Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing the right tree care company starts with having the right information. We've answered some of the most common questions about our services, scheduling, permits, payments, storm damage, and tree care to help you know what to expect.
Still have questions? Call Arbor Masters of Dallas at (214) 620-0475 to speak with a member of our team or get a quote.
Estimates and Site Visits
Do you charge for an estimate?
Estimates for all our tree services are always free.
Can you give me an estimate over the phone?
No. Every tree and property is different, and factors like tree condition, access, nearby structures, and overhead utilities all affect the scope of the work. Our arborists need to see the tree in person before providing an accurate estimate you can trust.
Do I need to be present for my estimate?
It's not required, but we recommend it. Walking the property together gives your arborist a chance to understand your goals, answer your questions, and explain the best options for your trees.
If you can't be there, simply mark the tree or trees you'd like us to look at with ribbon or tape, and keep your phone nearby in case we need to reach you during the visit.
Scheduling
How soon can you get to my property?
Scheduling depends on the time of year and the type of work, but most projects are completed within three to four weeks after your estimate.
If your tree poses an immediate safety concern, let us know. We prioritize hazardous situations whenever possible, and if you have a true emergency — such as a tree on your home or blocking your driveway — we'll respond as quickly as we can.
How should I prepare for my appointment?
There's usually very little you need to do. If possible, move vehicles away from the work area and unlock any gates we'll need to access.
For everyone's safety, please keep children and pets inside or in a secure area away from the work zone while our crew is on your property.
I see your crew working nearby. Can they come do a quick job for me today?
We'd love to help, but our crews usually work from a set schedule each day. Give us a call, and we'll have an arborist stop by to evaluate your trees and get you on the schedule.
Payment
Do you require a deposit?
No. We don't require a deposit for any of our tree care services.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept credit cards, debit cards, checks, and ACH payments. Please note that credit card payments include a 3% service fee, while debit card and ACH payments do not.
When is payment due?
Payment is due upon completion of the work. Once your service is finished, we'll email your invoice so you can choose the payment method that's most convenient for you.
How do I pay my bill?
Once your service is complete, we'll email you an invoice with a link to pay online. If you prefer, you can also call our office to make a payment over the phone or mail a check using the instructions included on your invoice.
What to Expect
Do I need to be home during the work?
No. As long as we've already reviewed the work with you and have access to the property, you don't need to be home while our crew is there. If any questions come up during the job, we'll contact you.
Will you clean up all the debris?
Absolutely. We clean up the branches, brush, and logs created during the job and rake the work area before we leave. If you'd like to keep firewood or wood chips, just let us know before we begin.
Permits and Regulations
Do I need a permit to remove a tree at my Dallas home?
Most homeowners don't. If your property is under two acres and has a single-family or duplex home, Dallas generally doesn't require a permit to remove trees on your private property.
Properties with an active demolition permit, vacant lots, lots over two acres, trees in the public right-of-way, and certain planned developments may have different requirements. If you're unsure what applies to your property, we're happy to help you figure it out.
What is a protected tree in Dallas?
In Dallas, a protected tree is generally one with a trunk measuring at least 8 inches in diameter (measured about 4.5 feet above the ground), along with certain species specifically identified in the city's tree ordinance.
Protected status matters most when a permit is required, since removing one without approval can result in fines or replacement requirements.
Who's responsible for a tree on the property line between my house and my neighbor's?
Trees that sit on a shared property line generally belong to both property owners, so both parties should agree before the tree is removed.
If there's any uncertainty about the tree's condition or whether it should be removed, one of our arborists can assess the tree and explain your options so both neighbors have the same information to work from.
Do I need a permit just to prune a tree?
Generally, no. Routine pruning doesn't require a permit unless it's part of a larger construction project or significantly alters a protected tree.
Oak Wilt
How do I know if my oak tree has oak wilt?
Early signs can include leaves developing yellow or brown veins while the rest of the leaf stays green, followed by rapid leaf drop — even during the summer.
Oak wilt spreads quickly, especially in live oaks. If you notice these symptoms, it's best to schedule an inspection as soon as possible rather than waiting to see if the tree improves.
Can a tree with oak wilt be saved?
Sometimes. If the disease is caught early, treatments such as fungicide injections may help protect valuable trees that haven't yet developed symptoms. In some cases, trenching can also help stop the disease from spreading through connected root systems.
Once a tree is heavily infected, however, removal is often the safest option to help protect nearby healthy oaks.
What does it mean to be Texas Oak Wilt Qualified?
A Texas Oak Wilt Qualified arborist has completed specialized training through the Texas Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture focused on diagnosing, preventing, and treating oak wilt. The program covers the latest research and best practices for managing one of the most destructive tree diseases in Texas.
Scott Dahlberg and Jonathan Sayen have both earned the Texas Oak Wilt Qualification, allowing Arbor Masters of Dallas to provide homeowners with specialized expertise when oak wilt is suspected.
Storms and Emergencies
What counts as a tree emergency?
If a tree has fallen on your home, is blocking access to your property, or appears likely to fall at any moment, it's considered a tree emergency.
If the situation is urgent but not immediately dangerous, we'll work to get you scheduled as quickly as possible while prioritizing active emergencies first.
Do you work with insurance companies on storm damage?
Yes. We regularly help homeowners navigate the insurance claims process after storm damage. We can provide documentation, answer questions about the work, and work with your insurance company when needed to help keep your claim moving forward.
Certified Arborists
Are your arborists ISA Certified?
Yes. The arborists who evaluate your trees and make recommendations at Arbor Masters of Dallas are ISA Certified Arborists.
ISA certification isn't required in Texas, but it demonstrates a commitment to professional standards, continuing education, and best practices in tree care.
Why does it matter if my arborist is ISA certified?
Tree care is about much more than cutting branches or removing trees. An ISA Certified Arborist is trained to evaluate tree health, identify diseases, assess risk, and recommend the right solution for your specific situation.
That expertise helps protect your trees, your property, and your investment by making sure the work is done according to industry standards and local regulations.
Who are the Certified Arborists at Arbor Masters of Dallas?
Scott Dahlberg is an ISA Certified Arborist (TX-3553A), ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified, and Texas Oak Wilt Qualified. He has spent years helping homeowners throughout Preston Hollow, Lakewood, and Lake Highlands care for their trees.
Jonathan Sayen is also an ISA Certified Arborist (TX-4967A), ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified, and Texas Oak Wilt Qualified. He serves homeowners throughout Richardson, Plano, Kessler Park, and surrounding communities.
