Questions we hear every week.

Every tree is different — size, access, and what's underneath all change the price, so there's no flat rate. The honest answer is that it takes eyes on the tree. Ryan gives free estimates, and you'll know the number before any work starts. Call (570) 620-7631.

Yes. Ryan gives free estimates on all jobs. He comes out to look at the tree in person and gives you a real number — for land clearing and larger commercial jobs, he schedules a site visit to assess the full scope. No charge either way.

Yes. Gouger's Tree Care operates as Gougers Tree Care Inc., a PA-registered Home Improvement Contractor (HIC #PA178687), and is licensed and insured. Certificate of insurance available on request — just ask.

Gouger's Tree Care serves communities across Monroe County, Carbon County, and the Poconos — including Saylorsburg, Stroudsburg, East Stroudsburg, Brodheadsville, Kunkletown, Effort, Palmerton, Pocono Pines, and more. If you're not sure whether your address falls in the service area, call (570) 620-7631 and ask.

Yes. Gouger's Tree Care handles storm emergency calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If a tree has fallen on your house or property and you need someone now, call (570) 620-7631. Ryan answers.

Cleanup is included on every job. The crew removes all cut wood, branches, and debris — or leaves chips and firewood if you want them. Kate Benner put it plainly after her removal job: 'They didn't leave so much as a leaf on the ground.' That is the standard on every job.

Yes. If you want wood chips left for mulch or firewood stacked for your use, just say so. Ryan's crew will accommodate that. If you'd rather have everything hauled away, they handle that too.

Gouger's Tree Care uses equipment mats on all heavy equipment to protect your grass. Ryan posted about it directly: 'Our equipment mats leave the yard unscathed.' Another post: 'Beautiful grass stays beautiful when we come through.' It's a standard part of the job, not an extra.

Most residential tree removal jobs are done in a single day. A single medium-to-large tree often takes 2 to 4 hours from arrival to cleanup. A multi-tree job with tight access may take a full day. Ryan will give you a time estimate along with the cost estimate.

Yes. Gouger's Tree Care carries full climbing, roping, and rigging capability for jobs where the bucket truck or crane can't get in. Ryan has posted about multiple tight-access jobs — including 9-tree lots in close quarters and trees over structures. 'No access no problem' is not a slogan; it's what the crew does.

In Pennsylvania, if a healthy tree falls and damages your property, you generally bear the cost even though the tree originated on your neighbor's land. If you had previously notified your neighbor in writing that their tree was dead or diseased and posed a risk, they may be liable. This is a legal question — for anything involving a dispute, talk to an attorney. For the tree work itself, call Ryan.

It depends on where your property is. Pennsylvania has no statewide permit for removing a tree on your own property — the rules are set municipality by municipality, and many townships across Monroe and Carbon County don't require a residential permit at all. Where a permit does apply, it's usually for a street tree (one in the public right-of-way) or a property in a historic or conservation district. Because Gouger's Tree Care works across two counties and more than a dozen townships and boroughs, the safest move is to check with your specific township or borough before removal — or just ask Ryan, who can point you to the right office for your address.

Pennsylvania homeowners insurance typically covers tree removal if the tree falls on and damages a covered structure — like your house, garage, or fence. Coverage for debris removal (the tree itself) is usually capped at $500 to $1,000. If the tree falls in your yard without hitting anything, most policies don't cover removal. Document everything with photos before cleanup starts.

Yes. Gouger's Tree Care has worked directly with homeowners facing insurance company pressure to trim or remove trees to maintain coverage. Ryan's crew handles the work and can help make sure you have what you need to satisfy your carrier's requirements. Call (570) 620-7631 to discuss your situation.

For most deciduous trees, the dormant season — roughly late fall through late winter, before spring growth — is the best time to trim: the branch structure is easy to read and pest and disease pressure is low, which Penn State Extension recommends. A couple of exceptions matter: oaks should be pruned only in the cold months (about December through March) to avoid oak wilt, and spring-flowering trees are pruned right after they bloom. Dead or hazard limbs come off any time — you don't wait on a safety issue.

Winter is the slower season for tree work, so there's often more flexibility on scheduling. Frozen ground also means easier equipment access and less lawn damage. If you have a tree you know needs to come down and it's not an emergency, winter is worth a call.

Yes. Gouger's Tree Care handles commercial properties, HOAs, municipal grounds, and larger-scale work. The crew has done tree work at the West End Fair grounds in Monroe County. For commercial jobs, Ryan schedules a site visit to assess the scope and give a written estimate. Call (570) 620-7631.

Call Gouger's Tree Care at (570) 620-7631 — Ryan answers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Gouger's Tree Care provides emergency storm damage response throughout Monroe County and the Poconos including Saylorsburg, Brodheadsville, Kunkletown, and surrounding areas. If a tree has fallen on your house or is blocking your driveway, call immediately.

For most residential jobs, stump grinding is the better value. Grinding takes the stump down to roughly 6 to 12 inches below grade, which is enough for replanting or restoring the lawn, and it's less labor-intensive than digging out the whole root ball. Full stump removal pulls the entire root system and is a bigger job. If you're not sure which you need, Ryan can tell you on a free estimate — call (570) 620-7631.

Yes. Gouger's Tree Care operates as Gougers Tree Care Inc., registered with the PA Attorney General as a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC #PA178687), and carries appropriate insurance coverage. Certificate of insurance available on request — call (570) 620-7631.

No — ISA arborist certification is a professional credential, not a PA state licensing requirement for tree removal. Pennsylvania requires tree service companies to hold a Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) license for residential home-improvement work. Gouger's Tree Care holds HIC #PA178687 and is licensed and insured. If your project requires a certified arborist for a municipal or HOA requirement, Ryan can advise on what is needed.