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10 Best Tree Removal Companies in Des Moines, IA

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Written By Max Peterson

Last Updated June 2024

Leaning or overgrown trees pose risks to you and your property, from knocking down power lines to collapsing onto your home. You might find yourself on the fence about tree removal, but luckily, there are many local professionals who can help. The top tree removal companies in Des Moines, as identified by the Today's Homeowner team, are ready to help you carefully take down trees that are hazardous or bothersome.

We've compiled a list of the top tree removal companies in Des Moines. When it comes to dealing with hazardous or uncontrolled trees around your home, these service providers offer reliable and fairly priced options.

Top 10 Best Tree Removal Companies in Des Moines

Ken's Tree Service or Kens Tree Care

Ken's Tree Service or Kens Tree Care Logo

Our Rating

User Rating

3922 67th St, Urbandale, IA 50322 (515) 249-4434 kenstreecaredsm.com

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Free quote

Services Offered

Trimming and pruning
Tree removal
Emergency services
Crane tree removal
Stump grinding and removal

CRO Outdoor Services

CRO Outdoor Services Logo

Our Rating

User Rating

2109 9th St SW, Altoona, IA 50009 (515) 240-9881 crotreeservices.com

Reliable customer support

Free quote

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Planting
Trimming and pruning
Cabling and bracing
Tree removal

Family Tree Care

Family Tree Care Logo

Our Rating

User Rating

7584 Hickman Rd, Windsor Heights, IA 50324 (515) 278-5200 familytreecarellc.com

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Emergency services
Tree removal
Cabling and bracing
Disease care
Stump grinding and removal

Young's Tree Service

Young's Tree Service Logo

Our Rating

User Rating

2520 NE 52nd Ct #7048, Des Moines, IA 50317 (515) 266-5035 youngstreecare.com

Free quote

Prompt service delivery

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Tree removal
Trimming and pruning

Dump That Stump LLC

Dump That Stump LLC Logo

Our Rating

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5025 NW 55th Ave, Johnston, IA 50131 (515) 681-5929 dump-that-stump.com

Free quote

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Stump grinding and removal
Tree removal

Stump Grinding Iowa

Stump Grinding Iowa Logo

Our Rating

User Rating

2553 NW 152nd St, Clive, IA 50325 (563) 505-5598 stumpgrindingiowa.com

Free quote

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Tree removal
Stump grinding and removal
Planting

XTreme Tree Inc

XTreme Tree Inc Logo

Our Rating

User Rating

36656 N Avenue, De Soto, IA 50069 (515) 802-4638 xtremetreeinc.com

Reliable customer support

Free quote

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Trimming and pruning
Disease care
Risk assessment
Stump grinding and removal
Planting
Emergency services
Tree removal

Haan Services LLC

Haan Services LLC Logo

Our Rating

User Rating

915 Van Fleet St, Kelley, IA 50134 (515) 720-7081 haanservicesllc.com

Prompt service delivery

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Free quote

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Trimming and pruning
Tree removal
Stump grinding and removal
Lot clearing

Adel Tree

Adel Tree Logo

Our Rating

User Rating

32415 K Ave, Adel, IA 50003 (515) 993-4056 adeltree.com

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Cabling and bracing
Lot clearing
Stump grinding and removal
Tree removal
Planting

Weiss Tree Service

Weiss Tree Service Logo

Our Rating

User Rating

566th Ave, Ames, IA 50010 (515) 441-2988 weisstreeservice.com

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Free quote

Services Offered

Tree removal
Stump grinding and removal
Cabling and bracing
Emergency services
Disease care
Planting
Crane tree removal
Today's Homeowner Ranking Methodology

Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on tree removal companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:

  • Company Experience
  • Real User Reviews
  • Company Reputation
  • Accreditations and Licenses
  • Service Area
  • Customer Service
Have questions about our methodology or company ratings? Reach out to FindAPro@TodaysHomeowner.com.

How Much Does Tree Removal Cost in Des Moines?

Tree removal costs vary based on several factors including tree size, convenience and security of access, and the number of trees that need to be removed. In Des Moines, homeowners pay around $567 for tree removal services, with prices usually running from $218 to $899.

If you find sudden damage to a tree near your home, such as after a severe storm, an accident, or any other major event, you will be in need of emergency tree removal services if that tree poses an immediate danger. Homeowners in Des Moines pay an average of $848 for emergency tree removal.

Signs That a Tree Needs to Be Removed

In Des Moines, there are many aging trees that are more susceptible to general wear and tear, disease, and damage. Common indications that a tree needs removal include:

  • Rot , dead branches , missing bark or leaves , and other signs of decay
  • Fungus or mold
  • Cracks in the trunk , especially deep cracks
  • Cracking between branches , especially large heavy ones
  • The trunk branches off in different directions into multiple large , heavy branches

Trees that lean or have raised dirt around the base are at an elevated risk of falling. If you see any of these signs, have the tree evaluated immediately. You may also need to have a tree assessed if it’s growing too close to your home or to utility lines — many communities and utility companies have their own rules for how close a tree can get.

Do Tree Removal Companies Need to be Licensed in Iowa?

Iowa does not have specific licensing requirements for tree removal companies, but it’s important to check with your local municipal government to ensure your provider meets the requirements in your area. Always look for a legitimate business that has workers compensation and liability insurance. You may feel more at ease entrusting your tree removal needs to a licensed general contractor. An individual can also become a licensed arborist through the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). While not required, this certification indicates that an individual is trained in all aspects of arboriculture and follows the ISA’s code of ethics. You can search for a licensed arborist or verify credentials on the ISA’s search tool.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tree Removal in Des Moines, IA

In Des Moines, stump removal costs about $176. Based on the size of the stump and removal difficulty, this price can range from $202 to $325. Since not every tree removal company offers stump grinding or removal, verify that your preferred provider offers these services before signing a contract.

In Des Moines, you'll typically see trees such as the eastern cottonwood, honeylocust, and the American elm. Trees in this region are 46 feet tall on average and have an average age of 69 years.

In many cities, even if you own your property, you must get a permit to remove a tree. Consult with a tree removal professional near you to help you understand zoning regulations in your area and get a permit.

You can keep your trees healthy by regularly trimming overgrown or dead branches, keeping heavy lawn equipment or vehicles away from the roots, and topping up the soil around the base if it starts to erode. If pests are ruining your trees, think about pest control services.

Yes, you should stay at your residence during tree removal. Your tree removal specialist may have questions, and being present lets you show them exactly which trees need to be removed, giving you peace of mind that the job is being done safely and accurately. If a tree is very close to your house, your provider may ask everyone to stand outside while the tree is being removed.

Usually, you can keep the wood from trees that are cut down on your property, but consult with your tree removal expert first. If you'd rather get rid of the wood, talk to your removal company to see if they provide those services, or get in touch with your local waste management authority for help. Avoid leaving cut trees sitting in your yard and don't store cut wood against your home — both can result in a pest infestation.