Hiring a Certified Arborist vs. a Tree Guy with a Chainsaw
When it comes to tree care in South Louisiana, there are two types of folks you can call: a Certified Arborist… or the guy down the street with a chainsaw and a ladder he “borrowed” from his cousin. At first glance, they might seem similar. Both cut branches. Both show up in a truck. Both...
Tree Permits and Regulations in South Louisiana Parishes
What Homeowners Need to Know Before Cutting, Trimming, or Removing Trees In South Louisiana, trees are more than landscape features — they’re part of the culture. From majestic live oaks lining historic streets to bald cypress standing guard in swampy backyards, trees add beauty, shade, and value. But before you break out the chainsaw or...
How to Spot and Treat Tree Fungus in Hot, Wet Climates
By Lyle Gardner, President of Gardner Tree Service in New Orleans, LA Down here in South Louisiana, it ain’t just the crawfish boilin’—it’s the air itself. Between the humidity that hits you like a wet blanket and rain that shows up uninvited more often than your neighbor’s cousin at a BBQ, it’s no wonder trees...
Spanish Moss & Your Trees: Harmless Decoration or Hidden Danger?
If you’ve spent any time under a canopy of live oaks in South Louisiana, you’ve probably noticed the draping strands of Spanish moss swaying gently in the breeze. It’s as Southern as gumbo, jazz, and front porches in August. But behind the picturesque look lies a question that many homeowners eventually ask: Is Spanish moss...
Emergency Tree Removal: What to Do After a Storm
In South Louisiana, storms aren’t just a forecast—they’re a season. And when the winds die down and the skies clear, what’s left behind can be a mess of downed limbs, split trunks, and trees leaning dangerously toward homes, cars, or power lines. If you find yourself staring down a tree emergency, here’s what to do...
Root Trimming Explained: Protecting Foundations and Driveways
Tree roots may grow silently underground, but over time, they can cause loud and costly problems. From cracking driveways to threatening home foundations, unchecked root growth is one of the leading causes of structural damage in residential and commercial landscapes—especially in South Louisiana, where clay soils and water tables can intensify the issue. What Is...
Why You Should Never Top a Tree—Especially in the Gulf South
If you’ve lived in the Gulf South long enough, you’ve seen it: a row of once-majestic trees with their tops lopped off like someone got carried away with a chainsaw and a bad idea. It’s called tree topping, and while it might seem like a quick fix for height control or storm prep, it’s one...
Stump Grinding vs. Stump Removal: What’s Best for Your Yard?
When a tree comes down—whether by storm, disease, or necessity—you’re often left with a question that many homeowners in South Louisiana don’t expect to face: What should I do with the stump? At first glance, it might seem like a harmless chunk of wood. But leave it too long, and that innocent-looking stump can turn...