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:

Crown Thinning:

Removing specific branches to let in more light and air

Tree canopy that needs crown raising.
Crown Raising:

Trimming lower branches for clearance over structures or walkways

Pre-storm pruning by an arborist of Arbor Masters to prevent trees from falling on a residence in Cedar Rapids, IA.
Crown Reduction:

Decreasing overall tree size, often to clear utility lines

Crown thinning by arborist of Arbor Masters on a tree of a residence in Cedar Rapids, IA.
Crown Cleaning:

Taking out dead, diseased, or damaged branches

Structural pruning on young trees by Arbor Master
Young Tree Structural Pruning

Early pruning to encourage strong future structure

Vista pruning also known as view pruning on a residence with thick vegetation.
Vista Pruning:

Selective trimming to enhance views or tree appearance

Crown cleaning done by a certified arborist.
Storm Damage Pruning

Removing broken limbs to prevent further harm

Branches pruned after a storm damage on a tree.
Restoration Pruning

Reshaping trees damaged by storms or improper pruning

Crown raising on a tree in Cedar Rapids, IA.

Why Des Moines Trusts Arbor Masters

Experience the Arbor Masters Difference

  • ISA Certified Arborists on staff

  • We follow industry-standard pruning practices

  • Top-notch equipment and modern pruning techniques

  • Committed to preserving the health of Des Moines' urban forest

  • Decades of local experience

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. "

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Jeff Johnston

Certified and Accredited Tree Care Professionals

ISA On Staff
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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.

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. "

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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

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!"

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Mike Ross

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!"

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Tim Schreck

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! "

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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

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. "

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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.

Winter Tree Pruning in Raytown: What You Need to Know for Healthy Resilient Trees

Winter tree pruning isn’t just a task – it’s an investment in your tree’s health. Learn how Arbor Masters can prevent damage, promote growth, and more.
Certified Arborist at Arbor Masters carefully pruning a dormant tree in Raytown, MO, during the winter season to ensure tree health and safety.

Why Does Tree Removal Cost So Much In Des Moines?

Shocked by your tree removal cost? Learn what affects pricing and why investing in professional care ensures safety, efficiency, and lasting peace of mind.
A certified arborist in a bucket truck carefully removing a tree with a chainsaw.

4 Cabling and Bracing Benefits for Mature Trees

Protect your mature trees from storms and heavy branches! Learn how cabling and bracing can keep your trees healthy and standing tall in Wichita, KS, with Arbor Masters.
An arborist on the Arbor Masters team installing a cable on a tree in Goddard, KS.

Spotting the Signs of Dangerous Trees in Cedar Rapids

Find out how to spot dangerous trees before they damage your Cedar Rapids property. Learn the warning signs, risks, and solutions after the 2020 derecho.
A tree that has partially fallen onto the roof of a small, suburban home near Cedar Rapids, IA.

Keep Your Des Moines Trees Healthy and Strong