New Heights Tree Care

08/28/2026

Trees are an amazing natural resource, but with continued development, expansion, and growing population, they need to be protected now more than ever.

Trees provide shade, help keep our homes cooler, improve our environment, support our mental well-being, and can even increase property values.

Subdivisions and trying to fit as many homes as possible into a small area are only part of the problem.

Fear-mongering and unqualified “tree guys” are another.

When it comes to your trees, get multiple opinions and do your research. Ask questions, and check the credentials of the person giving you advice.

A great place to start is TreesAreGood.org⁠, where you can find information on qualified arborists and proper tree care.

08/27/2026

Today we’re attending the Fall South Carolina Arborist Workshop hosted by Trees SC.

We pride ourselves on continuing education and staying up to date with the latest in arboriculture. Events like this are also a great opportunity to network, share knowledge, and connect with arborists from all over the state.

Always learning, always improving, and always looking for ways to better serve our clients and their trees.

08/16/2026

Sunday morning cat rescues!

This little guy was only stuck for a day, but with this heat I’m sure it felt a lot longer. Thankfully we were able to get him down safely!

I’m not sure how many cat rescues we’ve done at this point, but we’re always happy to help when we can. We don’t charge for cat rescues—we just ask for a donation or an online review.

One more cat safely back on the ground!

08/10/2026

And after removing a big vine from a tree? It’s kind of like loosening your belt after Thanksgiving dinner.

Vines may look harmless, but as they grow around a tree’s trunk and branches, they can become a serious problem.

As vines get larger, they can girdle the tree—wrapping tightly around the stem and restricting the movement of water and nutrients through the tree’s vascular system. They can also add significant weight to branches, compete with the tree for sunlight, and create additional stress during storms and high winds.

Over time, vines can become embedded in the tree and contribute to decline and branch failure.

08/08/2026

Let’s talk bark inclusions!

This morning, we’ll be cleaning up a maple that suffered a bark inclusion failure, so we figured it was a good time to talk about what exactly a bark inclusion is and why they matter.

What’s a bark inclusion?

It’s bark that becomes embedded between a parent stem or between codominant stems. This decreases the strength of the attachment and can increase the potential for failure.

Why does this matter?

Coming out of drought conditions and then experiencing periods of heavy rain and strong winds can put additional stress on trees and their unions. Changes in soil moisture, increased canopy weight, and wind loading can all contribute to failures in structurally compromised unions.

The likelihood of failure with included bark largely depends on the local stresses experienced at the branch union. Stem orientation, weight distribution, and overall configuration can all affect the amount of stress at the union, making failure more or less likely.

So, what can be done?

Depending on the situation, options may include:
• Weight reduction
• Subordination cuts, when appropriate
• Structural support systems for the right candidates

Every tree is different, and not every bark inclusion requires action. Proper assessment is key.

Have questions about a tree on your property? Reach out to us for a consultation with our ISA Certified Arborist and Tree Risk Assessment Qualified (TRAQ) Arborist.

07/25/2026

Picked up a dozen from SC Donuts this morning. Great donuts and friendly service! Welcome to the neighborhood!

07/03/2026

It’s hot out there! We got in, got it done, and got out before the heat got the best of us.

Wrapped up the week pruning palms for another repeat client. Thanks again, Charles and Lisa, for trusting me to care for your trees and preserve that awesome view. It’s always appreciated!

We’re shutting things down for the Fourth of July weekend, but we’ll be back at it Monday. If you’d like to schedule a consultation, give us a call at (803) 580-4376.

Locally & Veteran Owned
ISA Certified Arborist
Tree Risk Assessment Qualified

Have a safe and happy Fourth of July weekend!

05/25/2026

Something I see a lot lately is companies posting about pine bark beetles and immediately recommending removal of pine trees based on signs they believe point to beetle activity. Some cases may absolutely be legitimate — some may not.

With the drought conditions we’ve experienced over the last few months here in South Carolina, the threat of pine bark beetles is very real. But it’s important to understand that bark beetles are often secondary pests that move into already stressed trees. Drought stress, root damage, soil compaction, lightning strikes, disease, and other underlying issues can all play a role.

Too often, removal becomes the fast “problem solving” method instead of properly diagnosing what’s actually happening with the tree.

Not every pitch tube, hole in bark plates, or bit of woodpecker activity automatically means a pine tree needs to come down.

Before making a major decision, consult with an ISA Certified Arborist who can properly assess the tree and the site conditions. Fear-based sales tactics and pushing removals without proper evaluation is unfortunately something homeowners need to watch out for. That’s not the sign of a true professional.

You can verify credentials and find qualified arborists through TreesAreGood.org. ISA credentials are designed to help consumers identify trained and knowledgeable tree care professionals.

05/25/2026

Happy Memorial Day from your friends at New Heights Tree Care.

Today we take time to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Their courage, service, and sacrifice helped shape the nation we call home.

We are grateful for those who gave everything in service to our freedom 🇺🇸

05/04/2026