The common questions.
Pricing, why we never top, permits, storm emergencies, insurance, diagnosing a sick tree, and the right season to prune — sorted before you call.
It depends on the tree’s size, health, location, and what access we have. Small pruning jobs start around $400 and removals around $650; large or hazardous removals run higher. Every job gets a free on-site assessment and a written, fixed quote before any climbing begins — the number we say is the number you pay.
No — we never top trees. Topping (cutting branches back to stubs) starves the tree, invites decay, and forces weak, dangerous regrowth. To reduce size we use crown reduction: cutting back to a proper lateral branch following ANSI A300 standards, which is healthier, safer, and looks far better.
Often, yes. The City of Portland regulates many trees by size and location, and removal can require a permit and sometimes replanting. As ISA Certified Arborists we handle the assessment, write the arborist report the city asks for, and help you through the permit so you’re not navigating it alone.
Yes. We run a 24/7 storm and emergency line and our metro response window is under two hours for hazards like trees on structures, blocked drives, or hanging limbs. Call the storm number, keep people clear of the area, and stay away from any tree touching a power line — we coordinate with the utility for those.
Frequently, when a tree damages a covered structure. We document the scene with photos, provide an itemized scope your adjuster can work from, and can speak to them directly. We’re happy to bill in a way that fits your claim, and we put our certificate of insurance on file for you.
Often, if we catch it in time. Thinning canopy, off-season leaf drop, fungus, or boring holes all have causes a certified arborist can diagnose on-site. Many trees respond to treatment, deep-root fertilization, or corrective pruning. Sometimes the honest answer is removal — and we’ll tell you that too.
For most deciduous trees, the dormant season (late fall through late winter) is ideal — the structure is visible and the tree heals cleanly. There are exceptions: avoid pruning oaks and elms in spring/summer due to beetle-spread disease, and prune spring-bloomers right after they flower. Dead, damaged, or hazardous limbs can come off any time.
Completely. We chip and haul the brush, rake the lawn, and blow the driveway clean. You can keep the wood chips for mulch at no charge, or we take everything — your call. Our standard is that you shouldn’t be able to tell we were there, except the tree looks better.