What sets MD Tree Surgery apart in Northern Nevada tree care services?

A tree should never be topped!

On a quiet drive through Fallon, it’s impossible not to notice the towering cottonwoods and old elms that give our streets character and shade. Many of these trees have stood longer than the homes beneath them. Yet just as noticeable are the harsh cuts, the flat-topped crowns, and the stressed silhouettes that tell a different story—one of good intentions gone wrong. Too often, these trees were entrusted to someone calling themselves an “arborist,” without the education or credentials to truly earn that title.

The truth is simple and important for Fallon residents and business owners to understand: anyone can call themselves an arborist, but not everyone is one. A true arborist is educated, tested, and credentialed through an accredited organization such as the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Certification is not handed out lightly. You cannot even sit for the exam without a minimum of three years working under a Certified Arborist, and once certified, continuing education units (CEUs) are required to maintain that credential. This ensures ongoing learning, accountability, and adherence to industry best practices.

In the Lahontan Valley, one of the most damaging practices carried out by untrained operators is tree topping. It cannot be stressed enough: tree topping is the absolute worst thing you can do to a mature tree. It weakens structure, invites decay, and often leads to premature death. Sadly, many of Fallon’s beautiful old-growth trees have been irreversibly damaged this way—often due to greed, ignorance, or both. These losses don’t just affect individual properties; they diminish the character, safety, and value of our entire community.

This is where professional, science-based care makes all the difference. MD Tree Surgery brings decades of hands-on experience backed by education, proper equipment, and a deep understanding of tree biology and physiology. Trees are not just landscaping features—they are living assets that can quickly become liabilities if neglected or improperly maintained. Large cottonwood, elm, and poplar trees require precise, informed pruning and, when necessary, careful removal—never topping—to remain safe and healthy.

Beyond technique, safety is paramount. Professional arboriculture is about more than chainsaws and climbing gear; it’s about informed assessment and risk management. Work performed in compliance with ISA, TCIA, and ANSI Z133 safety standards protects not only the crew on site, but also your home, your business, and your family. From identifying structural defects to evaluating fall zones and traffic exposure, educated decision-making is what separates professionals from pretenders.

The team at MD Tree Surgery includes multiple ISA Certified Arborists and Qualified Power Line Clearance Arborists, with additional certifications in First Aid/CPR, aerial rescue, traffic flagging, aerial lift operation, and advanced safety protocols. With over 35 years of experience and vetted, highly trained employees, they are equipped to serve Fallon’s residential and commercial properties with services that include tree risk assessment, hazardous removals, precise pruning, improved aesthetic appeal, and increased overall property value.

Fallon deserves healthy, well-managed trees and honest professionals who respect both the science and the responsibility of tree care—so when the next cut is made on your property, will it be by someone who simply uses the title, or by MD Tree Surgery, a team that has truly earned it? Our favorite quote is from, Ben Franklin - "The bitterness of a poor-quality job , remains long after the sweetness of a low price is forgotten."