Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Environmental Advantage fully insured?
Yes. We carry Commercial Auto, General Liability, and Workers’ Compensation in Minnesota & North Dakota. Certificates of Insurance are available upon request to customers.

2. Is Environmental Advantage licensed?
Yes. We hold a Fertilizer License, a Live Plant Dealer Certificate, and are listed on the Minnesota Department of Agriculture Tree Care Registry. North Dakota licensing is on its way!

3. Can I book and pay for a package online?
Yes! Launching Summer 2025, our 24-hour self-service portal lets you choose a package, create your Priority Task List, pick a live crew date, and pay securely—all on your schedule.

4. Where are your locations?
Branches in Grand Forks (ND) and Randall (MN). Each hub serves a 60-mile radius. Jobs 61–90 mi include a $500 travel fee; work beyond 90 mi is outside our service area.

5. When is payment due and what forms do you accept?
100 % of the package price is due at booking. We accept major credit/debit cards (secure portal), good personal/business checks, or cash coordinated through your consultant or online portal.

6. Are your team members trained and competent?
Absolutely. Every employee follows our Path to Success program covering safety, in-depth tree-care knowledge, and continuous growth. The curriculum prepares eligible staff for the ISA Certified Arborist® exam, so every crew is skilled and safety-focused.

7. Why do you use an AI receptionist?
“Forest” answers calls 24 / 7, collects your contact information and a description of what you would like done, then may transfer you to a live consultant or send the information to a consultant to set up an on-site consultation. Automating intake keeps field crews focused on tree work and ensures your details reach the right person quickly. Forest is still learning—thanks for your patience!

8. What happens if weather or other factors force a reschedule?
Heavy rain, lightning, high winds, equipment breakdowns, labor shortages, or unforeseen hazards may postpone work. We’ll contact you as soon as a decision is made and move the job to the next available mutually acceptable date.

9. Do you offer emergency or storm-response service?
We are a small team and normally work in booking order. For storm damage, get in touch with one of our consultants for the earliest open slot. (Proactive tree care is still the best defense.)

10. What is your cancellation policy?
Our updated cancellation and refund terms will be published with the online portal. You will have full access to the terms before you pay.

11. What does an Environmental Sales Consultant do for me?
Listens to your goals, evaluates tree health, explains package options, builds a clear time-block proposal, and remains your single point of contact from scheduling through follow-up. They work with you up front and continue working behind the scenes to ensure your project gets set up for success.

12. Why would I choose Environmental Advantage over another tree company?

• One-stop expertise—certified, licensed, fully insured crews for everything from precision pruning to tree removal to regenerative soil care.
  

• Transparent, time-based pricing—buy half-day (4-hour) or full-day (8-hour) packages, not vague “per-tree” estimates.
  

• Earth-first approach—100 % OMRI-listed inputs, onsite debris recycling, plus a tree delivered or donated with every package.
  

• Path-to-Success workforce—all employees training toward ISA Certified Arborist® credentials.
  

• State-of-the-art equipment—tracked lifts, mini loaders, modern chippers minimize turf damage and maximize safety.
  

• Seamless digital experience—AI receptionist, dedicated consultant, easy online booking & payment.
  

• Local stewardship with small-business care—responsive, relationship-driven service backed by professional standards.
  

13. How does your time-based pricing work?
Half Day Package = 4 crew-hours · Full Day Package = 8 crew-hours. The clock starts at crew arrival and stops at departure—you’re purchasing that block of time, skilled operators plus the specialized equipment that comes with the crew. Our team members are subject to applicable breaks as required by law. Keep in mind, we are human.
Note: If your Priority Task List cannot be finished within one block, you will need to purchase additional Half-Day or Full-Day packages. Some projects simply require more time to achieve the desired outcome.

14. Half-Day vs Full-Day—and why each is a “no-brainer”
Half-Day In the Canopy (4 hrs) — “Focused Fix”

• One large or two medium prunes, one small removal (≤ 12″ DBH), light storm clean-up, or a punch-list of minor tasks.

• No-brainer when: you have a tight budget, a concise scope, or want to “test-drive” our crew.

