Planting a tree might seem simple. Dig a hole, drop in the tree, cover it up, and water—right? Not exactly. There’s a lot more to it if you want your tree to grow strong, stay healthy, and live a long life. That’s where a certified arborist comes in.

Arborists are trained tree professionals. We understand how trees grow, what they need, and how to help them thrive in the landscape. Unfortunately, many landscaping companies don’t follow proper planting practices, and that can lead to big problems down the road.

Common Mistakes by Landscaping Crews

Many landscaping outfits are in a rush. They focus on speed and appearance, not long-term tree health. Some of the biggest mistakes we see include:

• Leaving the wire cage or burlap on the root ball. These materials are supposed to be removed or cut back significantly after the tree is placed in the hole. Leaving them on can choke the roots and stop the tree from establishing properly.

• Poor planting orientation. Trees have a “front” side and a “back” side, depending on how they grew in the nursery. Arborists know how to place the tree so it grows in the right direction and maintains good balance and form.

• No soil preparation. Healthy roots need healthy soil. Simply digging a hole in hard, compacted ground isn’t enough. Arborists assess and prepare the soil so roots can spread quickly and take hold.

• Planting too deep or too shallow. Trees should be planted with the root flare (where the trunk widens at the base) just at or slightly above ground level. Get this wrong, and the tree could suffer from rot, poor oxygen flow, or instability.

• Incorrect staking. One of the most damaging habits we see is staking every tree tightly with cables or wires. While it might look stable at first, this prevents the tree from developing natural strength. Trees need to move slightly in the wind to form proper trunk taper and build strong internal structure. Tightly bound trees can become dependent on the support—and when the stakes are removed, they may snap easily in a storm. Staking should only be used when absolutely necessary (like in high-wind areas), and even then, the cables should be loose, using soft, flexible material that allows some movement.

Letting Trees Grow Strong Naturally

Another mistake is trimming or shaping too early. Arborists understand the importance of internal hedging—the tree’s natural way of developing strong interior branching. When trees are allowed to grow and form inner strength before heavy pruning, they become more wind-resistant and resilient as they age. Cutting too much too soon weakens the tree and can ruin its natural form.

Picking the Right Tree: Why Arborists Do It Better

It’s tempting to head to the nursery and choose the biggest, prettiest tree you see. But what you can’t see might hurt your investment. Arborists know what to look for:

• Strong structure. We look for good branch spacing, a straight trunk, and a central leader (the main upward-growing branch).

• Healthy root system. A tree with circling roots or a pot-bound root ball can become unstable or stunted. We examine the roots before buying.

• Right tree, right place. Arborists consider the mature size of the tree, sun needs, soil type, and how it will fit into your property long-term.

Invest in Your Tree’s Future

Trees are a long-term investment. When planted correctly, they provide beauty, shade, cleaner air, and even increase property value. But if planted poorly, they may struggle for years—or even die early.

Hiring a certified arborist to plant your tree means you’re giving it the best possible start. You’ll save money on future repairs, replacements, and treatments by doing it right the first time.

And as always, save yourself time and stress, just call me!

When a tree is removed, homeowners are often left with a big pile of wood chips. Free mulch? Sure! But before you spread it around your flower beds or trees, let’s talk about why fresh wood chips aren’t always the best idea for your landscape.

1. Fresh Wood Chips Can Steal Nitrogen from the Soil

As wood chips begin to break down, soil microbes use nitrogen to help with the decomposition process. That nitrogen is pulled from the surrounding soil — the same soil your plants depend on.

What does that mean for your plants?

• Yellow leaves
• Slow growth
• Weak stems or roots

Pro Tip: If you want to use fresh chips, don’t mix them into the soil. Keep them on top as mulch instead.

2. Fresh Chips Can Get Hot (and Harm Your Plants)

When fresh wood chips decompose, they release heat. If you pile them up too close to your plants or tree trunks, that heat can damage roots, bark, and stems.

Pro Tip: Always keep mulch 3 to 6 inches away from plant bases and tree trunks.

3. They Can Spread Pests or Diseases

If the tree was removed because it was sick or infested with insects, the chips could still contain fungi, larvae, or pathogens. Using those chips could spread problems into the rest of your landscape.

