Our Complete Tree Health Services
Tree health care should be comprehensive, covering everything from prevention and diagnosis to treatment and support. At Happy Tree Service of Austin, we offer a full suite of services designed to protect trees at every stage of life. Together, they form a holistic plan for healthier landscapes, stronger roots, and safer properties.
Soil Testing and Improvements
Healthy soil is the foundation of healthy trees. Unfortunately, Austin soils are often compacted and lack balance. Even everyday activities like walking across a lawn can compress soil particles, leaving no room for air or water. When this happens, roots suffocate and trees decline.
We begin with a soil test to measure compaction, pH, and nutrient content. With this information, we can create a customized plan. For some trees, that may mean adjusting pH levels to make nutrients more available. For others, it may involve aerating the soil or applying organic amendments. Once the analysis is complete, we create a fertilization mix tailored to your soil and your tree’s needs.
Not all fertilizers are the same. Many commercial products release nutrients too quickly or are designed for turf rather than trees. We use only high-quality, slow-release fertilizers created specifically for arboriculture. These products provide steady nutrition, avoid root burn, and deliver consistent support for long-term health.
Disease Diagnosis and Treatment
Trees cannot tell us when something is wrong, which makes accurate diagnosis especially important. Many diseases produce similar symptoms—yellow leaves, thinning canopies, or premature leaf drop. Misdiagnosis wastes time and allows disease to spread.
Our arborists rely on a combination of observation and lab testing. We look for visible signs in leaves, bark, and roots, and when needed, collect tissue or soil samples for analysis at the Texas A&M Plant Pathology Lab. With scientific confirmation, we design treatment plans that target the exact disease. This ensures resources are used effectively and nearby trees are protected.
Deep Root Fertilization
Different tree species have different nutritional requirements, and Central Texas soils often make it difficult for trees to access what they need. High pH levels, in particular, lock nutrients in the soil so they remain unavailable to roots.
We provide deep root fertilization, injecting slow-release, liquid fertilizers directly into the root zone. These custom blends give trees access to the macro- and micronutrients they need for healthy growth. With proper nutrition, trees develop stronger canopies, greener foliage, and greater resilience against pests and disease. This service is especially valuable for urban trees, where natural nutrient cycling is limited by landscaping practices.
Air Spading and Root Collar Excavation
A tree’s root collar—the area where the trunk flares into major roots—should always be visible at ground level. In many Austin landscapes, this critical area gets buried under added soil or mulch. Builders may change grades during construction, or homeowners may add decorative borders and fill with soil for planting. Sometimes mulch is piled too high around the trunk, a practice known as “volcano mulching.”
Covering the root collar creates long-term problems. Roots may begin growing upward into the added material, eventually circling the trunk in a process called girdling. Girdling roots can choke the tree over time. Constant contact between trunk tissue and moist soil also leads to decay and opens the tree to fungal infections.
To correct this issue, arborists use a specialized tool called an air spade. The air spade directs compressed air into the soil, blowing it away without cutting or damaging roots and trunk tissue. This allows us to safely expose the buried root collar, restore natural airflow, and reduce the risk of disease. The longer a tree remains buried, the harder it is to correct, which is why early intervention matters.
Aeration and Root Zone Invigoration
Compacted soil is one of the leading causes of tree decline in urban environments. Heavy clay soils, foot traffic, and construction all press soil particles tightly together, leaving little space for water and air to reach the roots. Without oxygen and moisture, roots cannot function properly, and trees begin to weaken.
Aeration is one of the most effective ways to address this problem. Using an air spade or an auger, we create a grid of holes six to eight inches deep throughout the tree’s critical root zone, extending out past the drip line. These holes are backfilled with organic compost, which restores pathways for air and water while adding nutrients.
Root zone invigoration builds on this process. Along with compost, we add biochar (a form of carbon-rich charcoal) and a blend of beneficial mycorrhizal fungi. Mycorrhizae form natural partnerships with tree roots, expanding the root system’s ability to absorb water and nutrients. This symbiotic network increases drought tolerance, improves soil structure, and supports long-term soil health.
