Tree service in Midland

• Pole to pole: Oncor trims trees near its high-voltage lines and says any trimming between poles must be done by Oncor. Extra trimming for looks is the owner's job and expense.
• Pole to house: the customer is responsible for trees along the service line. Hire a private arborist and request a temporary disconnect from Oncor, which carries a charge.
• After storms: Oncor prunes only what's needed to restore power and won't haul away limbs or debris it didn't create. A fallen tree that doesn't touch lines is the owner's to clean up.
• Hazards: report a dangerous tree near lines to Oncor at 888-313-6862, or call 911 if there's fire or sparking.

State law bars anyone from working within six feet of a high-voltage overhead line, or bringing tools or equipment that close, unless safety arrangements have been made with the line operator. Work closer than that needs 48 hours' notice to the operator, agreed safety measures, and payment of the operator's actual cost. Ask any tree crew how it plans to meet that rule before it climbs.

Ask the crew what license, registration or credential it holds, and check each one. Spraying or treating trees for pests for hire is different: it needs a TDA license in the lawn and ornamental category. An ISA Certified Arborist has passed the International Society of Arboriculture's exam and follows its ethics code; it's a professional credential, not a government license. Ask for proof of liability insurance either way, and get the scope in writing: which limbs come off, whether the crew hauls the brush, and whether stump grinding is included. Since Oncor won't haul debris it didn't create, haul-off is a line item worth pricing separately.

If you have oaks, Texas A&M Forest Service says not to prune or wound them from February through June, and to paint every wound. Book oak trimming for summer or fall. Oak wilt spreads when sap-feeding beetles carry spores to fresh wounds, then moves between neighboring oaks through grafted roots, which is why the paint and the timing both matter.

HomeGuide's national averages: $400 to $1,200 for tree removal, $400 to $900 per tree for trimming, and $120 to $400 to grind the first stump. Texas sales tax applies to tree removal, pruning and spraying, so ask for it on the quote. The Texas tree service guide has more.

Overhanging limbs are worth handling before hail season; see Midland roofers. Compare tree service in Odessa, or see the Midland city guide.