Tree removal · Iowa City, IA
We provide full-service tree removal and trimming throughout Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, and Tiffin.
Get my free quoteTrees in Iowa City take a beating from our weather. The August 2020 derecho hit us with 140 mph winds and changed the landscape overnight. Before that, the 1998 derecho knocked a freight train off its tracks into the Iowa River. We also see severe storms every summer and ice storms in winter. When a tree comes down on your property or starts leaning toward your house, you need someone who can handle it safely and fast.
Our humid continental climate means trees grow well here, but they also require regular care. We get about 37 inches of rain spread through the year, with hot humid summers reaching the mid-80s and cold winters that drop to the teens. The soil around Iowa City is fertile Mollisol, which supports strong root systems, but that also means roots can push into foundations, driveways, and sewer lines if trees are planted too close to structures.
We work throughout Iowa City and Johnson County, from the older neighborhoods like Longfellow and Goosetown near downtown to newer developments like Windsor Ridge on the east side and Galway Hills out west. Most homes in the historic areas date back to the 1910s through 1940s, so mature trees are common. We handle everything from routine trimming to emergency removals after storm damage.
We remove trees of any size, whether they're dead, damaged, or just in the wrong spot. Our crew uses ropes and rigging to bring down trees in tight spaces without damaging your property.
When a tree falls on your house or blocks your driveway, we respond quickly to clear the damage and make things safe. We've handled cleanup after multiple derechos and know how to work efficiently when you're in a tough spot.
After we take down a tree, we grind the stump below ground level so you can plant grass or build over the area. Our grinder handles stumps of all sizes and gets the job done in one visit.
Regular trimming keeps trees healthy and prevents branches from hitting your roof or power lines. We remove dead wood, thin out crowded branches, and shape trees to improve their structure.
If you're building or just need to clear overgrown land, we take out unwanted trees and brush to give you a clean slate. We haul everything away and leave your property ready for the next step.
For especially large or hazardous trees, we bring in crane equipment to lift sections safely over your house and property. This method is faster and often safer when there's no room for a tree to fall naturally.
After years of working through derechos, ice storms, and summer wind events, we understand which trees are at risk and how to handle storm-damaged wood safely. Our crew has seen it all and knows how to protect your property during removal.
Tree work is dangerous, and we carry the insurance and equipment to do it right. We handle everything from climbing and rigging to crane work, and our crew follows safety protocols on every job.
When we finish a job, your yard looks clean. We haul away all wood and debris, rake up smaller branches, and leave your property in better shape than we found it.
We come out to look at the job, give you a clear explanation of what needs to happen, and provide a written estimate with no hidden fees. You'll know exactly what you're paying before we start.
Iowa City sits along the Iowa River in eastern Iowa, about 60 miles west of the Quad Cities. Our humid continental climate brings hot summers, cold winters, and an average of 37 inches of precipitation each year, with another 28 inches of snow. Trees here face severe weather regularly. The August 2020 derecho produced winds up to 140 mph and caused billions in damage across the state, with Cedar Rapids and Iowa City hit especially hard. The June 1998 derecho recorded a 123 mph wind gust in nearby Washington and flipped train cars into the Iowa River in Iowa City. Derechos happen in Iowa every one to two years on average, and the April 2006 tornado outbreak included a tornado that tore through Iowa City itself. These storms take down mature trees and create hazards that need immediate attention.
Most homes in neighborhoods like Longfellow, Goosetown, and College Hill were built between the 1910s and 1940s, so you'll find large old trees with roots that can damage foundations and sewer lines. Newer areas like Windsor Ridge and Galway Hills were developed in the 1990s and early 2000s with younger trees that still need occasional trimming. The city has eight historic districts and five conservation districts where tree work may require permits, especially if you're in Brown Street, Northside, or Summit Street areas. Check with the city before removing trees in these zones. Our fertile Mollisol soil helps trees grow strong, but it also makes root systems aggressive, so plan carefully when planting near structures.
Most tree removals in Iowa City typically run between $500 and $2,500, depending on the size and location of the tree. A small tree under 30 feet in an open yard might cost $400 to $800, while a large oak or cottonwood near your house can run $1,500 to $4,000 or more. Stump grinding typically adds $100 to $400 depending on diameter. Emergency work after storms costs more because crews are working long hours and demand is high. Factors that change the price include tree height, trunk diameter, proximity to structures or power lines, access for equipment, and how many trees you need removed at once. We always provide a written estimate before starting any work.
Based around Iowa City, IA, we also take jobs in these nearby towns. Put your town on the form and we will tell you right away if we can help.
It depends on where you live. If your property is in one of the eight historic districts or five conservation districts, you may need city approval before removing certain trees. Areas like Brown Street, Northside, Longfellow, and Goosetown have stricter rules. We recommend checking with the city planning department before scheduling removal in older neighborhoods.
A large tree typically costs between $1,500 and $4,000 to remove, depending on its size and location. Trees near houses, over driveways, or close to power lines take more time and equipment, which increases the price. We provide free estimates so you know the exact cost before we start.
Yes, we handle trees in difficult locations regularly. For trees near structures, we use ropes and rigging to lower sections safely. If the tree is tangled in power lines, we coordinate with the utility company to de-energize the lines first, or they may handle that portion of the removal.
For emergencies like a tree on your house or blocking your driveway, we prioritize getting a crew out as fast as possible, often within hours if we have availability. After major storms like the 2020 derecho, response times stretch longer because of high demand, but we work through the backlog as quickly as we can.
We typically haul all the wood and debris away as part of the job. If you want to keep firewood, let us know and we can cut logs to length and stack them for you. Otherwise, we chip smaller branches and take the logs to be processed.
A leaning tree can be a serious hazard, especially with our frequent wind storms. If the lean is recent or getting worse, the tree may have root damage and could fall during the next storm. We'll come take a look and give you an honest assessment of the risk.
Tell us what you need and where. We usually reply within one business day. A photo helps us give you a faster, more accurate quote.
No obligation and no pressure.
IOWA CITY