Murray's Tree Service in Saint Petersburg

Murray's Tree Service

(727) 528-3338 www.murraystreeservice.com

2965 47th Ave N, Saint Petersburg, Florida 33714

Equipment and Capabilities: Crane, Aerial Lift, Stump Grinder

Specialty Expertise: Palm Specialist, Works Near Power Lines

Tree Services: Works Near Structures, Large Trees, Lot Clearing

Credentials and Trust: Long Established, ISA Certified, Insured

Customer Experience: Cleanup Included, Affordable

Emergency and Storm: Quick Response

Professional tree care by ISA Certified Arborists.

4.8 from 247 reviews

5 stars
236
4 stars
1
3 stars
1
2 stars
1
1 stars
8

Pros

  • Murray's Tree Service is consistently professional, reliable, and courteous.
  • Tim Murray and his team are highly knowledgeable arborists who prioritize tree health.
  • They provide honest, reasonable quotes with no unnecessary upselling.
  • The crews complete work quickly and efficiently, with meticulous cleanup.
  • They use state-of-the-art equipment and handle large, high-risk removals safely.
  • Customers consider Murray's Tree Service their go-to for tree care.
  • They communicate clearly and keep clients informed from start to finish.
  • Tim Murray is a certified arborist who guides decisions with expertise.
  • The company leaves yards clean, roofs free of debris, and respect surrounding landscaping.
  • Prices are fair and competitive for the high quality of service.

Cons

Based on reviews representing only 4% of total ratings

  • A reviewer described a Murray's Tree Service driver as a “garbage driver” who almost caused an accident on I-19.
  • One reviewer alleged that a prior representative drove by without inspecting the tree and that an elderly neighbor was ripped off by a $7,000 trim.
  • Another reviewer said Tim disappeared after promising an estimate, labeling the contractor unreliable and unprofessional.

Review Overview

Murray’s Tree Service in St. Petersburg is best suited for properties with mature or multiple trees, where job complexity and risk demand an experienced, arborist-led crew. It serves homeowners, HOAs, and small commercial sites that routinely contend with hurricane exposure, tight spaces, or trees in proximity to structures, utilities, and landscaping. Budget-conscious buyers will find fair-to-competitive pricing, but the emphasis here is on calibrated care and risk mitigation rather than the absolute lowest bid. For urgent storm work or post-event salvage, Murray’s remains a top option because urgency is matched with organized execution and safety-first planning.

The company’s capabilities reliably cover high-stakes, technically demanding tasks. Tim Murray, a certified arborist, leads crews equipped to handle large live oaks, laurels, and other century-old specimens, including removals that require cranes, lifts, and rope-work to lower sections safely away from structures. Across numerous projects, the team has demonstrated capacity to coordinate with utilities and permitting bodies, sometimes employing specialized equipment to navigate confined spaces or obstructed yards. Several clients have praised how quickly complex jobs were mobilized, sometimes coordinating crane access, stump grinding, and debris removal within single-day windows, without sacrificing control or care.

Safety and cleanup are Murray’s most distinguishing strengths. The reviews consistently note that crews arrive prepared with the right protective gear and procedures, work carefully around existing landscaping, and execute meticulous cleanups that leave sites looking virtually untouched aside from the removed trees. Yard waste, roof debris, and even delicate plantings are accounted for, with fences re-secured and driveways and sidewalks swept clean. The company also earns trust by providing transparent documentation with quotes, including insurance certificates, and by openly explaining the rationale behind pruning or removal decisions. In hurricane-prone Florida, this level of precaution dramatically reduces post-job collateral damage and exposure to claims.

Reliability and communication are the backbone of Murray’s reputation. The business frequently secures written estimates, outlines the scope of work, and maintains steady contact through the project, often staying involved to answer questions and adjust plans as needed. The pricing is described as fair and reasonable for the scope, with many customers noting that Tim’s recommendations emphasize tree health over aggressive upselling. While a small minority reports slow responses or missed callbacks, the overwhelming majority experience prompt assessments, clear scheduling, and predictable, on-time performance. In real-world terms, Murray’s tends to deliver as promised, with few surprises beyond the weather and seasonal backlog that accompanies storm-damaged regions.

The company’s track record during and after major weather events further differentiates it from typical tree crews. Clients recount how Murray’s has addressed downed limbs, storm-damaged canopies, and risky removals near houses and power lines with composure and precision. The team’s approach often includes preemptive work to protect home exteriors and landscaping, followed by thorough cleanup and post-job follow-up. There is also evidence of service beyond trimming and removal, such as invasive-growth management, targeted thinning for hurricane readiness, and even bee relocation coordinated through respected local partners. These examples illustrate a breadth of capability that appeals to property managers and long-term caretakers who want a trusted expert overseeing tree health as much as immediate job completion.