Example:

• Emerald Ash Borer larvae can survive in chipped ash wood.
• Fungal spores can spread to other healthy trees and shrubs.

Pro Tip: If you’re unsure why the tree was removed, don’t use the chips near valuable or healthy plants.

4. They Can Create Drainage Issues

Fresh chips are bulky and irregular. If you pile them too thick:

• They may trap too much water, leading to root rot.
• Or they may block water from soaking into the soil in dry conditions.

Pro Tip: Only use 2 to 4 inches of mulch. That’s enough to suppress weeds and retain moisture, but not enough to smother your plants.

So, What’s the Right Way to Use Fresh Chips?

Good Uses:

• Woodland trails or walking paths
• Mulch rings around mature trees (not touching the trunk!)
• Weed suppression in non-garden areas
• Compost piles (let them break down over time)

Not Recommended:

• Around annual flowers or veggies
• In raised beds or food gardens
• If the chips came from a diseased or infested tree

Best Option? Let the Chips Age First

Letting the wood chips sit for 6 to 12 months allows them to break down into a rich, safe mulch. Aged mulch is darker in color, smells earthy, and won’t steal nitrogen from your soil.

It’s better for your plants, your soil, and your long-term landscape health.

Final Thought Fresh wood chips aren’t bad — they just need a little time. When used right, they’re a great resource. When used too soon or in the wrong place, they can cause more harm than good.

If you’re unsure whether your wood chips are ready to use, just give us a call. We’re happy to help you do it the right way!

The Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) may not be in Iowa yet—but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be paying attention. This invasive pest has caused serious damage to trees in states like New York, Massachusetts, and Ohio. If it makes its way into our local forests or neighborhoods, the results could be devastating. Knowing what to look for and how to act can help protect your property and our environment.

What Is the Asian Longhorned Beetle?

The Asian Longhorned Beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis) is a large wood-boring insect that originally came from China and Korea. It likely entered the U.S. through wooden shipping materials and has since become a serious pest in several states.

The adult beetle is easy to recognize:

• It’s shiny black with white spots on its body.

• Its long antennae have black and white bands.

• It’s about 1 to 1.5 inches long—not counting the antennae.

Why It’s a Big Problem

ALB attacks many types of hardwood trees, including:

• Maples (especially Norway, red, and sugar)

• Elms

• Birches

• Horse chestnuts

• Willows

• Poplars

Once a beetle lays eggs inside a tree, the larvae tunnel deep into the wood. This feeding damages the inside of the tree, weakening its structure. Over time, this can cause branches to break off or the entire tree to fall. These trees often look healthy on the outside while the damage is hidden deep inside. That makes the beetle especially dangerous—it can kill trees without obvious signs until it’s too late.

Signs to Watch For

If you think ALB might be in your area or on your property, here are the top things to look for:

• Round exit holes in the bark, about the size of a pencil (⅜ to ½ inch wide)

• Oval pits or notches where the female lays her eggs

• Sawdust-like material (called frass) at the base of the tree or in branch crotches

• Dead or dying limbs, leaf drop, or thinning canopy

• Beetles themselves, especially during late summer

Treatments and Prevention

Currently, there is no guaranteed chemical treatment for trees already infested with ALB. The most effective control is removal and destruction of the infected tree before the beetles can spread.

However, for prevention and early-stage infestations, there are a few things you can consider:

1. Imidacloprid – A systemic insecticide that can be injected into the soil or tree. It has shown some success in reducing larval survival but is not a cure once the beetles are deep inside the tree.

2. Trunk injections – These are more direct but still limited in effectiveness, especially in large trees with heavy infestations.

3. Regular inspections – Having a professional Certified Arborist inspect your trees regularly can catch signs of trouble before it’s too late.

4. Proper tree care – Healthy trees are more resistant to pests. Regular pruning, watering, and avoiding soil compaction can help your trees stay strong.

What You Can Do

Even though ALB hasn’t been found in Iowa yet, the USDA and Iowa DNR are urging homeowners to keep an eye out. Here’s how you can help:

• Walk your yard and inspect your trees regularly, especially in late summer.

• Take photos of any signs you think could be ALB.