Full-Day In the Canopy (8 hrs) — “Max-Value Power-Day”

• Multi-tree pruning, large or multiple removals, combo work (pruning + removal + debris haul-off), or properties with difficult access that extend set-up time.

• No-brainer when: you need maximum progress in one mobilization and the lowest cost-per-crew-hour.

If your list exceeds one Full Day, booking two Full-Days upfront is often cheaper than adding them later. Your Sales Consultant will aim to set your needs up for success and help you process which package/s may be the best fit for your project to get started.

15. How many crew members and what equipment come with each package?
In the Canopy Package (3 Tree Stewards) → tracked aerial lift (CMC 72 HD+ or equivalent), mini loader, 12″ brush chipper, professional saws and gear.
In the Canopy Packages are ideal for tree pruning maintenance, tree removals, and debris clean up for trees over 20 feet height in areas with good equipment access. Trees without good equipment access or are very large, schedule an on-site consultation first.

Ground-Level Package (2 Tree Stewards) → chipper truck or dump trailer (whichever is available), professional cutting tools, 12 ft orchard ladder. (No aerial or heavy equipment.)
Ground-Level Packages are ideal for fruit tree and ornamental tree pruning, shrub pruning and removal, or small tree removal for trees under 20 feet tall. Choose these packages for expert care from the ground level.

16. Are any trees too large or too high-risk for you to handle?
Safety is non-negotiable. If size, condition, or surroundings exceed safe limits, we may omit that task or refer it to a crane/high-level climbing specialist. High-risk tree? Book an on-site assessment first.

17. What if my Priority Task List isn’t finished within the time I purchased?

• Purchase an additional package/s (the most predictable solution)
  
  Or
  

• Re-prioritize tasks on project day so the must-do items are completed first. Flag down your Crew Leader to see what options may be available that are reasonable within the allotted time. Some requests may not be realistic for our team, keep that in mind.
  Some projects simply need more hours to achieve your desired outcome—budget for extra packages if your list is extensive.

18. How do you handle power or utility lines?
We coordinate with your power company—dropping secondary lines or arranging clearance around primaries—before work begins to keep your property and our crew safe.

19. How will your equipment impact my lawn?
We use turf mats or plywood sheeting in high-traffic areas, run wide-track/wheel machines to spread weight, and stage heavy trucks on pavement whenever feasible. Minor ruts and craters may still occur—especially on wet or new turf—and lawn/landscape repair is not included.

20. How low will the stump be cut (without grinding)?
Most stumps are left ≈ 6 inches above grade. Tight quarters or large root flares may require a higher cut. Select our Stump Grinding add-on for a flush or below-grade finish.

21. What happens if there’s an equipment breakdown on site?

• Immediate evaluation of the malfunction.

• If we can repair/replace quickly and safely on site, we do so; at our sole discretion we decide if downtime materially affected your block, then continue.

• If not fixable on site, we reschedule unfinished work for the next available date. We apologize ahead of time for any inconvenience this may cause.

22. How does Custom Debris Removal work?
Choose at booking: have all debris hauled away or leave chips/logs neatly on site. Debris handling consumes crew-hours. If spotless cleanup is not finished within your block, you will need extra package time.
Our aim is to leave your property in the best condition as possible while respecting our package process time allocation.

23. What does the Crew Leader do for me?
Runs the safety briefing, directs workflow, positions equipment, protects turf & structures, keeps tasks on schedule, and is available for real-time updates or re-prioritization—please flag them from a safe distance.

24. What does the Tree Steward do for me?
Skilled arborists/equipment operators who may climb but primarily use the aerial lift, make proper cuts, run rigging, chainsaws, loaders, brush chippers, set turf protection, and follow strict safety protocols—turning your proposal into a safe, high-quality outcome. You may also find them grinding your stumps, delivering your Stewardship Trees, and performing Tree Health Care services.

25. How often should I prune my trees?
Young trees: every 1-3 yrs • Mature shade/ornamental: every 3-5 yrs • Fruit trees: annually • Storm-damaged/high-risk: as needed. Prune oaks & American Elms only November through March to prevent disease spread.