For owners weighing options, Murray’s is a strong call when the goal is safety, durability, and professional stewardship of valuable trees. It is particularly appropriate for large, high-value oaks and other heritage trees, properties with restricted access, or scenarios requiring careful coordination with utilities, property lines, and insurance requirements. The advice is clear: if the priority is dependable arborist-guided care, responsible risk management, and a cleanup that leaves the site pristine, Murray’s delivers. Those planning routine maintenance or smaller-scale pruning can still benefit from the education and honesty that come with Tim’s consultative approach, but should expect a solid yet measured scope of work aligned with tree health rather than aggressive over-cuts.

In sum, Murray’s Tree Service represents a best-in-class option for discerning homeowners and managers facing complex, high-stakes arboriculture in St. Petersburg. The blend of certified arborist leadership, sophisticated equipment, meticulous safety standards, and exemplary cleanup translates into confidence when risk and aesthetics collide. While not the absolute bargain option for minimalist projects, the value emerges in reduced liability, healthier trees, and a property that looks as if nothing ever happened except for the absence of problematic limbs. For those with hurricane planning, utility constraints, or multi-tree landscapes, Murray’s is the pragmatic, informed choice that keeps trees healthy and property safer.

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 and high-reach aerial capabilities are a core asset, with equipment that can raise workers to about 60 feet for high-canopy work and complex limb removal. The operation has included a large crane to handle very large trees, coordinating with utility providers to safely remove trees near power lines and make the job possible. An aerial-lift described as a “giant spider” demonstrates the team’s ability to access tight spots and lower heavy trunk sections with precision, often by controlled rope work. In the St. Petersburg area, this crane-enabled approach supports efficient, safe removals and thorough cleanup, even on challenging or space-constrained lots.

Aerial Lift

Uses a towable or tracked aerial lift for high-reach work without the need for a full crane. More versatile in tight spaces while still reaching significant heights.

A 60-foot aerial lift is a hallmark of their operation, letting crew members work from above to reach very tall trees with precision. They also deploy a large crane for complex removals, including projects that required coordination with utilities such as Duke Energy to safely lower sections. In tight yards, they lower cut sections by rope and maneuver around structures and power lines, protecting roofs, fences, and surrounding landscaping. Across jobs in the St. Petersburg area, customers repeatedly note timely service, fair pricing, expert arborists, and meticulous cleanup after elevated work.

Stump Grinder

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

In St. Petersburg, Florida, stump grinding is a core part of Murray's Tree Service’s offering, with crews consistently grinding out stumps after tree removal. They employ state-of-the-art stump grinders and related gear that handle large, aging stumps in tight spaces or near structures and utility lines. The results are thorough and tidy, with stumps ground to grade, debris removed, and the work site left clean and ready for landscaping. Clients repeatedly praise the team’s prompt service, clear communication, and careful execution that protects surrounding plants, roofs, fences, and utilities.

Specialty Expertise

Palm Specialist

Knows the unique needs of palm trees - trimming, skinning, removal, and health care specific to the species common in your area.

Specialized palm work is a hallmark, with teams trained to prune, trim, and remove tall palms around structures and utilities in the St. Petersburg area. They deploy state-of-the-art gear, including a lift capable of reaching about 60 feet, enabling safe access to high crowns. Their palm services span routine maintenance, hurricane-prep pruning, and careful removal when needed, with stumps ground afterward. Customers consistently praise meticulous cleanup and respect for surrounding plants and property. Led by ISA-certified arborists, the crew emphasizes palm health and honest recommendations, avoiding unnecessary work while delivering reliable palm care in the local community.

Works Near Power Lines

Trained and equipped to work near energized power lines. This specialized work requires specific qualifications - not every company should attempt it.

Power-line proximity work is a clear strength, with crews in the St. Petersburg area routinely handling trees near electrical lines and coordinating with utility providers to keep lines safe. They have coordinated with Duke Energy on projects where a large crane was required to remove trees leaning into power and cable lines, ensuring no contact with the lines. The operation uses high-reach equipment, including lifts capable of reaching around 60 feet and other state-of-the-art gear to access tall limbs while protecting infrastructure. Across storm response and routine pruning, they emphasize safety around power infrastructure, deliver thorough cleanup, and maintain insured, reliable service.

Tree Services

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 core capability, with customers noting safe, precise trimming and removal of trees that overhang homes, roofs, driveways, and other structures while protecting surrounding landscaping. They deploy heavy, site-specific gear—including cranes and a 60-foot lift—to reach tall limbs without compromising structures, lowering sections carefully branch-by-branch to prevent collateral damage. There is consistent evidence of utility-aware planning and coordination, with projects that involve working near power lines and adherence to utility requirements, and crews who operate with proper insurance documentation. In the St. Pete area, clients repeatedly report prompt service, clear communication, fair pricing, and meticulous cleanup after near-structure work, often leaving yards and houses looking as though work never happened.

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-tree work is their standout capability, handling tall oaks, giant palms, and other substantial trees in tight spaces with crane-assisted removals and 60-foot aerial-lift access. Murray's Tree Service has demonstrated this repeatedly, coordinating with utilities such as Duke Energy to remove very large trees near structures and power lines. They deploy state-of-the-art equipment—cranes, spider-like lifts, and stump grinders—led by ISA-certified arborists, enabling precise pruning, deadwood removal, and multi-tree clearings. In the St. Petersburg area, customers consistently report prompt responses, fair pricing, and thorough cleanup after large-tree projects, including post-storm and hurricane-season work.