• If you think you’ve found one, report it immediately to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources or the USDA.

• Do not move firewood from one area to another—this is one of the fastest ways the beetle can spread.

• Hire a trained tree professional to help inspect and care for your trees.

Bottom Line

The Asian Longhorned Beetle is a real threat to our trees and our landscapes. If it spreads to Iowa, it could change the way our neighborhoods look for generations. Dead or damaged trees can also pose a major safety risk—especially in storms—so keeping your trees healthy and pest-free is more important than ever.

If you’re not sure what you’re looking at or you need help evaluating your trees, give us, Urban Tree Care of Iowa a call. We’re experienced, trained, and ready to help you protect your home, your trees, and your peace of mind.

When you’re out shopping, grabbing food, or running errands, you probably visit commercial areas filled with stores, restaurants, and parking lots. What many people don’t realize is that these areas are carefully designed by developers and landscape architects. They plan for trees, shrubs, and plants to grow in and enhance the space—not just for looks, but also for shade, privacy, and safety.

A well-shaded parking lot, for example, can last much longer than one exposed to direct sunlight all day. Property owners invest a lot of money in landscaping: planting trees, laying turf, and hiring contractors to keep it looking good. But after a few years, that fresh, green landscape often starts to look worn out. Why? One of the biggest reasons is poor maintenance.

In places with harsh winters and hot summers, plants face tough conditions. Snow removal crews push snow into trees and shrubs, pile on salt to prevent slips, and break branches or bark with plows. In summer, sprinklers get broken by foot traffic, and cars damage trees. Commercial landscapes, especially the trees, take a beating all year round.

Trees can either be a valuable asset or a serious hazard. A properly maintained tree offers shade, beauty, and even increases property value. But if trees are neglected, they can grow wild, drop branches, scratch cars, or even fall during storms. Common mistakes like over-pruning, poor watering, or using hedge trimmers (never trim a tree like a bush!) cause lasting damage.

Many commercial property owners hire large landscaping companies to handle everything from mowing to snow removal. These crews often focus on speed—”mow, blow, and go”—trying to finish as many properties as possible in a day. While that may help the bottom line, it often leads to trees being ignored or poorly cared for.

Property owners might spend thousands installing young trees, only to forget about them. Without proper pruning and care, these trees grow awkwardly—branches reach out too low, scratch cars, or block visibility. Instead of calling a trained Arborist, someone just hacks them back, making rough cuts that damage the tree long-term. In winter, salty snow builds up around already weakened trees, hurting the soil and root systems. Many trees eventually die from this cycle of neglect.

Take a walk through any big-box store parking lot or shopping plaza and look around. You’ll likely see dead or struggling trees with thick, tangled centers, yellow leaves, and broken limbs. Poor pruning, salt damage, dry soil, and lack of nutrients all play a part. This is what happens when no Arborist is ever brought in to help.

Trees are often planted in small islands in the middle of big parking lots. These spots get trampled, the grass dies, and soon it’s just dirt. Then it rains, turns to mud, and customers track it into the store. To fix that, they replace the grass with mulch or rocks—again, ignoring the tree in the center. That tree ends up stuck in a “heat island,” surrounded by hot pavement with barely any soil, water, or nutrients. Its roots can’t grow, so the tree stays small, weak, and unhealthy.

If an Arborist was involved from the start—or brought in at least once a year—many of these problems could be prevented. With the right care, those trees could grow large and healthy, giving shade, beauty, and even improving air quality. Instead of being an eyesore or a danger, they could be one of the best parts of the property.

So next time you’re out, take a look at the trees around commercial properties. Notice which ones are thriving and which are barely holding on. If you own or manage a property, take a good look at your trees. You paid a lot to have them installed—don’t let that investment go to waste.

Landscapers are not Arborists. They each have their role, but caring for trees takes special knowledge and training. If you manage multiple properties, it’s a smart move to hire a professional Arborist to oversee your trees. A well-shaded, healthy landscape lasts longer, looks better, draws more customers, and increases property value.

Having your trees inspected and maintained at least once a year is a wise decision.

And calling me to do it? That’s just smart business.

