If you live in Logan and you're looking after trees around your home or business, it helps to know what certified arborist services actually involve. Winter can be rough on trees in Northern Utah, and this time of year is when hidden problems tend to show up. Cold weather, snow, and strong winds can wear trees down faster than you might expect.

Certified arborists know how to spot those issues and step in before small problems grow into bigger ones. Their training goes beyond trimming and cutting. They work carefully, looking out for both your safety and your trees' long-term health. Let’s go over what they do, how they help during winter months, and what to ask before getting started.

What a Certified Arborist Does

An arborist with certification doesn't just cut branches. The certification means they studied how trees grow, how tree diseases spread, and how to handle tree work safely. When we show up at a job, we usually start with a thorough check of each tree.

• We inspect trees for things like broken limbs, fungus, or cracks you'd miss from the ground.

• We can tell when a tree just needs support or trimming, and when it’s beyond saving.

• If a tree is leaning too far, hollowed out, or damaging nearby structures, we explain what’s going on and what action makes the most sense.

Sometimes that’s a simple prune. Other times, you may need the tree removed completely to keep everything safe. Either way, we walk through the choices and make a plan that fits the situation. At Darrell’s Tree Service, every job is performed by a fully insured and properly equipped crew, so your property is protected from start to finish.

How Certified Arborists Keep Trees Healthy in Winter

Cold months bring their own kind of stress for trees around Logan. The snow piles up, the wind howls, and the nights are long and cold. That’s when weak spots really show themselves.

• We look for frost cracks in the bark, sunscald around the trunk, and limbs sagging under snow weight.

• If we see signs that branches might break, we recommend stabilizing options like cabling or bracing. These work like extra support so limbs don’t fail.

• If a tree needs pruning, we use trimming methods that help the tree recover in winter without shocking it.

It’s not just about taking off limbs. It’s about figuring out how to help the tree survive harsh conditions without making it more vulnerable. Safe cutting during this season matters, and knowing when to wait and when to take action makes a big difference in keeping the tree strong. If stump grinding or complete removal is necessary, Darrell’s Tree Service uses specialized equipment to handle even the toughest jobs safely in winter conditions.

Winter is a good time for certain arborist work because the trees are dormant. This means they aren't actively growing, so cuts from pruning tend to heal more smoothly. With fewer leaves on branches, it's easier to see the structure of the tree and spot issues that might go unnoticed during warmer months. Snow on the ground also provides extra cushioning for falling branches, reducing the risk of damage to the ground or nearby structures.

We also take into account the changeable weather. We schedule our work carefully, watching weather forecasts so we don’t work on icy days that could make tree work dangerous for both our crew and your property. When the ground is frozen, our equipment is less likely to create ruts or damage lawns, which is another reason winter can be a smart season for trimming or removals.

When to Call an Arborist in Logan

Not sure when to make that call? There are certain signs that say it’s time.

• If a storm just rolled through and left branches hanging down or split part of a tree, you should get that checked right away.

• A tree leaning suddenly, or roots that are lifting, should never be ignored. Those are signs the tree might be unstable.

• Even if the tree looks fine, if you’re planning to put up a shed, install a fence, or work near tree roots, it’s smart to bring someone in first.

After heavy snow or an ice storm, weight on the branches can change quickly, and even strong-looking trees sometimes have hidden weaknesses. Some cracks may be hard to see at first. Roots, in particular, are often overlooked but can give important clues about whether a tree is secure. If there is heaving soil around the base, or roots appear on the surface, those are signs the tree's anchor might be compromised. Even if there isn't any immediate sign of damage, if you notice mushrooms or fungus growing around the base in winter, it could be a sign the tree is already stressed or decaying inside.

Getting advice early can help avoid the need for emergency removal later. Since problems in winter can get worse quickly, waiting too long can lead to more damage and risk.

Questions to Ask Before the Work Begins

When you’re hiring someone for tree work in Logan, especially when safety is involved, you want to feel confident about the person doing the job. It’s completely fair to ask a few simple, direct questions up front.

• Ask what kind of certifications they hold and how long they’ve been doing this type of work.

• Find out what kind of equipment will be used, especially during winter when icy ground can affect how machines move.

• Ask about cleanup. Will everything be hauled away? Will they leave woodchips or logs?

The right arborist is open to all your questions, wants to keep you informed, and will offer honest answers about what is needed. It’s smart to understand how they plan to keep your yard safe, and what they do to leave things neat when the work is done.

Knowing what to expect before the job starts helps prevent stress later. You should feel good about things being handled safely, neatly, and professionally from beginning to end. Before you give the go-ahead, it’s helpful to discuss possible weather delays or changes to the schedule, since winter work can require flexibility. Double-check their insurance coverage and confirm the cleanup plan so you’re not left with unexpected surprises after the job is finished.

Strengthen Your Yard This Season

When freezing temps and snowstorms hit Logan, trees go through a lot. Certified arborist services give your trees a better shot at making it through the season in one piece. Whether it’s spotting early damage or removing trees before they become a danger, we help keep things safe.

Hiring a team with decades of experience in Northern Utah and certified expertise in tree care means your property and trees receive the best possible support. Darrell’s Tree Service has provided professional tree removal, trimming, and ongoing maintenance for over 40 years, always with safety and customer satisfaction as top priorities.

Wondering if your trees in Logan are prepared for another season of snow and wind? We take the guesswork out of tree care with trusted advice and safe, hands-on support, from trimming to long-term maintenance. Our focus is on safety, balance, and lasting strength. Discover how our certified arborist services can help protect your property this winter. Call Darrell’s Tree Service today to schedule your visit.