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.

Take a look at the information below or visit these sites to help find a professional arborist:

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

List of Tree Care and Removal Contractors

We have compiled a list of contractors who perform tree care and removal in the Minnetonka area. 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.isa-msa.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 2007.

Aaspen Tree Service
952.476.1373
970 Wayzata Blvd. West.
Wayzata, MN 55391
Central Minnesota Tree Services
763.574.2051
480 Rice Creek Boulevard
Fridley, MN 55432
Chads Tree Care, Inc
952.937.2182 or 1.800.CUT.TREE
8140 Marsh Drive
Chanhassen, MN 55317
Cut Above Wood Company
612.865.2032
8520 Great Plains Blvd.
Chanhassen, MN 55317
Davey Tree Expert Company
763.553.9740
2500 Fernbrook Lane
Plymouth, MN 55447
Emery’s Tree Service
952.955.1848
P.O. Box 196
Delano, MN 55328
Four Seasons Tree Service *
952.938.7708
32 10th Avenue South Suite 213
Hopkins, MN 55343
KC Groves Tree Experts
612.927.6485
3210 West 49th Street
Minneapolis, MN 55410
Legacy Treecare *
763.428.7381
21315 Valleyview Terrace
Maple Grove, MN 55311
Majestic Tree Care, Inc. *
612.522.3210
4247 Queen Ave North
Minneapolis, MN 55412
Northeast Tree Care, Inc *
612.789.9255
2527 Jackson St NE
Minneapolis, MN 55418
Ostvig Tree, Inc *
952.473.0534
1161 E. Wayzata Blvd, #311
Wayzata, MN 55391
Other Guy Tree Care, Inc *
612.735.9977
9600 28th Avenue North
Plymouth, MN 55441
Precision Landscape and Tree, Inc *
651.484.2726
50 South Owasso Blvd
Little Canada, MN 55117
Rainbow Tree Care *
952.922.3810
2239 Edgewood Avenue S
St. Louis Park, MN 55426
Ryan’s Tree Care, LLC.
612.363.1942
P.O. Box 737
Wayzata, MN 55391
Ryan Tree and Landscape Service, Inc
612.242.7050 or 1.800.844.7926
17975 235th Ave
Pierz, MN 56364
S & S Tree and Horticultural Specialists * +
651.451.8907
405 Hardman Avenue S
South St. Paul, MN 55075
Shadywood Tree Experts *
952.933.0614
17671 Southridge Court
Minnetonka, MN 55345
Shorewood Tree Service
952.955.3018
14015 County Road 122
Watertown, MN 55388
Tall Timber Tree Experts, Inc.
952.472.8733
P.O. Box 836
Wayzata, MN 55391
Top Notch Tree Care *
763.253.8733
5505 North Highway 169
Plymouth, MN 55442
Tree Top Clearing, Inc.
763.972.3988
4683 65th St SE
Delano, MN 55328
Viking Land Tree Care, Inc
952.474.6651
716 Northwood Drive
Delano, MN 55328
Western Tree Service
763.536.8295
14907 TTT Road
Paynesville, MN 56362

* 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