Yes, Your Insurance Company Might Hate That Big Tree in Your Yard. Here’s Why.

Over the past few years—especially since the Derecho—insurance companies in Bettendorf, the Quad Cities, and across the Midwest have been hit hard with storm damage claims. Every time a major storm rolls through, roofs are ripped up, siding is shredded, and trees come crashing down onto homes. The damage can be massive, and insurance companies often end up paying for both tree removal and full home repairs: new roofs, siding, windows—or in some cases, complete rebuilds.

Eventually, some insurance companies have had enough. Some have even pulled out of Iowa altogether. Others have tightened their rules, fighting claims or raising premiums. And now, many are doing something new: using satellite tools like Google Earth to inspect the properties they insure.

If they spot a large tree that looks like it could fall on a house, they send out an inspector. These inspectors aren’t tree experts—but to them, a big tree means big risk. Even a healthy tree can fail in a strong wind. That’s why more and more homeowners are getting letters from their insurance companies saying: “Remove the tree, or lose your coverage.”

And yes—they can do that. We’ve already removed several trees for homeowners who got those very letters.

Why People Wait (and Why They Shouldn’t)

Most homeowners know when a tree needs to go. They see it leaning, rotting, or dying and say, “I need to take care of that.” But then life gets busy, and they put it off—until it becomes urgent. Usually, that urgency comes with a letter from the insurance company. Suddenly, it’s not a choice—it’s a requirement.

We get it—tree work is expensive. No one’s excited to spend thousands of dollars removing a tree. It’s not like buying a new TV or patio set. You don’t “get” something you can enjoy—what you’re paying for is peace of mind and protection for your home.

Tree removal is expensive because it’s dangerous, highly skilled work that requires serious equipment and safety precautions. We carry insurance, maintain a full fleet of equipment (bucket trucks, chippers, cranes, stump grinders—you name it), and follow strict safety standards. It’s not “just a saw and gravity.” It’s planning, strategy, risk management, and years of experience.

Beware of the “Cheap Tree Guy”

When homeowners are forced to remove a tree, many look for the cheapest option. That’s when they find Tree Bubba Hack—the guy who shows up with a chainsaw, no credentials, and a suspiciously low price. He may claim he’s done trees for years, but last week he was doing roofs, and next week it’ll be patios or fences. Today, he’s a “tree expert.”

The problem? Tree Bubba Hack usually has no insurance, no training, and no plan. If something goes wrong—and it often does—you could end up with serious damage to your property. And worse, your insurance may not cover it, especially if you hired someone unlicensed or uninsured.

It’s already happened here in Bettendorf. A homeowner hired a cheap tree cutter. The tree fell on their house. They filed a claim—and the insurance company denied it. Why? Because they didn’t hire a qualified professional.

How to Protect Yourself

If you’re hiring someone to remove a tree—especially because of an insurance notice—do your homework:

• Ask for proof of insurance, and call the insurance company to confirm it’s valid.

• Ask about experience and safety record. (For the record, I’ve never had a lost-time accident—ever.)

• Ask how they plan to remove the tree, and what precautions they take to protect your home and neighborhood.

• Check with your city for local licensing info or any complaints.

Tree removal is serious business. You can’t afford to cut corners. You need someone who knows what they’re doing and has the gear, insurance, and experience to back it up.

The Bottom Line

If your insurance company is pressuring you to remove a tree—don’t wait. And don’t risk hiring the cheapest guy around. Hire a vetted, experienced, insured Arborist who will protect your property and your peace of mind.

When the work’s done, plant a new tree! It’ll be years before your insurance company has a problem with that one.

Need help? Just call me. I’ll make sure it’s done right.

Don’t Call It a Comeback—I Never Left

I’ve been here the whole time. Just flying under the radar, taking care of my loyal clients and keeping things small on purpose. A few years back, when my wife was diagnosed with cancer, everything changed. At the time, business was booming—I was like a rocket ship heading straight up. But family comes first, so I hit the brakes. I stopped promoting, scaled things down, and focused on what mattered most.

My client list kept me busy, so I didn’t need to advertise. Honestly, I was close to calling it quits—maybe open a taco truck, a BMX shop, or go hunt frogs in the swamps with my fellow Marines. But life had other plans.

