Expert Tree Removal and Pruning in Southern Maryland

Licensed & Insured | ISA Certified Arborist | TCIA Member

Customer Service + Safety + Passion + Integrity + Work Quality + Education = Value

Our Services

SOMD Tree has the knowledge, experience, equipment, and passion to take on all your tree care needs. We are a full-service tree service with years of experience in tree care. We follow all ANSI Z133 and OSHA safety rules and regulations. Based in Upper Marlboro, MD, we serve Prince George's County, Charles County, Calvert County, and parts of Anne Arundel County. Owner Troy Proctor has been climbing for over 10 years and has been a certified arborist for the past 7. We specialize in pruning and difficult tree removals. We work closely with you to discuss your objectives, develop a plan, communicate it, and then execute. Every step in the process is critical.

Tree Pruning

The first step is communication. We love to share our passion and educate people about their trees, showcasing true craftsmanship. Not all trees are the same, and they don’t all have the same needs. First, we discuss your objectives for pruning and determine the best approach to achieve your desired results.

Tree Removal

We may not be the cheapest, but we provide the best value. We don’t cut corners and pay close attention to detail, aiming to over-deliver. We love trees and understand their value, but there are times when a tree, instead of being an asset, becomes a liability—whether due to structural instability, decay, or disease. Sometimes, trees can simply become a nuisance.During the estimate, we ask why you want the tree removed, and in some cases, it's simply the customer’s preference. While trees offer many benefits, they also come with certain risks. There are several options to mitigate these risks, but sometimes the window for saving a tree has passed, and the customer may no longer want to take on any risk. With years of experience and training, we have a variety of techniques and tools to safely remove even the most difficult trees. We understand tree structure and strength, and in cases where trees are too weak or decayed to climb safely, we have solutions to manage those situations. We use rope and rigging systems to dismantle trees in a safe and controlled manner.

Plant Healthcare

Often, tree health is neglected until obvious signs of decline appear. Trees are living organisms with specific requirements for survival and growth. One of the most cost-effective actions you can take for your trees is mulching, as it offers numerous benefits. However, there are many other steps that can be taken to maintain tree health, and for trees in decline, there are ways to restore their health. In a forest, trees naturally drop leaves every year. These leaves break down and turn into organic matter, which not only reduces soil compaction but also provides vital nutrients to the tree. In many urban landscapes, however, the leaves are raked up and removed, depriving the trees of these benefits.Supplemental fertilization can improve tree health by enhancing growth, disease resistance, and nutrient uptake. Most trees aren’t killed by a single issue. More often, trees in poor health become vulnerable to secondary diseases and pests.

Tree Risk Assessment

Troy became ISA TRAQ (Tree Risk Assessment Qualified) in 2018 and continually stays updated on the latest research and technology in tree biomechanics. As we often say, "Lack of knowledge leads to fear." We can help you understand the risks associated with your trees and provide ways to mitigate those risks.Tree biomechanics, tree species characteristics, environmental factors such as drainage, wind patterns, soil types, and many other elements can affect your tree's stability and health. The first thing to understand is that while tree health and tree stability are interrelated, they are two separate factors. In some cases, a written report is required, particularly in critical areas where trees need prior authorization and must be assessed by a certified arborist. We can handle that for you.A Level 2 Tree Risk Assessment (the most common type) does have a cost. For more extensive testing, including specialized equipment and aerial inspections, we offer Level 3 Tree Risk Assessments.

Stump Grinding

We offer stump grinding as part of our tree removal service, allowing you to remove the stump and restore your lawn. If a tree was previously removed and you chose to leave the stump, but now want to have it ground, no problem. We can take care of that for you. To protect your property, we use protective shields that prevent rocks and debris from damaging cars, windows, house siding, and other areas. Additionally, we call 811 to contact utility companies and ensure that we don't hit any underground wires or pipes. In some cases, we subcontract stump grinding services to reputable companies with whom we've built strong relationships. We trust their quality of work and professionalism.

Cabling and Bracing

Codominant stems, poor branch attachment angles, overextended limbs, and split trunks are all conditions that may benefit from cabling and bracing. Many people have never heard of these techniques and the significant results they can provide at an affordable price. We follow ISA Best Management Practices and, in many cases, can retain trees with minimal risk, giving our customers peace of mind.

Land Clearing

We offer small acreage clearing.

Saw Mill

We are in the process of acquiring our own mill by the summer of 2025. Here’s some of the work we’ve done in the past. We also sell logs to the sawmill occasionally and can discuss how to maximize this, especially when clearing large tracts of land. Some tree species are more valuable than others, and there are specific cutting techniques that can help maximize your profits. While we are not foresters, we have significant experience, knowledge, and resources in this area.

Tree Planting and Design

Planting the right tree in the right place saves time and effort compared to trying to make a tree that isn’t suited for a specific environment thrive. Choosing quality trees is also essential, and it’s important to know where to source them and how to identify good quality. We assess your soil and amend it as needed to ensure optimal growth conditions.

Firewood

We offer premium seasoned hardwood. Place your order now to reserve your firewood.

<span>Firewood</span>

Pricing

We offer professional service at a great value. While we may not be the cheapest, we take the time to discuss pricing and the factors that can affect the cost. It's important to ensure you're comparing apples to apples. Things to consider include the use of ground protection mats, our licensing and insurance, and options such as whether you want to keep the wood or not have the stump grindings hauled away. All of these factors impact the price, and we provide a fair price that reflects the value we deliver.

<span>Pricing</span>

Contact us today.

© All rights reserved.