Arborist and tree health care in Memphis
A struggling tree deserves a diagnosis before a removal decision. Help My Tree offers arborist checks in Memphis, with soil tests and yearly care. We do not begin by choosing a fertilizer.
Updated 2026-10-25
What a year of care looks like.
Most of the work happens below ground, in the soil the roots live in. Here it is, one step at a time.
A year of care, step by step.
Most of the work happens below ground, in the soil the roots live in. Press play, or pick a step.
Start at the soil line.
Two things we look for first: mulch piled against the trunk, and soil packed hard by mowers, cars and feet.
Uncover the root flare.
Compressed air blows the soil away without cutting roots. A root wrapping the trunk can be cut free, if that is safe for the tree.
Loosen packed soil.
We open channels in the packed soil with air and work in compost, so new roots have somewhere to grow.
Test before adding anything.
A soil test shows the pH and nutrients, and it decides what, if anything, the tree needs.
Add only what is short.
Many trees need no fertilizer at all. If the test shows a shortfall, we add only what is missing.
Mulch wide, water deep.
Two to four inches of mulch, as wide as you will allow, kept off the trunk. In dry spells, a slow, deep soak.
Come back every year.
We check the tree top to bottom once a year and leave a written report, so small changes get caught early.
A diagnosis should come before a product.
What should I tell the arborist?
Describe when the change began and which part of the tree changed first. Include recent digging, new paving or changes to watering. Take a whole-tree photo from a safe position, then a closer view of the leaves if accessible. Do not climb for a sample. NC State Extension warns that fertilizer cannot resolve environmental stress such as restricted rooting space or compacted soil.[11] A symptom is a reason to investigate, not proof that a product is missing.
What is different about oak concerns here?
Tennessee Forestry says oak wilt has been reported in the state but is not considered established across Tennessee.[4] That is different from calling it a common Memphis diagnosis. The agency warns that early symptoms can resemble drought.[4] It recommends avoiding oak pruning from March through July and reporting suspected cases.[4] Tell the arborist about sudden leaf changes, but leave disease identification open until the evidence supports it.
When does MLGW need to be involved?
MLGW asks customers not to attempt tree work near power lines.[7] Its Line Clearance area decides whether a tree threatens utility facilities and needs trimming or removal.[7] Its policy also says interference with the service drop to a house is not itself a reason for utility tree removal.[7] Mention wires in your request so a health concern is not mistaken for an ordinary pruning job. These are MLGW policies, not permission for us or a homeowner to work near energized lines.
What does care include?
Our services include air-spade root-flare exposure and soil loosening, plus a yearly visit with a soil test and written report. Fertilizer is available only when the test calls for it. Cabling and bracing are options for assessment, not automatic recommendations. Our rule is to test before adding anything. Many trees need no fertilizer.[8] Mulch does more for less is our starting position, not a promise for every site. A five-year soil study found woodchip mulch the most cost-effective individual treatment.[12]
What can I change around the roots?
UT Tennessee Smart Yards recommends a mulch layer 2 to 3 inches deep, with at least 2 inches clear around trunks.[2] Ask about the existing mulch before adding another layer. Show the arborist any soil or mulch touching the trunk. Keep the discussion focused on the reason for each intervention, and what observation would justify changing the plan.
Questions about this work
Does yellow foliage mean my tree needs feeding?
Not by itself. MU Extension says fertilization does not solve poor drainage, watering or planting problems.[8] We test first and assess the tree alongside the results.
Can I request care without agreeing to removal?
Yes. Choose tree health care and explain that you want a preservation evaluation. An assessment is not a promise that every tree can stay.