My three sons—who all grew up working beside me—had gone off into the world. My oldest is up north with his wife and daughter, doing great. My middle son is down south, also crushing it with his own family. And my youngest, Brock, stayed here in town.

Brock’s no slouch. He’s got a degree in welding tech and robot training (yep, robots). He had a solid job at John Deere, climbing the ladder. Then the layoff hammer came down. Turns out seniority still rules.

Now here’s the twist—Brock grew up in the tree business. When most kids were out skateboarding or getting into trouble, my boys were splitting wood and dragging brush. As they got older, they even learned to climb. I always told them: “You don’t have to do this. Make your own path.” But after Brock got a taste of factory life—lazy coworkers and the same routine day in, day out—he realized he missed the real work. The dirt-under-your-fingernails, climbing-80-feet-up kind of work.

So now, Brock’s stepping up to take the reins. He’s bringing new energy and big plans. We’re scaling things back up—and then beyond. He’s prepping for his Certified Arborist exam and getting licensed for pest treatment, too.

But heads up: we only use natural products. If Mother Nature didn’t make it, we probably won’t use it. Neem oil, for example, is amazing. We believe too many health issues come from toxic chemicals in our food, water, and even our yards. We’re not about that.

You’ll be seeing more of us around town as we grow in new directions. There are some exciting projects in the works—but we’ll save those surprises for later. Our longtime clients (many now friends) will still get the same personal service they always have. And now, with Brock at the helm, we’re ready to take things to the next level.

Me? I’ll still be around—coaching, climbing, and maybe yelling at the young guys to hustle. Wait… actually, I’ve already been doing that.

So no, this isn’t a comeback.

We never left.

Beware the EAB Wave — And the Tree Guys, Not the Bug
Updated for Today’s World

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has been around for years now, but with its long-term impact still unfolding, there’s a different kind of wave moving through our communities: crews chasing a quick buck under the cover of EAB panic. I’m not talking about the bug — I’m talking about the people who follow it like a gold rush. Out-of-town tree guys. Pop-up crews. Door-knockers offering “too good to be true” deals. They’re rolling in, looking to cash in.

And here’s the truth: we already have enough of our own “Bubba Hack” crews here. You know the ones — topping trees, using improper cuts, spiking prunes (a tree care no-no unless you’re doing a removal). These aren’t trained arborists. They’re tree butchers. And some of these crews take things a step further.

Let’s be real — some of these outfits include undocumented workers with no professional training, no ties to the community, and no accountability. I’m a proud Marine and have served alongside people from all walks of life, backgrounds, and cultures. In the Marines, we were all one color — green — and I would’ve laid down my life for my brothers. I have many immigrant friends who are hardworking, honest, and proud to become American. But they’ll be the first to tell you: there are others who aren’t here for the right reasons. When I worked in SoCal, my guys, mostly immigrants, would educate me on things, teach me what to look for and who to stay away from.

Some of these traveling crews use manual labor as a front for shady activity. They may be tied to criminal gangs. While one guy’s pruning your tree, another may be checking out your garage. They disappear as fast as they arrive — leaving town with your money, or worse, after damaging your property. They aren’t just a threat to your trees; they can be a threat to your safety.

People often assume that just because someone doesn’t look like them, they must be great at hard labor. But skill doesn’t come from skin color. It comes from training, experience, and accountability. These guys don’t know arboriculture. They’re not following industry standards. And when something goes wrong — like an injury or damage — you could be held responsible. No insurance. No license. No recourse. Just gone.

Now, let me tell you where I stand. I’m a certified arborist. I’ve been in this game for a long time. I’m not currently an active member of the ISA anymore — not because I don’t value standards or education (I do), but because when I needed a little grace after years of membership, they showed none. My wife was in the ICU fighting for her life. I missed my renewal by one day. I explained the situation — and they blew me off. After years of paying dues and promoting their message, that was the thanks I got. So I stepped away. But I never stepped away from doing it right.

I still follow the teachings of Dr. Alex Shigo — the Yoda of tree care. I’ve read all his books. I’ve studied Dirr and Harris. I live and breathe proper tree care. That’s the knowledge I pass on to my son Brock, who’s stepping into the business. He’s working toward his own certification, and he’ll carry that torch the right way — not because of a membership card, but because of commitment to the craft.

