Professional Tree Pruning in Des Moines

With Arbor Masters, every pruning job follows strict ANSI A300 standards, ensuring professional-quality tree care.

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:

Canopy Thinning

Removing specific branches to let in more light and air

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

Trimming lower branches for clearance over structures or walkways

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

Decreasing overall tree size, often to clear utility lines

Tree canopy that needs crown raising.
Crown Cleaning

Taking out dead, diseased, or damaged branches

Structural pruning for young trees for landscaping purposes.
Vista/View Pruning

Selective trimming to enhance views or tree appearance

Crown raising on a tree in Cedar Rapids, IA.
Storm Damage Pruning

Removing broken limbs to prevent further harm

Crown cleaning done by a certified arborist.
Restoration Pruning

Reshaping trees damaged by storms or improper pruning

Vista pruning also known as view pruning on a residence with thick vegetation.
Young Tree Structural Pruning

Early pruning to encourage strong future structure

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

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.

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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

Want Healthier, Safer Trees?

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

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

Arborist pruning a tree.

Certified and Accredited Tree Care Professionals

ISA On Staff
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Our Tree Pruning Process

What to Expect When Arbor Masters Prunes Your Trees

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.

Fall season.

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.

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.

Fall season.

What Your Neighbors are Saying

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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

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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

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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

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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Their crews always do an outstanding job.

“Arbor Masters did their usual excellent job in removing dead limbs and storm-damaged limbs after our wind storm several weeks ago. We have used them for many years, and their crews always do an outstanding job of doing the work needed and the cleanup following. We can recommend them highly.”

Mike Carpenter

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.

Yes, proper pruning removes damaged parts and can help the tree recover its shape and health, while minimizing potential wounds that could attract pests.

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 XXX-XXX-XXXX.

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.

Fall Fertilization: The Key to Healthy Trees

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Fall Leaf Colors in the Midwest: Why Trees Change Color and When to Expect It

In this blog, we dive deep into the science behind how and why fall color change happens, give some examples of our favorite tree transformations, look into factors that may hurt your trees from joining in the spectacle and explore our own Midwest and Ozarks regions’ striking transformations.
Fall season in MO.

Evergreen Trees for Midwest Landscapes: Broadleaf vs. Needle Varieties

Discover the diverse world of evergreen trees – from broadleaf to needle varieties. Learn how these resilient trees adorn landscapes and enrich ecosystems. Get expert insights on choosing, nurturing and caring for evergreens.
AM truck and evergreem tree with cones in front.

Winter Tree Care: Debunking the Myth of Trees Not Needing Water

Uncover the misconception that trees don't need water in winter with our expert insights. Dive into the necessity of winter tree hydration to equip your trees to endure the cold and thrive in challenging conditions. Learn the signs of dehydration, optimal watering techniques, and the benefits of proper winter tree care. Trust our certified arborists' guidance for resilient, flourishing trees year-round.
WIthering tree on a winter day.

Keep Your Des Moines Trees Healthy and Strong

Did you know winter is often the best time to prune most of trees in Des Moines? Some common species, like oaks and elms, should only be pruned in winter. That’s why our winter schedule fills up fast. Call today to book your pruning service now!