Does Capitol Tree Care have a Certified Arborist on staff?

Yes. The owner, James Burtchell, is a Certified Arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). James’ ISA certified number is TX-3593A.

Is Capitol Tree Care insured?

Yes. Capitol Tree Care holds a general liability policy in the amount of $1,000,000.00/ incident to protect each customer in the event of an accident. A certificate of insurance can be provided to each customer per request.

Why should we hire Capitol Tree Care over the competition?

Not only is the owner an ISA Certified Arborist, James holds a Bachelor’s degree in Forest Science from Texas A&M University, College Station. James is ISA Texas Oak Wilt Certified, TOWC-0269 and is a ISA Qualified Tree Risk Assessor. Alongside formal education, James also has been working in the tree care industry since 2007 and has obtained years of on-the-job experience. Proper knowledge is key in the industry since there a lot “tree trimmers” out there that provide unqualified service at a cheap price.

Does Capitol Tree Care provide free estimates?

Yes. We provide free estimates for services, however we do charge for an Arborist consultation or tree assessment. Customers often overlap free estimates vs. a consultation. A consultation consists of a customer requesting an Arborist to assess a tree for safety and health or to provide recommendations before purchasing a new property. Free estimates are in place for customers looking for the cost to provide a service such as tree pruning, tree removal or health care services.

What measures does Capitol Tree Care take to protect a customer’s tree(s) from Oak Wilt?

Oak Wilt is a devastating vascular fungus that affects Live Oaks and Red Oaks. To ensure we protect each of our customer’s assets. We sterilize all saw blades before each job and seal all cuts on Oaks over ½” in diameter. We also consult our customers to avoid pruning Live Oaks and Red Oaks between February 1 – June 30.

Do I need a permit to remove my tree?

The City of Austin, TX requires a removal permit if the trunk diameter of the tree is 19” DBH or larger. DBH stands for diameter at breast height which is measured at 4.5’ from the base of the trunk.

We are about to begin construction. Can anything be done to protect our trees throughout the process?

Absolutely! Construction can be extremely stressful to a tree and can cause decline or the death of a tree. Protecting trunks and root zones, as well as supplemental watering, can maintain health and vigor and protect from possible soil compaction or physical damage to the trunk of canopy. Refer to our Construction Mitigation service page for more information!

What are some signs that my tree may not be healthy?

Poor shoot elongation and die-back at the tips of each shoot are indications that your tree may be in decline or stressed. Stunted leaf size, extremely thin canopies and chlorotic (yellowing) leaves are also indications of poor nutrition or stress.

Does Capitol Tree Care provide health maintenance?

Yes! We provide services such as soil aeration and organic health care to keep your trees healthy and promote strong tree vigor. Ask us about our ongoing maintenance plans and how they can help protect your trees!

Should I be watering my trees?

Central Texas has seen multiple years of intense drought condition resulting in the loss of 1 million trees in Texas alone. Proper watering of trees during the hot summer months will increase your tree’s ability to function, thrive and protect itself from harmful fungi and pests. To ensure proper watering, water your trees with a slow & deep application throughout the entire Critical Root Zone (CRZ) of the tree. The CRZ is the root zone located under the entire canopy of the tree. During the hottest months of the year, watering once a week is a safe practice, but also account for rainfall as to avoid keeping your soils saturated. Saturated soils can be just as detrimental to a tree as having a lack of water.

About Capitol Tree Care

Expertise, Integrity, and Exceptional Service

Led by owner and ISA certified arborist James Burtchell (TX-3593A), Capitol Tree Care was founded on the principle that exceptional tree service means combining extensive knowledge with unwavering integrity.

James, drawing on his education in Forestry from Texas A&M, ISA certification, and extensive on-the-job experience, recognized the need for a tree care company that prioritizes quality and customer trust over rapid profit. An Eagle Scout with a lifelong passion for the outdoors, his commitment is to preserve and enhance the urban forest of Central Texas.

We bring genuine care and expertise to every project, offering a full range of services, including pruning/trimming, tree removals, and organic plant health care. When you choose Capitol Tree Care, you choose a partner dedicated to the best, most honest care for your trees.

Bachelor of Forest Science: Texas A&M University
International Socity of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist: TX-3593A
Texas Oak Wilt Qualified : TXOWQ-134
ISA Qualified Tree Risk Assessor

Certified, Experienced Professionals

Meet Our Team

Capitol Tree Care is proud to have a team of certified arborists and dedicated tree care specialists. Our experts combine years of experience with a passion for preserving and beautifying Central Texas.

Don't just take our word for it

Our reputation is built on quality service and lasting relationships. Hear directly from the clients who have trusted Capitol Tree Care with their trees.