Our goal is to serve our clients and our community with skill, integrity, and real experience. We’ve taken care of trees here for decades. We’re local. We’re accountable. And when we say we’ll do something, we do it right — safely, legally, and with your best interest in mind.

So, if a stranger shows up knocking on your door with a chainsaw and a smile, promising a cheap fix for your trees, remember this:
If they knock, tell them to walk. Professionals don’t go door to door.

Want to know what to do instead?
Simple. Call us.

Advocatus Pro Abora — I speak for the trees.

We are excited to announce our name change! To more accurately describe what we do, we felt that a change was in order. We choose Urban Tree Care! Same owner, same crew, same everything …..except for the name! We have had several clients tell us that they would never have called us if it was not for someone recommending us, just because of the name. They told us that the name Economy Tree Service sounds like your typical cut rate, hacker tree service that the QC is over populated with,  which we are NOT!……..not even close! Originally, I chose the name Economy for simple branding reasons, it was easy for people to remember. I did not consider the fact, that the general public, may take it as just another generic named, meth head, ex-con with a saw, tree service!  We do not want people to assume that about us and not call, just because of our name! I picked the name, Urban Tree Care, as it more accurately describes what we are about. The name came from a friend in California that runs one of the top rated tree services in the southwest.

The legal name will remain Economy Tree Service LLC, but DBA (doing business as) Urban Tree Care.

So please! Tell anyone ya know, who is looking for a Professional I.S.A. Certified Arborist with a perfect safety record, thousands of satisfied clients, same great reputation, same great customer service, same expert skill, just a new name! Tell them to call me, Scott Swearinger, Certified Arborist, owner/operator at  Urban Tree Care at 563 579 7117!

What To Do If Your Tree Falls

Updated Jul 4th 2025

If you’ve just had a tree fall, you’re not alone. It happens more often than people think, and for many homeowners, it’s their first time dealing with a situation like this. Whether it’s from high winds, heavy rain, or saturated soil, trees can and do fall—even ones that look perfectly healthy.

Over the years, I’ve responded to countless emergency tree calls. Some homeowners are experienced storm survivors, but most are navigating this for the first time. Storm-related work is typically more dangerous and expensive than regular tree care, and knowing what to do can make a big difference in keeping everyone safe and saving money.

Here’s a simple, professional guide to help you through it:

Why Trees Fall

Sometimes it’s obvious—rot, disease, or damage from past storms. Other times, it makes no sense: a healthy-looking tree suddenly topples over. This can happen for a few reasons:

• Wind damage: Strong gusts or straight-line winds can knock down even solid trees, especially if they stand alone or are weakened by poor soil or structure.
• Saturated soil: When the ground stays soaked for too long, tree roots lose their grip. Combine that with a windy day and the tree can fall over.
• Root failure: Even if the top of the tree looks fine, problems underground can lead to a fall. Poor drainage, disease, or damage to the root system can all play a role.

What to Do Right Away

1. Make sure everyone is safe. If power lines are involved, stay far away and call 911 immediately. Treat any downed line as live, even if it looks harmless. After emergency services have cleared the area, then you can assess the tree.
2. Call your insurance company. If there is damage to your home or property, notify your agent. Take pictures of everything. Don’t move or remove anything until an adjuster has come out or given you the okay. Document everything—they will often look for ways to deny or reduce your claim.
3. Contact a Certified Arborist. Make sure they have experience with storm work and insurance claims. Always get the estimate in writing. Make it simple, just call me!
4. Get authorization from the insurance adjuster. If they approve the work, they may issue a claim number or sign off on the contract. It’s best if the adjuster and the Arborist meet at the same time.
5. Proceed with removal only after approval. Once you have a written agreement and the tree is verified as safe to remove, go ahead.

About Payment

Each company has its own payment policy, but here’s how I handle it:

• The contract is between the homeowner and the tree service.
• I do not get paid by the insurance company; I get paid by you.
• A deposit may be required. Unfortunately, some people promise to pay just to get the tree off their house, then disappear.
• Payment is typically due when the work is done, unless otherwise arranged.

