SUNRISE

Oak wilt is a serious fungal disease (Bretziella fagacearum) that clogs the water-conducting vessels of oak trees. It spreads in two ways: through root grafts between neighboring oaks, and through sap-feeding beetles that carry fungal spores from infected trees to fresh wounds. Red oaks typically die within weeks of infection; live oaks can survive longer but spread the disease underground through root systems. Early diagnosis and trenching to break root connections are critical to containing it. My Oak Wilt Management credential (#TOWC0108) means I'm trained to diagnose and address oak wilt correctly.

In Central Texas, the safest time to prune oaks is during the coldest months of winter (December through February) when the sap beetles that spread oak wilt are least active. If pruning is necessary outside that window, all wounds should be painted immediately with a latex-based wound sealant to prevent beetle access. I follow ISA best practices for pruning timing and wound treatment on every job.

TRAQ stands for Tree Risk Assessment Qualification — it's an ISA credential that certifies an arborist has been trained in a standardized methodology for evaluating the likelihood a tree will fail and the potential consequences if it does. A TRAQ assessment gives you documented, defensible information about the trees on your property, which is valuable for homeowners, property managers, and anyone who needs to make an informed decision about a tree that looks concerning. My credential number is on file with ISA.

Austin has a Heritage Tree ordinance that protects trees with a trunk diameter of 19 inches or greater (measured at 4.5 feet above grade). Removing a protected tree requires a permit from the City of Austin Development Services Department. Smaller trees generally do not require a permit, though deed restrictions or HOA rules may apply. I'm happy to help you understand what applies to your specific trees before we start any work.

Yes. I hold an active ISA Certified Arborist credential (TX-3423A), which requires ongoing continuing education to maintain. I carry liability insurance for all tree work. My additional credentials include Oak Wilt Management (#TOWC0108), ISA TRAQ, and ISA WRRQ. You can verify my ISA credentials directly on the ISA website using my credential number.

Yes, free estimates are available. Call or text me at 512-784-5333, or send me an email at miles@sunrisetreeservices.com. I'll come take a look at your trees and give you a straightforward assessment of what needs to be done and what it will cost. No pressure, no runaround. Sunrise Tree Services accepts PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover credit cards, with prior approval.

I offer tree trimming and pruning, tree removal, oak wilt management and consulting, tree risk assessment (ISA TRAQ), tree health consulting, and stump grinding and removal. All work is performed to ISA arboricultural standards. Because I operate as a solo certified arborist rather than a large crew, I give each job personal attention and can give you a direct, honest assessment of your trees.