Grimshaw Tree Service in Windsor

Grimshaw Tree Service

(860) 688-1603 www.grimshawtreeco.com

158 West St, Windsor, Connecticut 06095

Equipment and Capabilities: Crane, Stump Grinder

Tree Services: Tree Assessments, Cabling Bracing, Works Near Structures, Large Trees, Stump Removal

Emergency and Storm: Storm Cleanup

Credentials and Trust: Long Established, Insured, Licensed

Customer Experience: Affordable, Cleanup Included

We provide many services to insure your trees will live a long healthy life. A tree is a thing of beauty. A healthy well-tended tree gives you shade, privacy and is just good for the soul. Serving Hartford County (which includes Simsbury, South Windsor and Glastonbury). We have a licensed Arborist, are fully licensed and insured, and have over 50 years of experience serving this area! **Our Services Include: Hazard Tree Evaluation and Removals Difficult tree removal in sensitive areas Storm Damage Removals & Clean up Regular Removals Professional Pruning Bracing and Cabling Weak Limbs Stump Grinding Double Ground Mulch, Untreated, No Dyes! ...Delivered! Firewood delivered by the cord! Rough Cut Lumber

4.8 from 58 reviews

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Pros

  • The Grimshaw team arrives on time, is courteous, and introduces themselves to clients.
  • They use high-quality equipment and safety gear.
  • Leif provides accurate, detailed quotes without overselling.
  • They clean up thoroughly, leaving yards and driveways spotless.
  • They handle dangerous, high-climb pruning and large removals with remarkable skill.
  • They protect the house and surrounding property during work.
  • They communicate clearly, keeping clients informed throughout.
  • They deliver excellent value with fair prices and meticulous workmanship.
  • They earn repeat business and strong recommendations from satisfied customers.

Cons

Based on reviews representing only 7% of total ratings

  • Stay away if you don't want to be bankrupt.
  • Ultimately, Laith refused to return to finish the work without additional payment.
  • He actually told them, “you should find a company who uses migrant workers” as a solution.

Review Overview

Grimshaw Tree Service in Windsor, Connecticut is best suited for homeowners and property managers facing complex, safety-critical tree work where equipment access and precise technique matter as much as the project itself. This outfit excels for single-family homes with trees close to roofs, fences, or utilities, estates with multiple high-value specimen trees, and properties where terrain or outreach demands crane work or advanced climber skills. Budgets should be prepared for premium service: the price reflects not just the take-downs or pruning, but the safety protocols, crane or specialized equipment, and meticulous cleanup. Urgency can be met for true emergencies, but even standard jobs benefit from the crew’s methodical, scheduled approach.

Safety and cleanup standards are Grimshaw’s defining strengths and non-negotiables. Review after review highlights the team’s disciplined use of high-quality equipment and personal protective gear, plus a clearly organized work zone. Crews arrive with introductions, clear staging, and protective measures around structures and landscaping, an essential discipline when limbs are dangling over roofs or perched near fragile features. Debris removal consistently earns praise: driveways and lawns are left cleaner than before, with chipped wood, leaves, and smaller branches cleared away. This is not a company that leaves a yard looking industrial; it is a service that understands that clean, safe workspaces reduce risk to homeowners and visitors long after the crew leaves.

The company proves its value on difficult removals and high-access pruning. Multiple reviews recount dying oaks, large pines, and trees in awkward locations handled with confidence, often using cranes or advanced rigging to control descent and protect surrounding property. The team’s orbital expertise, balancing tree health with risk mitigation, translates into work that stabilizes hazards while preserving desirable structure and form where feasible. Even in soggy or challenging weather, the crew demonstrates steady problem-solving, communication, and a willingness to walk homeowners through options. The consistency of on-site professionalism becomes evident from the initial consult through final cleanup, making Grimshaw a dependable partner for long-term tree care plans rather than a one-off quick fix.