Removing storm-damaged trees is dangerous work. It takes skill, experience, and the right equipment. It’s not just about cutting wood—it’s about knowing how trees respond under pressure, how to manage weight, and how to prevent further damage.

If you can afford to, you may choose to hire the Arborist directly and avoid dealing with the insurance company altogether. This can simplify the process and speed things up.

Warning: Don’t Hire Just Anyone

After big storms, the door-knockers come out in full force. Guys with homemade business cards offering the “deal of the century.”

Don’t fall for it.

These people might have a chainsaw and a ladder, but that doesn’t make them Arborists. Landscapers and lawn care companies sometimes think they can handle storm work, but without the right training, they’re putting themselves and your property at serious risk.

Proper tree removal, especially from a structure, requires specialized rigging skills. One wrong cut can bring thousands of pounds of wood crashing down. And if the guy you hired gets hurt or damages your home, guess who’s liable? You are—if they don’t have insurance.

Many of these pop-up crews are not trained, not insured, and have no ties to the community. Some even bring along workers who may be undocumented and are only looking for fast cash. In some unfortunate cases, these individuals use the work as a cover to scout homes for theft later. I’ve heard it directly from my friends who immigrated the right way—they warn us to be cautious. Not every crew is legitimate. Your family’s safety, your home, and your wallet deserve better.

And it’s not just so-called “tree guys” that flood the streets after a storm. Contractors of all kinds suddenly become tree experts. Roofers, concrete guys, handymen, remodelers—you name it. They rent equipment, slap a magnet on the truck, and start knocking on doors. They see it as a quick way to make money. Problem is, some of them do more damage than the storm itself. They think because the tree already caused damage, anything else they break doesn’t matter. But that’s not how insurance works. If they increase the damage to your home, your claim can be denied or reduced. What should have been a $10,000 repair can turn into a $50,000 disaster. Just search online—you’ll find plenty of videos where untrained crews make a bad situation worse.

Insurance companies are already hesitant to cover storm-related tree damage, and the actions of these unqualified contractors only make it worse for everyone.

Some guys have a big credit line and go out and buy the latest and greatest in new tech for the industry, with grapple saw trucks and track lifts now available, anyone with a credit line can become a “tree guy” This does not mean they know what they are doing at all. Although that equipment is awesome and we plan on getting them ourselves, they should be sold to only seasoned vets. But dealers, well, they will sell to anyone who has the money. Lucky for me, I have good friends who have this equipment and when needed, I bring them in to help me. I can most of the time, handle any situation, but from time to time, I feel it would be safer to bring in a buddy with crane/grapple saw. One of my good friends is the most qualified grapple saw truck operator in the nation. Company’s from all over the nation pay him to come in and train their people in proper operation.

Watch Out for Shady Practices

Insurance companies will often look for any reason to avoid paying a claim. That’s why documentation is so important. Take pictures, videos, and keep every receipt. In Iowa, you are allowed to record any conversation you’re part of without notifying the other person. So record phone calls with insurance reps, contractors, or inspectors—especially when they make promises. Those recordings are admissible in court.

Also beware of tree services that promise to “bill the insurance directly” and say you won’t have to pay a dime. If the insurance company denies the claim, that contractor can and often will come after you for the full amount. Some will even try to bill the insurance company $30,000 for a $5,000 job. That’s insurance fraud—and it’s hurting the entire industry. Some big-name prime contractors are currently being sued for gouging and overcharging after major storms. They also have a reputation for hiring local subcontractors and then refusing to pay them. A fast-talking salesman is usually a red flag.

A Bit About Me

I’m a Certified Arborist with decades of experience. I’m no longer an ISA member, but I still practice everything I learned and continue to follow the teachings of experts like Dr. Alex Shigo—our industry’s “Yoda.”

I’ve studied his work, along with other leaders like Dr. Michael Dirr and Dr. Richard Harris. I’m also a Marine, a Somalia vet, and I bring that discipline and care to every job. In the Corps, we were all colors but one team—green. Olive drab green. That mindset still guides how I work today.