By combining aeration with soil enrichment, we transform compacted ground into a healthier environment that supports stronger, more resilient trees.
Tree Pruning
Pruning is one of the most powerful tools for maintaining tree health, but it must be done with care. Over-pruning is a widespread problem in Austin. One common mistake, known as lion-tailing, strips away interior branches and leaves foliage only at the ends of long limbs. This weakens trees, increases the risk of limb failure, and limits the tree’s ability to produce food through photosynthesis.
Our pruning philosophy is simple: less is more, and every cut should serve a purpose. The best pruning focuses on removing deadwood, eliminating structurally unsound limbs, and reducing overextended or heavy branches. Proper pruning strengthens the tree’s structure, balances weight, and allows more light and airflow through the canopy.
Timing is also critical. Peaches and other fruit trees benefit from winter pruning, which directs energy into spring fruiting. Oaks should only be pruned from July through January to minimize the risk of oak wilt infection. For most deciduous trees, pruning is best performed just before or after leaf drop. Regardless of the species, all tools must be sterilized between cuts to prevent the spread of pathogens.
Tree Removal
When a tree is too diseased or damaged to recover, removal becomes necessary. Our arborists plan each removal carefully, accounting for site conditions, surrounding structures, and tree size. We use proper rigging, cranes when required, and controlled cutting methods to prevent property damage. Once the tree is removed, our crews perform thorough cleanup, leaving your property safe and ready for the next stage of landscaping.
Tree Planting
We believe tree planting is an investment in the future. A properly planted tree provides decades of shade, beauty, and environmental benefits. Our arborists guide you through species selection, ensuring the right tree is chosen for your soil type, available space, and landscape goals. Native and adaptive species are always prioritized for their resilience in Central Texas conditions.
Timing is as important as placement. Planting during the extreme heat of summer puts stress on young trees. Instead, we recommend planting in fall or early winter, when cooler temperatures and seasonal rains give roots a chance to establish before the return of summer stress. Planting the right tree in the right place—and at the right time—sets your landscape up for long-term success.
Tree Cabling, Bracing, and Bolting
Some trees develop weak branch unions, multiple leaders, or structural imbalances that put them at risk of failure. Cabling, bracing, and bolting are reinforcement techniques that provide added stability.
Cables are installed high in the canopy to reduce movement and redistribute weight. Braces and bolts may be used within the trunk or major limbs to strengthen weak points. These systems do not eliminate risk but can extend the life of valuable trees, reduce hazards during storms, and prevent unnecessary removals.
Oak Wilt Treatment Services
Oak wilt remains one of the most serious threats to Austin’s tree canopy. The fungus spreads through interconnected roots and by insects carrying spores from infected trees. Once symptoms appear—such as leaf vein browning, rapid canopy loss, and premature defoliation—trees decline quickly.
Our team includes Texas Oak Wilt Qualified arborists trained in accurate diagnosis and treatment. When appropriate, we apply fungicide injections directly into the vascular system of the tree to halt the spread. We also educate property owners on preventive practices, such as pruning during safe seasonal windows and avoiding fresh wounds that attract insect vectors. By combining treatment with prevention, we help protect both individual trees and the larger oak community.
Emergency Tree Services
Severe storms can leave trees damaged, leaning, or fallen. These situations create immediate hazards for homes, vehicles, and people. Our emergency crews are available 24/7 to respond quickly. We arrive with the equipment and expertise needed to stabilize dangerous trees, remove broken limbs, and restore safety. By acting swiftly, we help minimize property damage and prevent further risk.
Commercial Tree Services
Businesses, HOAs, and apartment communities depend on consistent, reliable tree care to keep properties safe and welcoming. Large landscapes require a scalable approach, with services ranging from routine trimming and soil management to emergency response.
Happy Tree Service of Austin partners with commercial clients to deliver tailored solutions. We provide risk assessments, pruning schedules, fertilization plans, and removals that fit both the property’s needs and its budget. By combining certified arborist oversight with efficient crews, we ensure that even the largest projects receive the same level of detail and science-backed care as a single residential tree.