Pricing and quotes demand careful attention. The favorable reviews frequently commend accurate, detailed estimates and final invoices that align with the initial scope, “not a penny more than the quote” is a common refrain when the job is straightforward and well-scoped. Yet there are cautionary tales. A condo association experience described inflated pre-estimates and a less-than-fulsome finish when the scope was unfinished, leaving oversized piles and unresolved work. Another critique points to a communicator’s failure to engage after a contract was set, with concern about whether the agreed scope would be fully delivered. The practical takeaway: require a written, itemized plan, a defined scope of work, and explicit milestones. Confirm who handles wood disposal (chip vs. log pile), how long the job will take, and what constitutes “complete” after-care.

For decision-making, Grimshaw is an excellent fit for property types with significant tree risk, or for owners who insist on a high-performance crew with crane access, rigorous safety discipline, and premium cleanup. They shine when the job involves near-structure work, multiple large trees, or difficult-to-reach limbs where lack of control could cause damage. They’re equally capable for ongoing maintenance and pruning that increases safety and tree longevity, especially for homeowners who value expert insights and long-term arboriculture health. However, for small, quick, price-sensitive trim jobs where the scope is minimal and the terrain is easy, there are more economical options that can deliver adequate results with less logistical overhead.

The practical decision is to engage Grimshaw when the priority is certainty, safety, and lasting results. Before committing, secure a detailed assessment with a written quote that includes scope, methods (including crane use if applicable), expected fiber and debris handling, and a clear post-work cleanup protocol. Verify insurance and obtain a contact for post-job questions or concerns. If the project involves emergency response, the team’s demonstrated readiness to mobilize quickly, sometimes within hours, can be the decisive factor. For long-term care of valuable trees or highly visible frontage, Grimshaw’s blend of climber skill, rigging acumen, and meticulous cleanup represents the most dependable choice in Windsor.

In summary, Grimshaw Tree Service is the go-to option for complex, risk-aware homeowners who demand top-tier safety, comprehensive cleanup, and professional execution on challenging properties. The crew’s strength lies in high-access removals, problem-solving around difficult terrain, and a disciplined approach to protecting the home and landscape. Prospective clients should come prepared with a precise, written plan and a clear understanding of scope to avoid friction around pricing. For those willing to invest in a trusted partner who treats each tree as a living asset, Grimshaw delivers the kinds of outcomes that reduce risk today and preserve health and aesthetics for years to come.

Equipment and Capabilities

Crane

Crane-assisted removal for trees that can't be conventionally climbed or sectioned - ideal for extremely large, hazardous, or tightly situated trees.

Crane-assisted removals stand out as a core capability for tackling challenging tree work around Windsor, CT. Customers have described removing a huge pine in a tight spot near sheds, a septic tank, and a fence with a crane and an expert climber. Even in soggy weather, they can bring a heavy crane into a yard to access and remove large limbs, moving quickly and safely. For hard-to-reach areas, they coordinate ropes and pulleys to lower cuts from substantial heights—40 feet or more—without compromising nearby structures. The operation often combines crane work with ground crews and specialized equipment, including claw-equipped trucks and chippers, to deliver precise removals and thorough cleanup. This crane-enabled approach is noted for protecting homes, roofs, and landscapes while handling complex removals in the Windsor area.

Stump Grinder

Equipped with stump grinding machinery to eliminate leftover stumps after removal. Leaves your yard clean and ready for replanting or landscaping.

Stump grinding is a standout capability, with crews often grinding down stumps along with the visible root systems and finishing the job quickly. In tight or awkward layouts, they handle difficult stumps and still complete the grinding, sometimes in less than a day. Cleanup after grinding is consistently thorough, with debris cleared from driveways and yards and the work area left looking much better than when they arrived. Their approach prioritizes protecting nearby structures and landscape, so grinding near houses, sheds, or other features is done with careful attention to safety and damage prevention. Overall, customers repeatedly note reliable, professional stump work that integrates smoothly with larger tree-removal projects.

Tree Services

Tree Assessments

Offers professional evaluation of your trees' health, structure, and risk level. Useful before buying property, after storm damage, or when a tree just doesn't look right.

