Gillis Lawn & Tree Care in Farmington

Gillis Lawn & Tree Care

(507) 581-4820 gillislawnandtreecare.com

Equipment and Capabilities: Stump Grinder

Emergency and Storm: Storm Cleanup, Quick Response

Tree Services: Works Near Structures, Large Trees, Dead Tree Experience, Tree Assessments

Specialty Expertise: Fruit Tree Specialist

Customer Experience: Affordable, Free Estimates, Cleanup Included

"Gillis Lawn & Tree Care provides top-notch property maintenance and Tree service. We operate in both residential and commercial areas. Call now for your FREE estimate."

4.9 from 69 reviews

5 stars
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Pros

  • They did an excellent job removing a diseased Ash tree between two homes on a hillside, sectioning carefully to avoid any damage.
  • They cleaned up thoroughly and left the yard looking better than before.
  • They were responsive, friendly, and easy to work with, offering fair pricing.
  • They completed the work quickly without causing damage to lawns, decks, roofs, or fences.
  • They protected surrounding landscaping and neighboring property during removals.
  • They provided insightful tree-care recommendations, showing deep knowledge.
  • They exceeded expectations with meticulous cleanup and attention to detail.
  • They are reliable, honest, and highly professional, earning strong recommendations.
  • They offered flexible scheduling and could accommodate urgent needs.
  • They consistently left sites tidy and demonstrated craftsmanship in pruning and removal.

Cons

Based on reviews representing only 1% of total ratings

  • They were slow to respond, waiting two weeks and offering excuses about being busy.
  • They did not provide timely follow-up or courtesy updates to the potential customer.
  • The reviewer felt compelled to move on due to the delays in communication.

Review Overview

Gillis Lawn & Tree Care is best suited for residential properties in Farmington and the surrounding area that present moderate to advanced tree challenges: multi-tree sites, trees growing on tight or hillside lots, and situations where one careful, methodical approach matters because structures, fencing, or valuable plantings are at risk. The service range fits homeowners with a realistic budget who still require professional results, from a single high-stakes removal (such as a diseased ash between homes or an overhanging limb near a deck) to mid-sized pruning and habitat-friendly tree work. Urgency is supported by prompt estimates and scheduling; the firm is especially reliable when a quick response is needed after a storm or for an urgent hazard, without sacrificing workmanship or safety.

Safety and cleanup standards sit at the core of the Gillis operation. Multiple reviews highlight the ability to section a large, hazardous tree in a controlled sequence, protecting nearby roofs, decks, and landscaping while keeping the soil and lawn intact. This is not casual limb-cutting; it is deliberate rigging, precise cuts, and a plan that minimizes the chance of collateral damage. The team frequently uses elevated access gear and specialized equipment to handle difficult placements on hillside lots, then executes a thorough, almost meticulous cleanup that leaves the yard looking as if no work had happened. When limbs must land on ground rather than structures, the crew prioritizes a safe, predictable path, which is the difference between “no damage” and “secondary damage” in high-stakes removals.

The cleanup discipline is complemented by a proven commitment to leave no trace of work behind. Across dozens of reviews, the post-job condition is consistently outstanding: debris cleared, leaves blown, stumps ground, and even gutters cleared where needed. The standard is so high that some homeowners report the property looks better after work than before, with lawn and furnishings untouched by mud, sawdust, or brush. This level of finish is not incidental; it reflects a disciplined approach to site planning, wind-down procedures, and neighborly consideration, features that matter when work occurs near driveways, fences, or shared property lines.

Knowledgeability and communication distinguish Gillis from the typical local crew. The arborist on site often shares practical explanations for recommended actions, including why pruning should wait until winter to protect certain varieties from pests or disease, and how certain removals preserve the health and balance of the yard’s tree canopy. Estimates are straightforward and fair, and the team tends to accommodate reasonable requests with on-the-spot price discussions and adaptable scheduling. A recurring strength is the ability to translate complex tree-health concepts into clear, homeowner-friendly guidance, which helps clients understand the long-term implications of trimming, thinning, or removal choices.

