Tree Care Tips & Answers from Pedro Cristobal
Straight talk from a hands-on Indianapolis arborist — when to remove, when to prune, and how to keep your trees healthy and your property safe.
- Free Estimates
- Insured & Bonded
- Available 7 Days a Week
- Owner-Operated in Indianapolis
Real advice from an owner who climbs
Pedro Cristobal has spent years in the trees of Central Indiana. Here's some of what he tells neighbors when they ask.
Winter is often the best time to take a tree down
Counterintuitive, but true. In the dormant season the ground is firm or frozen, so our equipment is far less likely to rut up your lawn and beds. The bare canopy makes the tree's structure easy to read, and leafless limbs weigh a fraction of what they do in summer — which means safer, cleaner rigging near your house and power lines. Your other plants are dormant too, so there's less to disturb.
Prune in late winter for the healthiest trees
For most shade and hardwood trees, late winter to early spring — before the buds break — is ideal. Cuts seal quickly heading into the growing season, disease and insect pressure is low, and with the leaves gone we can see exactly what needs to come off. Spring-flowering trees like crabapple, dogwood, and cherry are the exception: prune those right after they finish blooming. And we avoid pruning oaks in spring and summer to protect them from oak wilt.
Don't skip the stump
A leftover stump isn't just an eyesore. It keeps sprouting suckers, invites carpenter ants and fungus, and stays a tripping and mower hazard for years. Grinding it a few inches below grade lets you lay sod, replant, or just reclaim the space — and we rake out the grindings before we leave.
Know the warning signs of a hazard tree
Call us for a look if you notice any of these: a new or worsening lean, large dead or hanging limbs, deep cracks in the trunk, mushrooms or shelf fungus at the base, soil heaving up around the roots, or hollow, soft, or crumbling wood. Catching a failing tree early is almost always cheaper and safer than waiting for a storm to bring it down.
Frequently asked questions
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes — every estimate is free and no-pressure. Call or text (317) 223-8858, or send your details through our online form and Pedro Cristobal will get right back to you.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. Cristobal Tree Services is licensed in Indiana and fully insured and bonded, so you're protected on every job.
What areas do you serve?
We're based in Indianapolis and serve homes and businesses across Central Indiana, including Marion, Hamilton, Hendricks, Johnson, Boone counties and the surrounding communities.
Do you clean up when you're done?
Always. Every job includes full cleanup and haul-away — we leave your property cleaner than we found it.
Can you remove a tree that's close to my house or power lines?
Yes. Pedro Cristobal is a hands-on climber and uses precision rigging to bring trees down piece by piece in tight spots — safely, without damaging your home, fence, or utilities.
Do you grind the stump too?
Yes, and we can usually grind the stump on the same visit as a removal. We grind below grade so you can replant or lay sod.
How much does tree removal cost?
It depends on the tree's size, location, and how easy it is to access — there's no flat rate. That's why we come out and give you a free, honest estimate before any work starts.
Do you handle storm damage and emergencies?
Yes. We answer calls seven days a week and respond fast when a tree is down on your house, car, or driveway.
Is winter really a good time to remove a tree?
Often, yes. Frozen ground protects your lawn, bare limbs are lighter and easier to rig safely, and the tree's structure is easier to read — so many removals are cleaner and gentler on your property in the dormant season.
What happens to the wood — can I keep the firewood?
Your call. We'll haul everything away, or if you'd like, we can cut and leave the wood for firewood. Just let us know.
Get your free estimate today
Call or text for the fastest answer,
or request your free estimate online and Pedro will get right back to you.