In Windsor and the surrounding Hartford County area, their tree assessment is led by a licensed arborist, prioritizing hazard evaluation and risk-aware planning for removals and pruning. Clients note that dead or hazardous branches are identified and addressed before any work begins, signaling a thoughtful approach to long-term tree health. During storms or urgent situations, crews respond quickly and perform controlled, rope-and-pulley removals near structures, carefully assessing stability to protect the home. Across reviews, communication stands out—crews introduce themselves, explain the plan, and keep homeowners informed every step of the way. Cleanup and property protection are consistently emphasized, with work areas left cleaner than before, reflecting a thorough, assessment-driven execution.

Cabling Bracing

Installs steel cables or braces to support weak branch unions, co-dominant stems, or leaning trunks - extending the life of a tree you don't want to lose.

Cabling and bracing weak limbs is a central capability for Grimshaw Tree Service, supported by a licensed arborist and more than 50 years serving the Hartford County area. They routinely reach 40 feet or more to install stabilizing cables and braces, carefully coordinating the descent of dead or risky limbs with ropes and pulleys to protect homes and nearby structures. In sensitive or near-structure settings—such as roofs, sheds, or driveways—the team combines hazard evaluation with bracing and cabling to reinforce weak limbs rather than removing them outright when possible. Clients consistently note the crew’s safety focus, precise workmanship, and thorough cleanup, reflecting how effectively their cabling/bracing work is integrated with pruning and hazard management. Serving Windsor, CT, and surrounding communities, they bring this expertise to local properties, using cranes when necessary to support complex systems and minimize damage to the yard and structures.

Works Near Structures

Skilled at working in tight spaces where trees sit close to homes, fences, garages, or power lines. Precision removal without damage to surrounding structures.

Near-structure work is a hallmark of Grimshaw Tree Service's offerings in Windsor and the surrounding Hartford County communities, with customers noting safe, controlled removals and pruning in proximity to houses and other structures. The crew frequently climbs into tall trees—up to 40 feet or more—to remove dead limbs without impacting the home or yard. A crane and rope-and-pulley techniques are used to lower and remove material, helping keep windows, roofs, and property intact. They commonly work near critical features like overhanging branches over houses, near sheds, septic systems, fences, and driveways, delivering careful planning and a thorough cleanup. Customers report professional crews, clear communication, safety-first practices, and a level of care that minimizes damage to structures and landscaping.

Large Trees

Experienced handling oversized trees - tall, wide, or heavily branched. Removing or trimming a large tree requires specialized skill and equipment, and these pros have both.

Large, hard-to-reach trees are a core capability for Grimshaw Tree Service in Windsor, CT. Crews routinely climb to elevations around 40 feet or more to prune or remove dead limbs from substantial oaks and other large trees. They regularly deploy a crane and other specialized gear to access tight sites near structures or water, including tall pines and other trees located close to houses, sheds, or septic systems. Customers consistently note meticulous cleanup and careful protection of property, with debris cleared and surrounding areas returned to their pre-work condition. They also excel in storm damage removals, delivering prompt assessments and safe, controlled cuts even under challenging weather conditions.

Stump Removal

Full stump extraction, root and all - not just grinding. Ideal when you need the area completely cleared for construction, landscaping, or replanting.

Stump grinding is routinely bundled with full tree removals, with customers noting that Grimshaw’s crew grinds down stumps and visible root systems, often completing the job in a single day. They demonstrate capability in challenging or hard-to-reach sites, using cranes and specialized equipment to reach stumps near structures or in awkward terrain while minimizing disruption to surrounding landscaping. Cleanup after stump work is repeatedly praised, with driveways and yards left clean and nearly indistinguishable from before the job. Overall, feedback patterns show a dependable, thorough stump-removal capability that complements their professional tree-care services in Windsor and the Hartford County region.

Emergency and Storm

Storm Cleanup

Ready to respond after high winds, ice storms, or heavy snow bring trees and limbs down across your property.

