Field notes

Tree care & snow removal blog

Straight-talking advice for Dane County property owners — what to do about the ash borer, how to storm-proof your trees, when an ice dam is an emergency, and how to price a winter of snow.

Tree Care 5 min

When Is the Best Time to Trim Trees in Wisconsin?

Late winter is prime pruning season for most Dane County trees — but timing depends on the species and the goal. Here is a simple month-by-month guide.

September 1, 2026
Tree Care 5 min

Oak Wilt in Southern Wisconsin: Why You Should Never Prune an Oak in Summer

Oak wilt kills healthy oaks across Dane County every year, and summer pruning is one of the main ways it spreads. Here is the safe-pruning window and how to protect your oaks.

August 15, 2026
Local Guide 4 min

Stump Grinding in Dane County: What It Costs and Why the Stump Has to Go

The tree is down but the stump is still there. Here is what grinding costs around Madison, how it differs from full removal, and why leaving a stump causes more trouble than it looks.

August 1, 2026
Local Guide 6 min

How Much Does Tree Removal Cost in Dane County, WI?

Straight answer: most Dane County tree removals run from the mid-hundreds to a few thousand dollars. Here is what actually drives the number — and how to get a real one fast.

July 8, 2026
Local Guide 5 min

Do You Need a Permit to Remove a Tree in Madison, WI?

For a tree on your own private property the answer is usually no — but street trees and terrace trees are a different story. Here is how it works around Madison and Dane County.

June 30, 2026
Tree Care 6 min

Emerald Ash Borer in Dane County: What Every Madison-Area Homeowner Should Do Now

Ash trees across Madison, Middleton, and Sun Prairie are dying from emerald ash borer. Here is how to tell if yours is at risk and what your options cost.

June 18, 2026
Tree Care 5 min

Storm-Proofing Your Trees Before a Wisconsin Winter

Ice loading and heavy wet snow bring down more Dane County trees than summer storms. A few fall moves keep limbs off your roof — and your car.

May 2, 2026
Snow & Ice 4 min

Seasonal Contract vs. Per-Storm Snow Removal: Which Saves You Money?

A Dane County winter can bring 40+ inches of snow — or a quiet one. Here is how to decide between a seasonal snow contract and paying per storm.

April 10, 2026
Snow & Ice 5 min

Ice Dams on Madison Roofs: Why They Form and How to Stop the Leaks

That row of icicles on the eaves looks charming until water backs up under your shingles. Here's what causes ice dams and how to clear them safely.

March 5, 2026
Tree Care 5 min

Remove It or Save It? How Arborists Decide Whether a Tree Has to Go

Not every damaged or leaning tree needs to come down. Here is the framework an ISA-certified arborist uses to make the call.

February 12, 2026
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