Tree Trimming Services in Des Moines, IA
Professional, Safe, and Yard-Friendly Tree Care Since 1982
Healthy, well-shaped trees make a property beautiful, safe, and valuable. At Top Notch Tree Care, we’ve been trimming and maintaining trees across Des Moines and Central Iowa for over 40 years. Our licensed and insured team uses precise, industry-approved methods to enhance tree health, improve yard safety, and protect homes and commercial properties from damage.
Whether it’s a single backyard tree or an entire business complex, we trim with one goal in mind — to keep your trees strong, balanced, and beautiful without damaging your yard.
Why Tree Trimming Matters
Many homeowners ask, “Is tree trimming really necessary?”
Yes, trimming isn’t just for looks. It’s one of the most important parts of long-term tree care.
Regular trimming:
Overgrown trees can also block driveways, damage gutters, and reduce curb appeal. By trimming every 2–3 years, you protect your home’s value and your family’s safety.
Our Tree Trimming Process
Every property is unique – that’s why we start with a detailed on-site evaluation. Our certified arborists assess your trees’ health, growth patterns, and surrounding structures before any work begins.
Step 1: Inspection & Planning
We inspect tree structure, canopy density, and proximity to your home, power lines, or nearby trees. Then we recommend the best trimming approach for safety and long-term health.
Step 2: Professional Trimming
Using aerial lifts, rope systems, and pruning saws, our trained crew removes dead, crossing, or hazardous branches while shaping the canopy naturally – never “topping” trees, which harms growth.
Step 3: Cleanup & Yard Protection
We use protective mats and low-impact equipment to avoid ruts or turf damage. When the work is done, your yard is spotless — every branch and leaf removed.
Types of Trimming We Offer
We handle all forms of tree trimming for residential and commercial properties in the Des Moines metro and 75-mile service area, including:
- Structural Trimming: Shapes young trees to grow upright and balanced.
- Crown Thinning: Selectively removes inner branches to reduce wind resistance.
- Crown Raising: Lifts low branches for clearance over sidewalks, driveways, and roofs.
- Crown Reduction: Reduces tree size safely without stressing the trunk or roots.
- Deadwood Removal: Cuts away decayed or dying limbs to prevent disease spread.
- Canopy Balancing: Corrects uneven growth and improves symmetry.
Each cut is made for the tree’s long-term health – not just quick appearance.
Residential Tree Trimming
Homeowners across Des Moines, West Des Moines, Urbandale, Ankeny, Clive, Altoona, and Waukee rely on us to keep their yards beautiful and safe. We handle everything from single-tree maintenance to full-yard trimming for large lots.
We protect your fences, driveways, and lawns while trimming – and finish with a Clean-Yard Guarantee, so the only sign we were there is a perfectly shaped tree.
Commercial & Municipal Tree Trimming
Businesses, property managers, and municipalities choose Top Notch Tree Care for dependable scheduling and professional results. We trim trees for:
- Retail centers and office parks
- City and HOA green spaces
- Apartment and condo properties
- Schools, campuses, and industrial lots
We work efficiently around operating hours, keeping sidewalks, parking areas, and entrances clear of debris and equipment.
How Often Should You Trim Trees in Iowa?
Homeowners often ask, “How often should trees be trimmed in Iowa?”
It depends on the species and location:
- Shade and hardwood trees (oak, maple, ash): Every 2–3 years
- Fast-growing trees (willow, poplar, silver maple): Annually
- Fruit trees: Once per year in late winter or early spring
- Evergreens: Light trimming as needed, typically once a year
Our arborists can recommend a custom trimming schedule to keep your property safe and your trees in optimal condition year-round.