Final Thoughts

Stay calm, take photos, don’t make hasty decisions, and hire real professionals. Your insurance company doesn’t want to pay for a bad job. Neither do you.

And once it’s all cleaned up? Let me plant a new tree for you. Every storm ends, but your yard can grow strong again.

Here are a few reviews from our clients. These are legitimate reviews found on the internet. Most from Angieslist.com. Some from YELP.COM and SuperPages You can find them and many more, all by googling……..well, me! These are not fake, obviously self written reviews like many of my competitors have put out there! These are all real people who I have personally performed tree care for. I have not listed their full name for security reasons. They are available for references. Contact me and I will put you in contact with them

Scott

Kathy, Le Claire

“We live on over 3 acres on a wooded bluff overlooking the Mississippi River.  We first used him to clear about 70 scrap trees from the bluff to give us a river view.  We were pleased with the service and price and have proceeded to use him on a lot of other tree work that needs to be done around here.  He gives solid quotes, is responsive and does good work.  He also uses good safety equipment, which a lot of tree guys do not.  Highly recommend.”

Kim, Le Claire

“We had about 80 trees removed to open a view to the Mississippi River in a difficult hill terrain.  Additionally we had them prune and trim our front yard trees.  This involved about 10 trees.  And remove a dead oak from a difficult hill terrain.

Bill, Andover

“I don”t usually take the time to review a product or service, but I made exception in this case because I was so impressed with the quality of service provided by Scott Swearinger and his crew. My wife and I needed three large maple trees and one large locust tree trimmed at our residence in Andover, IL. One of the maple trees had a great deal of deadwood in it, but the tree was worth salvaging. We also needed an old, nonproductive apple tree removed. Scott is a very knowledgeable certified arborist. He and his crew did an excellent job (for a fair price) with our trees. They really look nice and we can”t wait for spring to see how they look once they leaf out! Some of these trees were near our house and electric service line and were a potential risk. After the work that Scott and his crew performed, I”m now more at ease about any potential damage risk these trees present to our property. I am extremely pleased with the tree service and cleanup Scott and his crew performed.”

Elizabeth, Bettendorf

“Scott came to meet with us and give us our estimate.  He told us about the process and how it was going to work.  The first morning they arrived right when they said they would be there.  Worked all day got all the branches down from the tree (working between all the power lines).  Next working day, they took down the rest of tree.  About a week later, they came back and removed the stump and filled it. I really appreciated how polite Scott and his crew were from start to finish.  They did a wonderful job.  The price was right and the only ones that bid on it that were able to do this without taking out my power and my neighbors” power while doing this big project.”

Brain, Davenport

“I obtained several bids prior to deciding on Economy Tree.  The owner, Scott Swearinger, impressed me as being straightforward, honest, and professional; he didn”t try any scare tactics, unlike two other contractors, but laid out the possible courses of action and answered all of my questions.  His military background and website suggested he would get the job done, and he lived up to it.  I was most impressed by him (out of four bidders), so I was pretty happy that his bid was also the lowest by a significant amount.  He arranged the work quickly, showed up on site with his work crew, gave specific instructions, and introduced me.  

His crew did a fabulous job on a tough bit of work; a tight space with a very tall tree and two nearby houses.  They were organized, coordinated, and efficient; there were the necessary breaks to rehydrate, but no standing around watching others work.  They answered my questions, followed through on the few things I requested, cleaned up, let me look over the job before they left, and were altogether friendly, polite, and professional.  There was no impatience if I had a request; they just did it with a smile.  They seemed pretty happy, too, which in my experience is the sign of a good working atmosphere and a good crew.

I would absolutely use this group again, and recommend them to my friends and neighbors.  They did a great job of taking my interests into account and accomplishing their task.  I am completely satisfied with their work.”

Rod, Davenport

“Called back right away with an estimate. Had 3 trees close to the house and phone lines removed. Quick service. They cleaned up all of the limbs and mess. Will use this company again in the future to trim up the other trees.”

Guest at SuperPages.com

“Great job! Recently had them cut down 3 large trees and trim 1. Very nice guys. Cleaned up very nice and blew all the leafs off my roof. I wanted the wood, so they cut and stacked it for me. The tree they trimmed was really ugly. Now its very pretty”