Hiring a tree care professional

Treat your trees to a professional arborist

A father hold his daughter up so she can touch the leaves on a tree.

Trees are an investment, which is important to keep in mind when hiring an arborist to trim and/or remove trees. Strategically planted trees can save on heating and cooling costs, reduce storm water runoff, attract birds, and add value to your home. If you are a homeowner with trees—and if you live in Minnetonka, chances are that includes you—take a moment to review these tips about hiring a tree care company.

Think about the health and biology of the tree.

Ask if a certified arborist will be overseeing the pruning work. Although the title of certified arborist does not always guarantee high quality, it does indicate a level of professionalism in the tree care industry. Membership in professional organizations demonstrates a willingness on the part of the arborist to stay up-to-date on the latest techniques and information. The following is a list of some professional organizations.

Think about safety and the risk of potential damage during tree work.
The city of Minnetonka does not require tree companies to be licensed to work in the city. Ask for certificates of insurance, including proof of liability for personal and property damage (your property and your neighbor’s) and workers’ compensation. Then phone the insurance company to make certain the policy is current. Under some circumstances, you can be held financially responsible if an uninsured worker is hurt on your property or damage is done to your neighbor’s property!
Consider where the company is located.

Beware of individuals who go door-to-door and offer bargains for performing tree work, especially if they are not based in the metro area. Most reputable companies are too busy to solicit work in this manner. Improper tree care can take many years to correct and may negatively affect the health of the tree or cause it to decline. The city of Minnetonka requires anyone soliciting door-to-door to acquire a permit from the city.

You might also check the phone directory yellow pages under “Trees, Tree Service, or Tree Care Service”. Although anyone can list themselves in the yellow pages, a listing at least indicates some degree of permanence.

Ask for local references—other jobs the company or individual has done.
Take a look at some and if possible talk to the former client. Experience, education, and a good reputation are signs of a good arborist.
Get more than one written estimate.
Require full details of the work and costs of any additional work that may be necessary. Two or more opinions and written cost estimates are worth your time and efforts. Usually, estimates are free, but expect to pay a fee and always ask before setting the appointment. Never be pressured or rushed into accepting work by apparent bargains. Never pay in advance.
A good arborist or tree care professional will:
  • Offer a wide range of services, including pruning, removal, fertilizing, cabling/bracing, pest control and others, not just tree removal.
  • Never use climbing spikes on a healthy tree unless it is being removed from the landscape.
  • Never recommend topping a tree. They will only recommend corrective pruning, such as drop-crotch pruning, after severe damage to the crown. Decorative pruning, such as pollarding or espalier, should begin on a young tree and be continued on a regular basis.
  • Never be eager to remove a healthy, living tree. Removal should be the last resort.

For more information, call the city of Minnetonka natural resources division at 952.988.8400.

Take a look at the information below to help find a professional arborist:

List of Tree Care and Removal Contractors

We have compiled a list of contractors who perform tree care and removal in the Minnetonka area. Contractors who employ certified arborists are denoted with an asterisk. There are many other contractors listed in the Yellow Pages Telephone Directory listed under “Tree Service.” Additionally, you may reference the Minnesota Society of Arboriculture list of certified arborists: www.msa-live.org/.

These are not recommendations, and the City of Minnetonka will not assume responsibility for any disputes/damages arising from your selection. We recommend you get 2–3 written estimates before performing work. The following companies have submitted proof of liability and/or workman’s compensation insurance as of May 5, 2010.

Notes

* Denotes contractor has one or more certified arborists on staff

+ Denotes the company who has a contract with the city to remove public trees and noncompliant private property removals

Aaspen Tree Service *
952.476.1373
970 Wayzata Blvd. West.
Wayzata, MN 55391
Bartlett Tree Experts: Top Notch Tree Care Division *
763.253.8733
5505 North Highway 169
Plymouth, MN 55442
Central Minnesota Tree Service *
763.574.2051
480 Rice Creek Boulevard
Fridley, MN 55432
1-800-CUT-TREE or Chad’s Tree Care, Inc
952.937.2182
8140 Marsh Drive
Chanhassen, MN 55317
Crystal Tree Service *
763.537.2780
1000 Ladyslipper Lane NE
Hanover, MN 55341
Cut Above Wood Company
612.865.2032
8520 Waters Edge Dr
Chanhassen, MN 55317
Davey Tree Expert Company *
763.553.9740
2500 Fernbrook Lane
Plymouth, MN 55447
Eagle Tree Service
763.504.9516
8637 225th Ave NW
Nowthen, MN 55330
Emery’s Tree Service *
952.955.1848
P.O. Box 196
Delano, MN 55328
Enchanted Forests, Inc.
612.747.0031
22846 Baseline Blvd
Jordan, MN 55352
Four Seasons Tree Service *
952.938.7708
32 10th Avenue S
Suite 213
Hopkins, MN 55343
KC Groves Tree Experts *
612.927.6485
3210 West 49th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55410
Landberg’s Tree Service, Inc.
612.581.9084
715 Nelson Road
Maple Plain, MN 55359
Legacy Treecare *
763.428.7381
21315 Valleyview Terrace
Maple Grove, MN 55311
Les Todd
612.716.8009
5880 Hillendale St
Excelsior, MN 55331
Majestic Tree Care, Inc. *
612.522.3210
4247 Queen Ave North
Minneapolis, MN 55412
Minnesota Tree Surgeons, LLC *
612.216.1767
PO Box 1038
Delano, MN 55328
Nature’s Best Tree Care *
952.412.3859
8817 W 35th St #310
St louis Park, MN 55426
Neiberger’ Superior Tree Care, Inc. *
952.470.8733
3508 Lowell St
Minnetonka, MN 55391
Northeast Tree Care, Inc *
612.789.9255
2527 Jackson St NE
Minneapolis, MN 55418
Ostvig Tree, Inc *
763.479.4090
1161 E. Wayzata Blvd, #311
Wayzata, MN 55391
Precision Landscape and Tree, Inc *
651.484.2726
50 South Owasso Blvd E
Little Canada, MN 55117
Rainbow Tree Care *
952.252.0530
11571 K-Tel Drive
Minnetonka, MN 55343
Ryan’s Tree Care, LLC. *
952.303.5500
P.O. Box 737
Wayzata, MN 55391
S & S Tree and Horticultural Specialists *
651.451.8907
405 Hardman Avenue S
South St. Paul, MN 55075
Schmidt’s 4 Season Service, Inc.
952.470.1832
2700 Chesmar Farm Road
Exelsior, MN 55331
Shadywood Tree Experts *
952.933.0614
4336 Shady Oak Road
Minnetonka, MN 55343
Shorewood Tree Service, LLC
952.955.3018
14015 County Road 122
Watertown, MN 55388
Stumpf’s Tree Service
1.320.745.2225
21854 King Rd
Pierz, MN 55364
Treecare Incorporated * +
612.719.8733
PO Box 358
Shorewood, MN 55331
Treehugger Tree Care, Inc. *
612.272.7201
3830 Colfax Ave N
Minneapolis, MN 55412
Tree Top Clearing, Inc. *
763.972.3988
4683 65th St SE
Delano, MN 55328
Urban Foresters *
763.566.0722
4656 Hillsboro Ave N
New Hope, MN 55428
Viking Land Tree Care, Inc. *
952.474.6651
716 Northwood Drive
Delano, MN 55328
Western Tree Service *
763.536.8295
23712 150th Street
Paynesville, MN 56362