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:
Crown Raising:
Crown Reduction:
Crown Cleaning:
Young Tree Structural Pruning
Vista Pruning:
Storm Damage Pruning
Restoration Pruning
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
Certified and Accredited Tree Care Professionals
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Our Service Area
Arbor Masters serves Des Moines and the surrounding area, including West Des Moines, Ankeny, Urbandale, and more. Our Certified Arborists know how to care for trees that thrive in central Iowa's climate.
Altoona
Carlisle
Dixon
Granger
Prairie City
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
Why Does Tree Removal Cost So Much In Des Moines?
4 Cabling and Bracing Benefits for Mature Trees
Spotting the Signs of Dangerous Trees in Cedar Rapids
