Professional Tree Pruning in Des Moines

Des Moines Tree Pruning Services

Des Moines' trees are a vital part of our city's charm, and since 1960, Arbor Masters has been dedicated to maintaining the city’s urban forest with expert care.

Our ISA Certified Arborists offer a range of pruning services to keep your trees healthy, beautiful, and strong:

Standard Pruning: Balanced Maintenance

Our Standard Pruning service combines proactive care – removing dead, diseased, or broken branches – with selective thinning to improve light, airflow, and canopy balance, supporting the tree’s natural structure and long-term health.

Focus Areas:

Removing dead, diseased, or broken branches, improving light and airflow through selective branch reduction, and promoting a balanced, healthy canopy.

Ideal For:

Regular maintenance of healthy trees to ensure long-term vitality, resilience, and beauty.

Standard
Structural Pruning: Building a Strong Foundation

Young trees benefit from early guidance to develop a strong, stable structure. Our Structural Pruning service focuses on influencing the orientation, spacing, and attachment strength of branches, setting the tree up for a lifetime of healthy growth.

Focus Areas:

Encouraging strong branch attachments, preventing future structural issues, and promoting a balanced canopy.

Ideal For:

Young trees or trees with developing structural concerns.

Structural
Priority Pruning: Protecting Tree Health

When a tree is threatened by disease, infestation, or damage, timely action is critical. Our Priority Pruning service focuses on removing large infected or compromised branches before the issue spreads to the main stem. This proactive approach helps preserve the tree’s structural integrity and longevity.

Focus Areas:

Removing diseased, infested, or broken branches, combined with directional pruning to guide healthy growth.

Ideal For:

Trees showing signs of disease, pest infestation, or storm damage.

Priority
Restoration Pruning: Healing Past Trauma

Trees that have been storm damaged, over-pruned, or otherwise harmed need careful attention to recover their natural form and vitality. Our Restoration Pruning service helps redevelop the tree’s structure, form, and appearance, allowing it to regain its strength and beauty.

Focus Areas:

Rebuilding a balanced canopy, encouraging healthy new growth, and restoring the tree’s natural shape.

Ideal For:

Trees that have been improperly pruned, topped, or damaged by storms or construction.

Restoration
Retrenchment Pruning: Managing Decline

As trees age or face environmental stressors, their crowns may begin to decline. Our Retrenchment Pruning service involves a gradual reduction process to manage this decline, ensuring the tree remains stable and healthy over time.

Focus Areas:

Reducing crown size in stages to alleviate stress on the tree, improving structural stability and promoting new growth.

Ideal For:

Mature trees showing signs of crown decline or reduced vigor.

Retrenchment
Sanitation Pruning: Preventing Spread of Issues

Diseases and pests can quickly compromise a tree’s health. Our Sanitation Pruning service removes branches infested with insects or disease pathogens, preventing further spread and promoting a healthier tree.

Focus Areas:

Removing infected or infested branches, improving airflow, and reducing the risk of disease transmission.

Ideal For:

Trees affected by pests, fungal infections, or bacterial diseases.

Sanitation
Specified Pruning: Tailored to Your Tree’s Needs

Every tree is unique, and sometimes a custom approach is needed. Our Specified Pruning service allows for detailed, customized plans that address the specific requirements of your tree and its environment.

Focus Areas:

Creating a tailored pruning plan based on the tree’s species, history, and surroundings.

Ideal For:

Trees with unique challenges or specific landscape requirements.

Specified
Two arborists from Arbor Masters pruning a tree.
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Professional, Easy to Work with, and Clean

"Excellent company to work with! From the start, Josh was responding right away and was great to talk to. Got an estimate quickly. We were informed when the crew would come – within a two-week time frame. The crew (with Ryan in charge) was on time, professional, easy to work with, and clean. "

Jeff Johnston

Why Des Moines Trusts Arbor Masters

At Arbor Masters, tree care isn’t just our job – it’s our craft. We combine expert knowledge with a genuine respect for trees and the landscapes they shape. Whether we’re pruning a single limb or managing a multi-acre canopy, our focus is always the same: doing what’s best for the tree – and for you.

Vitality-Focused Pruning

Every decision we make starts with your tree’s health. We consider its natural growth patterns, species-specific needs, and the environment it’s growing in to ensure we’re supporting long-term vitality – not just a quick visual fix.

Customized Care

No two trees – or properties – are exactly alike. That’s why we tailor our services to fit your specific goals, your landscape, and what your tree needs to thrive. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions.

Long-Term Results

Our methods are designed with the future in mind. By encouraging strong structure and healthy growth, we help your trees become more resilient to storms, disease, and age so they remain safe, beautiful, and valuable for years to come.

Unmatched Experience & Safety

With decades of experience and industry-best safety standards, our crews show up prepared – with the right tools, the right training, and a deep understanding of the trees we’re working on.

Committed to You

At the end of the day, we’re not just caring for trees, we’re building relationships with the people who love them. From the first consultation to the final cleanup, we’re committed to providing clear communication, reliable service, and results that exceed expectations.

Certified and Accredited Tree Care Professionals

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Want Healthier, Safer Trees?

Book a free tree pruning consultation with our Des Moines arborists!