Storm cleanup capabilities begin with rapid hazard assessment and prioritized removal of dangerous limbs near structures. In Windsor, CT and the surrounding Hartford County area, Grimshaw Tree Service mobilizes quickly after storms, often arriving with a crane and an experienced climber to address hazardous limbs. They use ropes and pulleys to control cuts from high up, protecting roofs, windows, and other property while removing dead or unstable branches. The cleanup goes beyond the cut trees, as debris is cleared from driveways and yards to leave the site tidy and safe. They excel in tight or sensitive areas near structures, executing complex removals with careful planning and professional safety gear, even in challenging weather conditions.

Credentials and Trust

Long Established

A business with years - often decades - in the community. Local reputation and deep experience speak for themselves.

For more than five decades in Windsor and the surrounding Hartford County area, Grimshaw Tree Service has demonstrated a long-established capability to handle complex, high-risk tree work. Their services cover hazard evaluation and removals, difficult removals in sensitive areas, storm cleanup, regular removals, pruning, bracing and cabling, stump grinding, mulch delivery, firewood, and rough-cut lumber. Feedback patterns show a consistent track record of thorough, accurate quotes, punctual crews using high-quality gear and safety practices, and cleanup that leaves properties looking better than before. They regularly perform near-structure work and high-climb or crane-assisted removals—up to 40 feet or more—while protecting the home and landscape. With licensed, insured arborists and decades of local service, they foster repeat business and strong local referrals across Hartford County.

Insured

Carries proper liability and workers' compensation insurance. If something goes wrong on your property, you're protected.

Insured capability underpins Grimshaw Tree Service's operations, enabling high-risk, near-structure work with crews equipped for safety and reliability. In projects close to roofs, windows, sheds, and other structures, clients report crews protecting property, keeping work areas clean, and using cranes, ropes, and pulleys to control cuts and descent. During emergencies and storm damage removals, the team responds quickly with careful planning to minimize further damage to homes and landscaping. Cleanup is thorough, with debris cleared and driveways and yards returned to a neat condition, reflecting a safety- and liability-conscious approach. Coupled with licensing, a licensed arborist, and decades of local experience serving Hartford County, this insured framework supports professional, courteous service and consistent results.

Licensed

Holds all required state and local licenses to operate legally as a tree service. A basic but important box to check before hiring.

Led by a licensed arborist and backed by full licensing and insurance, Grimshaw Tree Service brings formal credentialed capability to Hartford County, including Windsor, Simsbury, South Windsor, and Glastonbury. Customer feedback patterns show thorough hazard evaluations, accurate and transparent quotes, and clear guidance on long-term needs without hard selling. Crews consistently use high-quality equipment and safety gear, performing difficult removals near structures with cranes and expert climbers while maintaining careful control to protect homes and landscapes. The consistently strong cleanups and respectful handling of property reinforce the value of licensed oversight across services from pruning and bracing to stump grinding and storm damage cleanup.

Customer Experience

Affordable

Competitive pricing without cutting corners. These arborists offer fair rates and transparent quotes, making professional tree care accessible for most budgets.

Affordability is a clear strength reflected in feedback, with estimates commonly described as reasonably priced and straightforward to understand. Clients highlight thorough, fairly priced estimates, and one reviewer noted the price was right for the work delivered, reinforcing good value. The team is praised for delivering quality results without overselling, with advisers like Leif offering long-term guidance rather than pushing unnecessary services. A modern, transparent system for quotes and invoices helps keep costs predictable for Windsor-area homeowners and throughout Hartford County. While a minority of comments mention pricing concerns on more complex jobs, the overall pattern emphasizes strong value and dependable service.

Cleanup Included

All debris - branches, logs, and brush - is hauled away as part of the job. No pile left behind for you to deal with.

Cleanup is included as a standard part of Grimshaw Tree Service’s scope, and customer feedback consistently notes the thorough finish. In Windsor, CT and the surrounding Hartford County area, crews remove debris, grind stumps, and tidy the yard, often leaving driveways and lawns spotless. They frequently go beyond their own debris, sometimes sweeping nearly the entire driveway and adjacent areas to ensure nothing is left behind. The finish often includes blower cleanup and careful tidying around homes, roofs, and other structures to protect the property. This strong cleanup emphasis spans storm cleanup, pruning, and removal projects, helping the site look pristine and well cared for after the work is done.