(515) 262-6582 www.johnstreedesmoines.com
727 SE 28th St, Des Moines, Iowa 50317
Equipment and Capabilities: Crane, Stump Grinder
Emergency and Storm: Storm Cleanup, Quick Response
Tree Services: Works Near Structures, Large Trees, Dead Tree Experience
Credentials and Trust: Long Established
Customer Experience: Affordable
John's Tree Service provides tree cutting, tree trimming, storm cleanup, tree removal, stump grinding, and firewood services to the Des Moines, Iowa area.
4.7 from 74 reviews
Based on reviews representing only 8% of total ratings
John’s Tree Service in Des Moines is best suited for residential property owners facing large, technically challenging, or hazardous trees, including those adjacent to houses, fences, driveways, and especially near power lines. The crew handles the full spectrum from trimming, shaping, and limb removal to complete tree removals and stump grinding, with firewood sales priced as a practical bonus. This outfit also suits multi-property owners and rental portfolios who want dependable service, clear quotes, and steady performance over time. Urgency is a strong point for storm or emergency scenarios, where they consistently mobilize quickly and push through the job with minimal compounding delays. For homeowners who value speed, scale, and straightforward pricing, John’s Tree Service is often the optimal choice; for those who require a slower, ultra-detailed planning phase, a bit more lead time may be prudent.
Safety and cleanup standards are the defining spine of the operation. Reviews repeatedly highlight safe, professional handling of trees placed in precarious situations, ever near power infrastructure or over structures. The team has removed stressed maples beside transformers, executed large removals with cranes when needed, and completed precise limb work without compromising adjacent landscaping. Storm-related losses are treated with priority, and cleanup is consistently described as thorough and meticulous: debris disappears, sawdust is blown from roofs and gutters, and yards look “left cleaner than when they arrived.” Cleanliness and site care are not afterthoughts here; they are part of the expected result, even when time is short or weather turns unfriendly.
The quality of work and breadth of capabilities demonstrate a seasoned, no-nonsense approach. From multi-tree removals and stump grinding to trimming and in-tree limb work, the crew exhibits speed, efficiency, and technical know-how. Several jobs required specialized tactics, cranes for oversized or precarious trees, careful work around gardens, and back-yard access limitations, and each was handled with competence. Estimates are delivered with transparency, and crews consistently honor their bids, a reliability that matters when the stakes include protecting a home, a neighbor’s property, and the surrounding landscape. The payoff is evident in projects that finish on time, with edges and cuts neat and clean, and with minimal damage to lawn and plantings.
Communication and customer service are strong overall, though not flawless. The best experiences read like a well-coordinated project: a clear bid, timely scheduling, and crews that keep clients in the loop from first contact through final cleanup. Several reviews praise experienced estimators, proactive scheduling, and responsive crews, Josh, in particular, is a recurrent positive touchpoint who keeps clients informed and reassures them throughout the job. Still, a minority report occasional delays in back-office responses or unreturned calls. In practice, this translates into a pragmatic guideline: secure a written estimate and confirm a concrete start date, and if a response stalls, a quick follow-up call typically resolves the hiccup. For homeowners seeking a predictable, professional process, this company tends to deliver.
Value is a standout attribute, especially for budget-conscious customers who still demand first-rate results. Des Moines residents repeatedly note that John’s Tree Service offers competitive pricing, with many jobs finishing at or below competing bids. The firewood program is a meaningful ancillary benefit, delivering dry, burn-ready stock at fair prices and earning repeat custom from seasonal buyers. The longevity of the business, decades in operation, further reinforces confidence that responsible pricing is paired with stable service quality. On the flip side, occasional comments about moisture variance in some firewood batches serve as a practical caveat: for those particular expectations, confirm the moisture level or request a consistently seasoned batch. Overall, the financial value is solid, with a track record of fair pricing and dependable performance.
In practice, these are the risks and recommendations a discerning buyer should consider. John’s Tree Service excels for sizable, technically demanding jobs, especially around structures and utilities, where safety-centric methods and meticulous cleanup are non-negotiable. They are well-suited for busy homeowners, landlords, and storm-response needs, people who prize efficiency, clear communication, and predictable pricing. The main cautions revolve around occasional back-office lags and a few isolated customer-service hiccups; these do not reflect the core field performance but do suggest the prudent shopper should secure a firm written estimate and designate a single point of contact to avoid miscommunication. For those who want a proven, capable crew to handle the hard stuff, whether removing a century-old oak next to a house or grinding multiple stumps while leaving a yard pristine, John’s Tree Service is a reliable, practical choice that aligns with expert arborist standards and real-world value.
Crane-assisted removal for trees that can't be conventionally climbed or sectioned - ideal for extremely large, hazardous, or tightly situated trees.