Arborist of Arbor Master, pruning a tree on a a clear fall day in Tulsa, OK

Why Professional Pruning is Vital for Des Moines’ Trees

Regular, skilled pruning helps your trees in countless ways, including:

  • Building stronger structure to withstand Iowa's weather extremes

  • Improving overall health by removing problematic branches

  • Reducing risks of falling limbs as trees age

  • Boosting property value with attractive, well-shaped trees

  • Increasing the lifespan of mature trees

Proper pruning is one of the best investments you can make in your landscape. It helps preserve Des Moines' beautiful tree canopy for years to come, while helping to keep your property safer.

Our Tree Pruning Process

Here's how we handle tree pruning projects in Des Moines:

  • 1

    Initial Tree Inspection

    We start with an in-depth inspection of your tree's health, structure, and surroundings. We'll talk about your goals for the tree and any concerns.

  • 2

    Pruning Plan and Quote

    Based on our inspection, we'll suggest the best pruning approach for your specific tree. You'll get a clear estimate with pricing and timeline.

  • 3

    Scheduling Service

    We'll pick a timeline for the work and let you know how to prep (like moving cars). If needed for street trees, we handle permits.

  • 4

    Efficient Pruning

    Our skilled team, led by a Certified Arborist, will prune your tree using best practices. We use lifts or climbing gear to safely reach all areas. Our cuts are precise to guide growth and help the tree heal quickly.

  • 5

    Complete Clean-Up and Debris Removal

    We clean up all branches and leaves, either hauling them away or leaving wood chips for your garden if you prefer. We'll do a final walk-through with you to make sure you're happy.

  • 6

    After-Care Tips

    Your arborist will give you tips on caring for your newly pruned tree, like proper watering. We're always here if you have questions later.

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Very Professional from the Beginning to the End

"A representative from Arbor Masters called right away when we inquired about the service, came out on the same day and gave a quote after looking at the tree. Not only did they finish the job quickly, but they picked up the debris and all the extra limbs and leaves from the yard. Very professional from the beginning to the end. All four men even looked like they enjoyed doing it. "

Hopeles Wiley

Best Times to Prune Your Trees in Des Moines

Proper pruning considers the time of year. Here's what we typically recommend for Des Moines trees:

  • Winter: Ideal for heavy pruning as most trees are dormant. Best time for structural pruning.

  • Spring: Light pruning and removal of winter damage. We want to be careful not to remove flower buds.

  • Summer: Minor pruning and deadwood removal. Avoid major pruning that could cause unnecessary stress during an already difficult season.

  • Fall: Limited pruning during the fall. Focus on pruning hazardous branches that could be damaged during the winter.

Emergency pruning to remove dangerous limbs can be done anytime throughout the year. Safety is always the priority.

What Your Neighbors are Saying

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“Very Happy with Their Work”

"Ryan and his crew were prompt, professional, and competent. Completed the job quicker than expected and did a great job cleaning up the debris. I am very happy with their work. I am hoping Ryan and crew will be back this fall when we need more tree pruning/removal!"

Mike Ross

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“Professional and Focused”

"The Arbor Masters crew was professional and focused. I needed 9 trees removed, located between two houses, and they had a ‘no problem’ attitude. They also seemed to be enjoying their work and each other, which is always great to see in a team. Very highly recommended!"

Tim Schreck

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“Awesome Throughout the Entire Process”

"The Arbor Masters team was awesome throughout the entire process. They were very responsive and quick to get a fair quote. The project was done with no mess, and they did a great job. Thanks for your work! "

Ben Schultz

How Often Should Trees Be Pruned?

The best pruning schedule depends on the tree's age, type, and condition. Here are some general guidelines:

  • Young trees (1-10 years): Prune every 2-3 years to for structural training

  • Growing trees (10-30 years): Prune every 3-5 years to encourage reliable branch structure

  • Mature trees (30+ years): Prune every 5-7 years for overall health and safety

  • Storm-damaged or neglected trees: Might need pruning more frequently to restore form and stability

Of course, these are just starting points. Your Arbor Masters arborist will create a plan that's right for your trees given their current condition and unique needs.

An arborist pruning a tree on a property

Boost the Health and Beauty of Your Trees

Trust Des Moines' pruning experts at Arbor Masters to enhance your trees' appearance, safety, and vigor with skilled pruning that follows the strictest industry standards.

Our Service Area

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Work Was Done with Skill and Precision

"Very quick to respond to my request for a quote. Sent an arborist to check out the tree in question. Price was very competitive. Got us onto the schedule in a short period of time. The work was done with skill and precision. After cleaning up you would never know they had been there. "

V Loebig

Common Questions About Tree Pruning in Des Moines

Most mature trees do well with pruning every 3-5 years. Younger trees might need attention every 2-3 years to ensure they develop a strong, reliable structure.

Price varies based on tree size, condition, and location. We give free, no-obligation quotes for every job, so go ahead and give us a call at 515-218-2025.

We can work around secondary lines. For safety, we team up with local utilities for trees near main power lines, as they usually need to shut off power to your home or the entire street before work can start.

You don't need a permit to prune trees on private property in Des Moines. But if branches hang over sidewalks or streets, that part is city-managed. We can advise on any needed permissions.

Please move cars from the driveway and nearby street parking to give our trucks room. Keep pets and kids inside during the work. Move furniture, decor, and other valuables far from the trees that will be pruned. We'll take care of everything else!

Timing matters. In Des Moines, we prune oaks only when dormant, usually November through March. This is when the beetles that spread oak wilt are inactive. We also use clean tools to avoid spreading disease.

Tree Pruning Resources for Des Moines

Check out these helpful articles from our Tree Care Blog to learn more about keeping your Des Moines trees healthy and thriving.

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Keep Your Des Moines Trees Healthy and Strong