26. How do I know if my tree needs to be removed?
50 % die-back, large cavities/cracks, dangerous lean with root heaving, severe pests/disease (EAB, oak wilt, DED), root failure, or conflicts with structures. Schedule a consult if unsure.

27. What if branch die-back or new decline appears after pruning?
Trees are living organisms; decline can still occur. We cannot guarantee lifespan either pre or post pruning. Ongoing success may require additional Tree Health Care packages and good care practices or follow-up pruning to support recovery. Contact us if you observe new die-back.

28. What’s the goal of your Tree Health-Care packages?
To rebuild living soil, supply balanced minerals, and strengthen natural defenses using only inputs approved by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI).

29. What products are used?
🌿 Organic Nutrient Delivery Treatment – bioavailable mineral & carbon nutrition

• Monty’s Liquid Carbon (OMRI) – humic/fulvic acids loosen soil, hold moisture, unlock nutrients.

• Ocean Solution (OMRI) – deep-ocean water supplying 90 + ionic trace minerals.

🌱 Natural Tree & Soil Defender Treatment – living biology for resilience

• EM-1 Microbial Inoculant (OMRI) – beneficial microbes out-competing pathogens.

• MycoApply Endo/Ecto Mycorrhizae (OMRI) – symbiotic fungi expanding root reach.

• SeaCrop 16 Seaweed Extract (OMRI) – kelp-derived hormones, micronutrients, stress buffers.

• Beneficial Nematodes (OMRI, applied only when boring or soil-dwelling insects are present) – natural predators of pest larvae.

Our Applicator custom-blends products per soil test, species, season, and stress level—sometimes one input, sometimes a blend.

30. How are treatments applied?
Soil injection • Soil drench • Bark spray • Foliar spray—method chosen for best uptake and minimal drift.

31. How do I know which Tree Health-Care package is right for me?
Tree Protection Package — includes a professional soil test and one Organic Nutrient Delivery treatment for up to eight (8) trees.
Perfect when trees are healthy or only mildly stressed and need a once-per-season mineral+carbon boost.

Ecosystem Protection Package — begins with the same professional soil test and delivers two visits per growing season. Each visit may combine an Organic Nutrient Delivery Treatment and a Natural Tree & Soil Defender Treatment, plus one Air Spading/root-flare excavation w/ girdling root pruning for the selected trees, for up to eight (8) trees.
Designed for declining trees, pest pressure, compacted soils, or proactive owners who want the most biologically intensive care.

Both programs are no-brainers—they rebuild soil life, reduce chemical runoff, and strengthen canopy health, benefiting your trees and the planet. If lab results or site conditions show continued deficiencies, additional follow-up visits (extra packages) may be recommended to reach your desired outcome.
We recommend these packages annually.

32. What is Air Spading?
Compressed-air excavation exposes the root flare without injuring live roots; we prune girdling roots, break up compaction, then apply 2–3″ mulch around the base of the trunk area for moisture retention and a crisp look.

33. What if my tree doesn’t improve—or declines—after treatment?
Results depend on species, age, soil, and weather; no treatment guarantees survival or full recovery. Continued success needs proper watering, mulching, pruning, monitoring, and scheduled follow-ups. Call us if decline continues.

34. Is stump grinding included in a package?
No. Stump grinding is an add-on service quoted separately.

35. How are underground utilities handled for grinding?
We call public locates (Gopher State One Call or local 811). You must mark all private lines—irrigation, propane, lighting, dog fence, etc.—before grinding day.

36. What’s the goal of the Stewardship Tree process?
To replace more canopy than we remove and support local reforestation—each package delivers/plants or donates a hardy, region-appropriate tree.

37. How does the program work?
Every package earns one free tree delivered to your door (choose from four regional species) or donated through “Donate My Tree” to a community project we select.

38. When will my Stewardship Tree arrive?
Deliveries occur mid-May through mid-October at our convenience or could occur during the following growing season. A team member—or our automated system—will notify you several days before delivery.

39. What if I don’t want any of the species offered?
If you decline the species list, the tree automatically defaults to “Donate My Tree,” ensuring it is delivered and planted by a vetted partner where it benefits the ecosystem. We appreciate your understanding.