Tree Service in San Ygnacio, TX

San Ygnacio is the oldest town in Zapata County, and tree service here has to respect buildings that have stood for close to two hundred years. The town sits on the Rio Grande and U.S. Highway 83, about 30 miles south of Laredo and 14 miles northwest of Zapata. Settlers from Revilla, led by Jesús Treviño, founded it in 1830.

Trees and sandstone walls

The historic district holds 36 stone buildings in the style of old Revilla. Treviño's own home, known as Fort Treviño, was built of sandstone in 1830 and measures 100 by 140 feet. Old stone is easy to damage. When a tree grows close to a historic wall, we watch for:

• Limbs rubbing against cornices and roofs
• Roots lifting or pushing against foundations
• Leaves and debris clogging roof drains

Trimming near these buildings is done by hand, with branches lowered on ropes rather than dropped. If a tree must come out, we take it down in small pieces and grind the stump instead of pulling it, since pulling a root ball can disturb an old foundation.

Historic district rules

The San Ygnacio Historic District, which covers the area between the Rio Grande and US 83, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Restoration work there is supported by the River Pierce Foundation. If your property is in the district, check whether any review applies to work near the historic buildings before you start.

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Above the floods

The town has lived with its river. In 1951, when Falcon Dam was planned, residents petitioned to keep their land, arguing that the floods of 1865, 1885, 1899, 1900, 1932 and 1948 had never reached the townsite, and the request was granted. The great flood of 1954 did cause widespread damage. Trees along the river bank and draws below town tend to lean toward the water and can be undercut by high flows.

The sundial and the town's landmarks

José Villarreal placed a sundial at the Treviño home in 1851, and it still draws visitors. Trees growing over landmarks like it can shade them, drop debris and crowd them over time. Thoughtful trimming keeps them visible and protected.

Everyday tree work

Outside the district, homes in San Ygnacio need the same work as anywhere in the area: deadwood removal, palm trimming, clearing brush from lots and removing dead trees near houses.

Call (956) 633-2503 or send photos with the form, and tell us if your property is in the historic district.