMANT? Learn how to tell if a tree on your Wake Forest property is dead and must be removed or if it's dormant but healthy.
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is my tree dead or dormant

Why Your Newly Planted Tree Is Losing Leaves

Every tree enthusiast wants to ensure healthy growth for their newly transplanted trees. However, it doesn’t always go as planned, and sometimes your tree may suffer from transplant shock.  Trees manifest this shock in several ways, including the loss of leaves. If your newly planted tree is losing leaves, don’t worry yet. Read the following…
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will cutting limbs off a tree kill it

Will Cutting Limbs Off a Tree Kill It?

Will cutting limbs off a tree kill it? Whether you want to minimize potential storm damage or enjoy a better view from your windows, many gardening enthusiasts find themselves asking this very question. As the go-to tree service in Wake Forest, our team at Raleigh Tree Service knows a thing or two about proper arboreal care.…
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how much root damage can a tree take

How Much Root Damage Can a Tree Take?

Most people assume trees cannot survive with damaged roots, but they can handle even the most extreme conditions. So, how much root damage can a tree take?   In this post, Raleigh Tree Service, the most sought-after and reliable tree service in Wake Forest, discusses tree root damage in greater detail, its causes, how it affects…
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do mature trees need watering

Do Mature Trees Need Watering in Wake Forest, NC?

At Raleigh Tree Service, the leading tree service in Wake Forest, we focus on helping our clients. To that end, we started this blog series of commonly asked questions. In this post, we’ll answer the question, “Do mature trees need watering?” The Short Answer Do fully grown trees need watering? Sometimes, they do.  When you consider the…
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will broken branches kill a tree

Will Broken Branches Kill a Tree?

Will broken branches kill a tree? When you find one of your favorite specimens damaged, it’s only natural to worry. The good news is that it’s probably not as dire as it seems. As an expert tree service in Wake Forest, we at Raleigh Tree Service have witnessed the natural resilience of arboreal species firsthand. Keep…
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