Lot Clearing

Full-scale land clearing for new construction, overgrown acreage, or development prep. Trees, brush, and stumps - all of it gone.

Lot clearing is a core strength, with the capacity to handle dense overgrowth and invasive trees on sites preparing for construction or post-storm cleanup. They remove multiple large trees on a single site, grind the stumps, and protect utility lines and surrounding structures throughout the process. Equipment capabilities include a crane-accessible setup and a 60-foot reach lift, enabling safe removal of tall trees and complex removals in tight spaces. They coordinate permits and utility clearances, remove and restore as needed, and leave fences or boundaries secured after clearing. Across jobs, clients report quick, professional execution and thorough cleanup, with clear communication and reliable, competitive pricing.

Credentials and Trust

Long Established

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

Decades of tree-care presence in the St. Petersburg area underpin their established capability to manage large, intricate removals—from towering oaks to hurricane-damaged trees—often with cranes and aerial lifts. Customers consistently note timely arrivals, clear communication, and work guided by ISA-certified arborists, with safety and tree health prioritized. The firm demonstrates long-run reliability through ongoing relationships spanning 15 to 20 years, with families, homeowners, and associations relying on them for routine maintenance and hurricane-season readiness. Cleanups are consistently meticulous, leaving yards and roofs free of debris and pricing described as fair and competitive across jobs of varying scope. They navigate complex local requirements—insurance documentation, utility coordination, and proximity to power lines—without compromising safety or performance, evidenced by documented coordination with Duke Energy and certified underwriting.

ISA Certified

Employs one or more ISA-certified arborists - credentialed professionals who've passed rigorous testing in tree care science and best practices.

ISA Certified Arborist expertise drives Murray's Tree Service in St. Petersburg, emphasizing tree health and risk management; Tim Murray clearly explains what needs to be done and why, and he avoids unnecessary upselling. Clients repeatedly highlight their capability to tackle tall, hazardous removals near houses and power lines using cranes and aerial lifts, coordinating with utilities to protect structures. The team demonstrates precise, health-forward pruning and removal—protecting roofs, foundations, and landscaping while preparing trees for hurricane season, including trimming large oaks and palms with care. The practice is complemented by professional documentation and insurance transparency in bids, reflecting safety, accountability, and a long-term commitment to healthy trees in the St. Pete area.

Insured

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

In the St. Petersburg area, Murray’s Tree Service consistently provides written proof of insurance with estimates, including general liability and workers’ compensation coverage. Customers note this insured approach pairs with careful, tidy work around homes, roofs, and landscaping, often highlighting thorough cleanup after each job. They also describe coordinating with utilities and using state-of-the-art equipment, such as cranes, to perform high-risk removals without damaging power lines or nearby structures. Across hurricane-season and other large jobs, the insured, safety-conscious approach translates to reliable service, clear communication, and dependable coverage when big trees and complex removals are involved.

Customer Experience

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 consistently prioritized and executed to a high standard, with crews leaving the site impeccably tidy and debris-free, often cleaner than before they arrived. Stump grinding and debris removal are thorough, with stumps ground and all waste hauled away. The team protects surrounding plants and structures during cleanup, blowing debris off roofs, sweeping driveways, and ensuring landscaping remains intact. In the St. Pete area, the emphasis on a meticulous finish underpins confidence in Murray’s Tree Service for hurricane preparation, large removals, and ongoing maintenance.

Affordable

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

Competitive pricing is a hallmark of Murray's Tree Service, with clients noting they often land the lowest bids among multiple estimates. They can tackle demanding jobs—using cranes and aerial lifts for tall and hazardous removals, stump grinding, and palm-specialist work—while keeping the overall cost affordable. Upfront, written estimates with clear scope and insurance details are standard, and they emphasize honest assessments with little to no upselling. In hurricane-prone St. Petersburg, FL, they handle urgent, complex projects quickly and cleanly, delivering value through efficiency and thorough cleanup. Overall, affordability, reliability, and certified arborist expertise make Murray's Tree Service a cost-effective choice for tree care in this area.

Emergency and Storm

Quick Response

Fast to answer calls and quick to schedule. Whether it's routine work or an urgent situation, these businesses don't leave you waiting.

Rapid responsiveness is a defining trait of their tree-service operations in St. Petersburg and the surrounding Pinellas County communities. Tim routinely replies quickly to requests for estimates, and on-site assessments can occur within a day, helping customers decide fast. They consistently arrive on time and complete work efficiently, with clients noting they show up as scheduled and finish within hours while leaving sites spotless. In urgent storm scenarios, their quick mobilization shines, using state-of-the-art equipment such as a 60-foot lift and cranes to address tall trees without delaying safety. Across St. Pete and neighboring areas, customers repeatedly describe fast responses, clear communication, and thorough cleanup that enable homeowners to move on quickly after storms or emergencies.