(302) 208-5865 www.steintree.com
3607 Downing Dr, Wilmington, Delaware 19802
Founded in 1983, Stein Tree Service is Delaware’s oldest independently owned and one of the most respected tree service companies providing services to residential, commercial and municipal clients for tree care, tree removal and clearing, construction site management and emergency tree services. Stein Tree Service has over a dozen full time employees including arborists, tree surgeons, & tree risk assessors. The company fleet consists of several aerial lift trucks, chippers, chipper trucks and stump grinding machines as well as various pieces of machinery for right of way work. From light trims on delicate trees, to clearing an entire lot, & everything in between, Stein Tree Service can get the job done. Contact us today for tree services
4.7 from 90 reviews
Based on reviews representing only 8% of total ratings
Stein Tree Service is best suited for suburban to semi-rarmed properties in Wilmington that demand serious tree work but also require careful yard protection. The firm earns its keep with larger removals, proximity challenges (near power lines or structures), and pruning that involves multiple trees sharing property lines. Its typical client values safety, predictable scheduling, and thorough cleanup, and is willing to invest in solid value rather than chasing the absolute lowest price. For urgent emergencies, storm fallout, downed trees blocking driveways, or high-risk limbs, the team’s track record shows rapid mobilization and decisive action. This is not a quick-lube arborist; this is a team that thrives when complexity and scale are in play.
Safety and cleanup standards are Stein Tree Service’s distinguishing strength. Reviews repeatedly highlight the crew’s cautious approach around living infrastructure and neighbors, with crews that talk through the plan before cutting and coordinate access with the homeowner. The Spider Crew and “Spyder” equipment are a visible asset for tight sites, dead branches near houses, and trees overhanging structures or power lines. Cleanups rival the best in the business: debris is swept away, chips and mulch are managed, and yards are returned to a near-pristine condition. The company’s insistence on safety, coupled with careful limb removal and containment practices, makes it a compelling choice for projects where a misstep could damage valuable landscaping or invite neighbor disputes.
Efficiency and outcomes come through clearly in storms and time-sensitive jobs. The reviews describe rapid responses to heavy snowfall events and situations where a tree must come down quickly to restore access or prevent further damage. Job pacing is practical and relentless: skilled crews work methodically, with team members assisting each other so no step slows the project. The ability to complete removals, stump grinding, and debris removal in a single sweep, often within a day or a few hours for large jobs, speaks to experienced planning and access to appropriate equipment. Even in tight quarters, Stein Tree Service demonstrates the necessary finesse to drop trees with minimal collateral damage and then follow through with thorough cleanup.
On the communication and value front, Stein Tree Service consistently earns high marks. Estimates arrive promptly, explanations are clear, and leadership, especially figures like Matt and Jeff, maintains a responsive dialogue throughout the process. The company’s pricing is described as fair and competitive, with many customers noting no-surprise quotes and reliable adherence to the agreed scope. However, a minority of reviews call out scheduling hiccups or miscommunications about scope, particularly around stump removal versus standard tree removal. The prudent response is to lock the scope in writing, confirm whether stump grinding is included, and verify start times to avoid misalignments, especially when timing conflicts with neighbors or work schedules could arise.
Cleanup and property care emerge as a core differentiator. Dozens of clients remark that Stein Tree Service leaves yards, driveways, and roofs spotless. The crews are praised for protecting adjacent plantings, filling holes after limb drops, and even attending to minor repairs or adjustments to features like beehives, swings, or ornamental plantings. The level of post-work tidiness, sometimes accompanied by detailed cleanups that extend beyond the obvious debris, gives confidence that the company treats the customer’s landscape as an extension of its own reputation. The occasional negative note about noise or gate access underscores the importance of upfront planning: clarify start times, access routes, and any equipment constraints to prevent surprises.
In the end, Stein Tree Service is a practical, candid choice for homeowners facing significant tree work, especially when safety, speed, and meticulous cleanup matter most. It is exceptionally well-suited for large removals, trees near dwellings or lines, and emergency callouts where timeliness translates into real risk reduction and property protection. Potential clients should come prepared with a written scope, confirm whether stump removal is part of the package, and establish a shared understanding of schedule and access. Insurance coverage is a non-negotiable baseline that should be verified to mitigate exposure during heavy lifting and equipment operation. For a property owner who values decisive, technically informed arborist work, Stein Tree Service consistently delivers. The combination of experienced crews, robust safety practices, and a strong cleanup ethic makes it the clear first call for demanding tree projects in the Wilmington area.