Crane-enabled removal is a core capability at John's Tree Service, enabling safe handling of large trees and heavy limbs that can't be dropped from the ground. In challenging settings—such as trees beside houses, overhangs, near power poles, and in tight backyards—the crew deploys a crane to lift and segment the tree with precision. Clients consistently report thorough cleanup and minimal disruption after crane work, with yards looking cleaner than before. Des Moines-area customers describe professional, safe, and efficient crane-assisted removals that handle complex, near-structure projects with reliability.
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 core part of their tree removal workflow in Des Moines, IA, often performed in tandem with cutting and hauling to leave the site clear. Customer feedback consistently shows stump grinding is completed as part of the project, with yards left clean and debris thoroughly removed after the work. They handle challenging placements, including large trees near power lines or in tight spaces, demonstrating safe, efficient stump grinding as part of overallTree services. There is at least one note of a stump grind not fully resolving a mound in a follow-up situation, suggesting rare gaps in post-work follow-up despite typically thorough results.
Ready to respond after high winds, ice storms, or heavy snow bring trees and limbs down across your property.
Storm cleanup is handled with rapid response and decisive action in Des Moines. They’ve removed storm-damaged and dangerous trees even when a large tree sits near power poles, transformers, and lines, doing so safely and professionally. For big or difficult removals, they deploy cranes and other heavy equipment, and they've shown flexibility to adjust timing around rain to protect your yard. Cleanup is thorough, with debris cleared and stumps ground, leaving the property looking neat and nearly as if the tree had never been there.
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 response and swift mobilization are hallmarks of John's Tree Service, with quick estimates followed by rapid on-site work. In urgent storm scenarios, they deliver fast turnarounds—after a large tree split in a storm, a noon call yielded removal by 4:30 pm and thorough cleanup. Feedback consistently notes timely office and crew communication, and they adjust schedules when needed to keep work moving. Even challenging jobs near structures or power infrastructure are handled with speed and safety, with crews arriving promptly and leaving the property clean.
Skilled at working in tight spaces where trees sit close to homes, fences, garages, or power lines. Precision removal without damage to surrounding structures.
They routinely handle removals directly next to buildings and critical infrastructure, including homes, fences, power poles, transformers, and live power lines. For large or tricky specimens near structures, they bring in cranes to lift and drop limbs safely, and they’ve completed removals when a truck can’t reach the site. Customers praise their safety-first approach, careful handling of landscaped areas, and cleanup that leaves yards looking as if they were never there. Strong communication and on-time performance help coordinate work around sensitive locations such as power lines and busy residential areas. Overall, in Des Moines, their near-structure capability is demonstrated by fast, professional, and thorough service with a high regard for safety and property protection.
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.
In Des Moines and surrounding areas, John's Tree Service demonstrates strong large-tree capability by removing very large specimens, including a 110-inch circumference ash and 70-year-old maples, even when they sit near houses, fences, or utility lines. For trees that require heavy lifting or are close to power poles, they deploy cranes to lift and remove sections safely. Their crews can access tight backyards where trucks can't reach, using climbing and selective limb removal to complete the job quickly without damaging surrounding structures. Stump grinding is part of the service and cleanup is thorough, leaving the property looking as neat or neater than before. Customers report reliable communication and fair pricing on large-tree jobs, including storm cleanups and near-structure removals.
Specialists in the safe removal of dead, dying, or diseased trees. Dead trees are unpredictable - experience and caution matter.
Dead-tree removal is delivered with safety-first precision, including large trees that overhang houses, fences, or power lines. Crane-assisted removal is used for big or difficult dead trees, and crews can work in tight spaces by climbing and carefully cutting as needed. Cleanup and stump grinding are consistently thorough, leaving the property spotless and looking as if the work never happened. Communication is reliable and pricing is competitive, with customers reporting clear estimates, on-time arrivals, and smooth service from start to finish. They also handle storm cleanup, demonstrating readiness to respond quickly to urgent dead-tree scenarios.
A business with years - often decades - in the community. Local reputation and deep experience speak for themselves.
With more than 35 years in the Des Moines area, this company has built a deep, trusted capability in tree care. Their services cover large-scale work near structures and power lines, including removals, trimming, and crane-assisted operations, plus stump grinding and storm cleanup. Customers consistently report safe, professional crews who complete work efficiently and leave properties clean and well restored. They offer firewood sales at fair prices and maintain solid communication from estimate to job completion. While a few notes mention occasional scheduling delays or moments of slower follow-up, the overall feedback highlights reliability, high-quality workmanship, and good value.
Competitive pricing without cutting corners. These arborists offer fair rates and transparent quotes, making professional tree care accessible for most budgets.
A broad lineup of tree work—tree cutting, trimming, removal near structures or power lines, stump grinding, storm cleanup—and firewood is offered in Des Moines at notably affordable prices. Quotes tend to be fair and kept, with pricing in line with other estimates and often lower than competitors. Firewood is frequently highlighted for its affordability, with customers citing best prices in town and steady quality. Clients also praise the crew’s efficiency and careful cleanup, along with safety-focused, professional service, which makes affordable work feel high-value.