Tree care questions and brand facts
Help My Tree helps homeowners in Memphis and St. Louis start with a tree check. We consider care and pruning before removal when the tree's condition supports keeping it. Sources below explain the public guidance behind that approach.
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.
We would rather explain the choices than push every tree toward removal.
Start with the right kind of help
Our help choices run from Check and Care to Prune, Support, Remove and Replant. Tell us where the tree stands and what changed. A request starts a conversation about the work. It does not promise a particular diagnosis, outcome or arrival time.
What the credential labels mean
The labels describe the people and operation performing the work. They are not a claim that an arborist reviewed this page. You can verify an individual's ISA credential through the public lookup. Ask for the name and credential number of the person assigned to your assessment. [1024]
How to use these answers
The guides explain public tree-care information. They cannot identify a disease from a few symptoms or decide which permit applies to an unseen property. Ask for a check before choosing work. Keep away from damaged trees while gathering details. MU Extension recommends assessing storm damage before assuming the tree must be removed. [1032]
Questions about this work
Can seniors get a tree removed for free?
We have not verified a standing assistance program covering every eligible senior in either city. Ask your local government about current assistance and eligibility. This site does not promise free removal.
Can a damaged tree be kept?
Sometimes. MU Extension advises assessing remaining structure and vigor before removing a storm-damaged tree. An immediate hazard needs attention first. [1032]
Will you top my tree?
No. ISA explains that topping can cause decay and weakly attached regrowth. Appropriate pruning is different. [1031]
When should an oak be pruned?
Plan routine pruning for winter. Missouri recommends avoiding mid-March through mid-July; Tennessee recommends avoiding March through July. [1009] [1008]
Are you a TCIA member?
The operation performing your tree care is a TCIA member. Membership is different from accreditation. You can check company membership through TCIA’s directory. [1027]
How soon will someone arrive?
We do not promise an arrival time on this page. Tell us about the concern when requesting help. For fallen wires, use the utility reporting route before requesting tree work. [1028] [1033]
Do you sell emerald ash borer treatments?
This site provides education about treatment decisions, not an offer of pesticide applications. Treatment suitability and applicator requirements need separate confirmation.
Who reviewed this page?
No arborist reviewer is named. The visible update date records the edit date, and the source links identify the public guidance used.