Why It is a BAD Idea.

Felling a tree might seem straightforward—but when it’s a large tree near a home or building, it becomes one of the most dangerous tasks a person can attempt. Cutting down a big tree in the wrong way can lead to severe property damage, personal injury, or even death.

If you’re thinking about taking on this kind of job yourself—or hiring someone without proper qualifications—here’s what you need to know before making a costly mistake.

Don’t listen to your cousins uncles brother who used to do tree work ( Tree Bubba Hack, in reality, he drug brush for a couple days, couldn’t handle it, quit and is now a pro…)

You Can’t See What’s Inside the Tree

Unless you have X-ray vision or a giant magnet, you have no idea what’s hiding inside a mature tree trunk.

Many large trees next to homes have:

• Old tree stakes, fencing, nails, or even rebar that were driven in years ago

• Metal hardware completely grown over by the tree

If one of these objects is hidden near the hinge cut, it can cause the cut to fail, redirecting the fall in a completely unpredictable direction—sideways, backward, or right toward your house.

Ropes Can Snap — and So Can Plans

Even if you’re using a rope or winch to try and “steer” the tree, things can go wrong fast.

• Over-pulling on a rope can cause it to snap, potentially injuring you or anyone nearby.

• A compromised tree (due to internal rot or metal) may not hinge as expected.

• If the structure is weakened, it can split or twist suddenly under pressure.

You should never use a truck or heavy equipment to pull over a tree.
If it takes that much force to make it move, you’re doing it wrong. It’s not only risky—it’s a recipe for disaster.

Large Trees Near Homes Should Be Dismantled, Not Dropped

The right way to handle a big tree close to a structure is to dismantle it carefully, piece by piece.

This means using:

• Rope rigging systems

• Climbing gear

• Specialty pulleys and mechanical advantage tools

At Swearinger Tree Care, we use tools like snatch blocks, pulleys, and fiddle blocks—these are force multipliers that allow controlled movement without overpowering the tree. With the right setup, one man can pull a large branch or trunk section safely—without relying on risky brute force.

What Happens When It Goes Wrong

If you try to drop a tree and it hits your house, the results are often catastrophic:

• Roof collapse

• Structural failure

• Broken plumbing or wiring

• Foundation cracks

• Long-term, expensive repairs

To make matters worse, your insurance company may deny your claim if they determine the incident was caused by negligence. That means if you—or someone you hired without proper credentials—caused the damage, you’re likely responsible for all of it.

Why You Should Call Scott Swearinger

I’ve been working in professional tree care for over 30 years. I learned from the best. 
In all that time, I’ve never had a lost-time accident—because safety, precision, and experience are at the core of everything I do. I have never damaged a home.

I don’t drop large trees near homes—I dismantle them carefully, using safe, modern rigging techniques and force-controlled systems. If there’s a safer way to do it, I use it.  

Final Thought

Don’t risk your house, your health, or your future trying to remove a tree with guesswork and hardware store tools.

If you have a large tree near your home, call me, a Professional Arborist who understands tree structure, safety, and liability.
Call Scott Swearinger. I’ll take it down the right way—the first time.

Stop Filling Tree Hollows and Painting Wounds – Here’s Why It Hurts Your Tree

Trees are living, breathing structures. Like us, they can get injured—and just like our bodies, they have natural ways of protecting and sealing wounds. But when well-meaning homeowners or contractors try to “fix” tree hollows or cuts with foam, concrete, tar, or caulk, they’re often doing more harm than good.

In this blog post, we’ll explain why these outdated practices can actually make things worse, and what you should do instead to keep your trees safe, healthy, and standing strong.

Why You Should Never Fill Tree Hollows

It may seem like a good idea to fill a hollow spot in a tree with foam, glue, concrete, metal, or caulk—especially if it looks unsightly or you’re trying to keep water or animals out. But these materials can create serious structural problems:

• Trees move. When wind blows, a tree bends and flexes. Artificial fillers don’t move the same way. When a rigid material like concrete is inside the trunk, it creates a false fulcrum—a hard point that prevents natural flexing. That pressure can cause the trunk to snap during storms.

• Filling hides the problem. Decay doesn’t stop just because you cover it. In fact, fillers trap moisture and allow fungus and rot to spread invisibly.

• Trees grow over the filler. As the tree continues to grow, it builds around the object. This leads to internal stress and unpredictable failure.

If your tree has a large, rotting cavity, it’s likely a sign of internal structural decay. In most cases, the safest, most responsible option is to remove the tree and plant a healthy one.

Why Painting Tree Wounds is a Bad Practice

Painting over a fresh cut with tar or wound dressing might seem like good protection—but it actually interferes with how trees naturally defend themselves.

• Trees seal wounds, they don’t heal like we do. Trees form natural barriers through a process called compartmentalization, which helps block decay. Applying tar or paint traps moisture and creates a breeding ground for pests and disease.

• Paint can attract insects. Many wound coatings actually draw in bugs because of their smell or heat-retaining properties, making things worse.

The Exception: Oak Trees and Oak Wilt

There’s one situation where painting a pruning wound can be helpful: pruning oak trees during the growing season.

Oak wilt is a serious disease that can kill oaks quickly—and it spreads in two major ways:

1. Insects are drawn to fungal mats that form on dead or dying oaks. These mats give off a sweet scent designed to attract bugs of all kinds—not just beetles. Any insect feeding on sap can pick up the oak wilt spores.

2. If that same insect lands on a fresh cut on a healthy oak (which leaks sap), the spores are transferred, just like a bee spreading pollen.

3. Root grafts between oaks are another major pathway. Oaks of the same species that are close together often share root systems, allowing the disease to pass underground.

In these cases, painting a fresh cut on an oak immediately after pruning (only in spring or summer) is a lesser evil—not ideal, but sometimes necessary to prevent infection. Still, the best approach is to prune oaks during late fall or winter, when the disease risk is lowest.

Safety and Liability Risks

Using improper materials like concrete or foam to “repair” a tree doesn’t just put the tree at risk—it can put people and property in danger.

If a filled tree fails and causes damage or injury, the homeowner and the contractor who performed the work can both be held legally liable. This is a risk no one wants to take, especially when the work was avoidable and not based on modern arboriculture standards.

What You Should Do Instead

• Consult a certified arborist. We have the training and tools to assess your tree’s true condition and recommend the best action.

• Let the tree be a tree. Don’t cover or fill voids—let the tree compartmentalize naturally.

• If it’s unsafe, remove and replant. A new tree planted in the right place with good structure will be safer and longer-lasting than one that’s already rotting inside.

Final Thoughts

Trees are strong, but they’re not made to hold concrete or caulk. Filling voids and painting wounds may seem helpful, but it can actually shorten your tree’s life and increase the chance of failure.

When in doubt, talk to an arborist who understands tree biology—not just appearances. Doing it the right way now can save you money, stress, and risk in the future.

Need a professional opinion?
If you’re unsure about your tree’s safety, or you’ve been told to “fill the hole with foam,” give us a call. We’ll help you make the best decision for your trees—and your property.

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!