Garden

[Allegheny]

I have no experience with what are reasonable prices.  I had an arborist come to diagnosis an issue with a small natural growth oak tree in our yard.  I was concerned this tree had a disease which could spread to my neighbors beautiful big oak which is fairly close.  If such would be the case, I would remove the tree.  He told me the problem was not spreadable and could be treated.

He sent me a quote to do an injection into the soil with a systemic product with iron.  He indicated he would be doing this to the original tree plus two more oaks which he said are starting to show a small amount of leaf damage from a bug infestation.  And also a magnolia which wasn't on my list.   Anyway he quoted $375.  

For 2021 in the spring he indicated all work above needed repeated, plus treating the magnolia with horticulture oil and a fungicide treatment.  His quote was $604.  There are no problems with the magnolia that he mentioned in his visit, it just needs pruned.

What do you all think?  I am thinking about getting another opinion and quote, or only having the initial oak treated.

Thanks in advance.

[millieshops]

@Allegheny I haven't owned for many years now, but when I did, bringing in licensed help to work on the trees on my property was expensive.

I do think you need to do local price searching -  ask neighbrs, get another quote, etc.   

[Eileen in Virginia]

Is he a certified arborist or has he just adopted that title? I agree that getting some other estimates, as well as checking his ratings on organizations such as Angie's List, Home Advisor and the Better Business Bureau will help you make a better decision. 

[alicedee]

I wouldn't spend that much.  For a small tree, I would have it removed and plant something else.

That's just me, though.

[proudlyfromNJ]

Yes, we use an arborist for our Hemlocks to take care of the disease they get . He is expensive. My husband will be looking for a new one.

[Still Raining]

Oaks seem to need iron sometimes and is it injected in the ground and often repeated.  Would be good to proactive with the others.

Ditto with some pests.

[Foxxee]

@Allegheny 

Can you do this yourself?  You said the oak was small.  The other two small too?  Find out what the trees have, buy the spray or whatever is necessary to treat.  Probably, can get it at Lowes or Home Depot. 

You could dig a few shallow holes in the ground around the roots and apply the solution there being careful not to put too much in one spot.  Water so it soaks in.

To spray the trees, you would need a sprayer that attaches to the end of hose.  Very inexpensive.  Can get one at Lowes or Home Depot.  They can explain how to use it.  So easy.  

You can spray the magnolia with a fungicide. 

I spray trees that are 20 and 30 feet tall.  No big deal.  I wear something waterproof over my clothes and head to protect myself.  I also wear a mask and protective glasses.  

If the magnolia is too tall, you will need someone to trim it back.  Not necessarily an arborist.  

My electric company does trimming of trees.  They do have arborists, but it might be less expensive.  

Do you use Next Door?  If not sign up.  Ask for recommendations for someone who can do all this for you at "reasonable prices" and free estimates.  Often those who can do it will respond, but look for recommendations from those who have used them.  

If you don't want to do this yourself, definitely get other estimates.  

Of course, you know, if you have dogs or cats, make sure to keep them away from the sprayed area for a few days. 

[ScrapHappy]

We looked into one when for our lawn.  They're pretty popular where I live.  I don't recall the exact number (it was 4  years ago) but I do remember it was in the hundreds, probably high $200's to $300's and that was just for the lawn.  Then, of course, they gave us weekly/monthly costs were also very high.  I would imagine dealing with trees would be even more expensive.  

[AuntG]

That kind of work can be expensive. Check his reviews. If good, I'd have the tree work done.

[Allegheny]

Gee, everyone, thanks.  

This person was recommended by the guy that does a variety landscaping work around our property.  He has certification and has an independent business.  Unfortunately no reviews or references.  I definitely will try Next Door and visit the local garden center.  I have sprayed trees before so I can tend to the magnolia myself.

And I realize arborists are professionals and should be compensated accordingly.