Spencer Tree Care LLC

06/02/2026

Smooth rope work on this tree removal in Harrison Arkansas. This black gum tree had roots encroaching the foundation and causing structural issues for the home.

06/02/2026

05/29/2026

Here's a glimpse into our past couple of weeks. The weather hasn't exactly been on our side, and we've had our fair share of late-night fixes and last-minute changes. Even with that, our team has shown up strong and are the reason we're able to keep helping our community with their tree needs, no matter what the week throws at us.

04/28/2026

Storm season is here - it's time to get serious about your trees.
Storms don't usually cause tree failures... they simply expose the hidden problems that were already there.

Yesterday, a client called me after a large tree near their house dropped a dead limb in the yard. Upon inspection, I discovered the limb had likely failed because of previous tree topping - a harmful practice that goes against ANSI A300 standards. Topping creates weak, fast-growing sprouts and makes trees more prone to failure, not less.
After a full assessment, I determined the tree could benefit from a proper structural prune and end-weight reduction, but it didn’t pose an immediate threat. However, as I continued walking the property, I spotted something on the side of the yard the client “had no concerns about.”

What I found was alarming: a codominant red oak with an active split in the union. The crack was visibly opening and closing with the wind. One strong storm gust, and this tree could be coming down - toward the house or on the fence.

This is exactly why professional arborist inspections are so important. As an ISA Certified Arborist and Tree Risk Assessment Qualified (TRAQ), I’m trained to identify common, and often hidden points of failure like codominant stems, included bark, decay, and damage from poor pruning practices such as topping.

Whether this client chooses to work with us or not, we always do our due diligence by thoroughly assessing the entire property. A quick look from someone just eager to make a sale often misses these critical issues. Proper arborist care follows industry standards and improves tree health and safety, rather than making problems worse.

Don’t wait for the next storm to reveal what’s hiding in your trees. A proactive inspection can save your property, your peace of mind, and often the tree itself through correct, timely care.

If you have mature trees near your home or structures, message me to schedule a thorough assessment. Early action is always better than emergency cleanup.

04/24/2026

Some of last week's action. We are so thankful to be able to provide this service to our wonderful community!

Shane Spencer
ISA Certified Arborist SO-7110A
ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified
Certified Treecare Safety Professional

04/13/2026

Two years after Tree Growth Regulator application + proper root care - real results from my own yard.

Both photos were taken in early April, two years apart. In 2024 this tree was putting out a lot of fast, unbalanced canopy growth and was starting to struggle with girdling roots and vine competition.

In 2024 we:
• Applied Cambistat to moderate canopy extension and encourage stronger root development
• Performed pneumatic excavation to expose and correct girdling roots
• Removed euonymus vine competing at the base
• Installed support bolts to stabilize the codominant stem
• Added a 3–4" mulch layer across the entire dripline

Since then the mulch has naturally broken down and the grass has grown back in, but the structural improvements remain.

The difference is clear: a calmer, more uniform canopy, healthier color, and a tree that’s investing energy where it actually matters long‑term.
This is why growth regulation, structural support, and proper root care work so well together - and why I use the same approach on my own property that I recommend to clients.

03/28/2026

We always aim to keep trees healthy and in place; however, removal is sometimes the right call, whether it’s due to hazards, development needs, or long‑term property management goals.

A construction project required the removal of several pines and maples.
Root bases in the dig-zone were removed and other stumps were ground below grade.
Our Branch Manager Grapple and rake saved hours of manual cleanup time and left an immaculately clean area to begin development!

03/28/2026

Proper Pruning – See How Trees Naturally Heal
These 3 photos are from the same tree, showing cuts made 1 year apart. They demonstrate how proper cuts seal through CODIT (Compartmentalization of Decay in Trees).

3-year-old cut: Fully sealed with healthy woundwood.
2-year-old cut: Woundwood rolling over the edges, almost sealed.
1-year-old cut: Callus wood forming around the edges.

When you make a proper cut just outside the branch collar, the tree uses its natural CODIT system to wall off the wound, compartmentalize decay, and seal it — keeping the tree strong and healthy.

Topping is terrible:
Big stub cuts in the middle of branches create wounds the tree can’t seal. Decay spreads easily, weak sucker sprouts grow rapidly, and the sudden loss of foliage stresses the roots. All of this leads to faster tree decline.

Proper pruning = healthier, longer-living trees.
Topping = stressed, ugly, dangerous trees with higher maintenance and costs.

Need professional pruning done right? We’ve got you covered.

03/19/2026

We’re grateful to be voted Best of Harrison for Tree Service this year! At Spencer Tree Care, our focus has always been on providing safe, professional, standards‑based arboriculture for our community - work that protects both trees and homeowners.

This recognition reflects the effort of the team members who show up every day ready to do the job the right way. Their skill, consistency, and pride in their work are a big part of what makes this company what it is.

Thank you to everyone who voted for us and to every homeowner who has trusted us with their trees. Your support helps sustain our families and the families of our team. We look forward to continuing to serve Harrison and the surrounding area with dependable, high‑quality tree care.

03/03/2026

2 Ailanthus altissima (Tree of Heaven), an invasive species, and another Ash declining due to Emerald Ash Borer removed from this property. We performed structure clearance pruning and tip-end-weight reduction of branches extending over the house of the remaining trees.
All 3 stumps were removed and then we were able to take out a large box elder stump across the street!