The breadth of services demonstrates serious capability. From pruning to large-scale removals, stump grinding, brush cleanup, and even shrub or hedge work, Gillis handles sites of all sizes with equal confidence. The crew can tackle stubborn, hazardous removals near structures, ground large stumps efficiently, and perform careful pruning to restore shape and light without overtaxing the trees. Several projects involved removing multiple trees in a single day, followed by meticulous site restoration, which makes Gillis a practical choice for HOA properties, rental portfolios, and single-family homes with extensive landscape design. The consistency of performance across storm-damage calls and routine maintenance underlines a dependable operator who can be counted on when time and safety are critical.

A few reservations exist, tempered by overall strength. One outlier review notes a slow response after an initial contact, reminding readers that scheduling responsiveness can vary with demand and workload. Yet the overwhelming majority of feedback emphasizes fast communication, quick estimates, and rapid mobilization, even for urgent storm-related work. The prudent buyer should request a written scope and timeline up front, confirm whether stump grinding is included, and verify post-work clean-up expectations. Asking for photo documentation before and after can also help ensure alignment on finish quality, especially for properties with delicate landscaping or close neighbors.

In sum, Gillis Lawn & Tree Care represents a sound, results-driven option for homeowners who face complex tree issues in residential settings. The company excels where risk is high, space is restricted, and outcomes matter, where a careful plan, robust safety practices, and pristine cleanup translate into real value. For property managers, HOAs, or families dealing with storm aftermath, the blend of practical arborist knowledge, clear communication, and thorough workmanship makes Gillis a trusted partner. When a project calls for deliberate, accountable tree work, done with integrity, at fair pricing, and with an eye toward long-term landscape health, this is the team to hire.

Equipment and Capabilities

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 routinely included after tree removals, with on-site stump clearance as part of their comprehensive service. In a notable project in the Farmington area, they removed 23 trees and ground the stumps, delivering the work at a price that surprised the client with how affordable it was. Cleanup after stump grinding is consistently thorough, leaving the yard neat and free of debris. The operation is supported by a range of professional equipment, allowing stump grinding in tight spaces and near structures without causing damage. This combination of affordability, careful execution, and meticulous cleanup reflects Gillis Lawn & Tree Care’s strong stump-grinder capability in the Farmington, Minnesota area.

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 capability centers on rapid response and safe, deliberate removal of hazardous trees and branches after storms in the Farmington area. They handle tight, high-risk sites—between houses on hillsides or over decks and roofs—by sectioning large trees and using a range of professional equipment, including lifts, to prevent damage. During severe weather, they’ve shown after-hours availability and quick action, clearing snow or debris the next day to restore safety. The cleanup afterward is thorough—gutters can be cleared, branches and stumps removed, driveways and lawns left immaculate and ready for use. Clients also value fair pricing and reliable crews that protect fences, gardens, and nearby properties while performing storm-related removals.

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 response is a core capability, with quick communication and fast mobilization for both residential and commercial work in Farmington, MN. Example cases show after-hours accessibility and swift deployment, such as answering the phone after hours and clearing snow the following morning. Quotes and scheduling are consistently prompt, with same-day estimates and rapid project starts, and jobs often completed within days with thorough cleanup. Crews are punctual, professional, and thorough in cleanup, carefully protecting structures and landscaping and minimizing disruption to the property.

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 crews trained to remove diseased or hazardous trees that sit between homes, on hillsides, or close to decks and roofs by sectioning the tree into manageable pieces to avoid any contact with structures. A variety of professional equipment allows them to access tight spots and work safely around eaves, gutters, and other structural elements while protecting lawns, driveways, and surrounding landscaping. Clients consistently note precise placement of cuts and careful drop zones to prevent damage to houses, fences, and neighboring properties, followed by meticulous cleanup that leaves the site pristine. From hillside properties in Farmington to front yards near homes, they demonstrate the ability to coordinate around multiple structures and maintain safety around roofs and overhangs. Overall, Gillis Lawn & Tree Care brings safety-first, structure-conscious pruning and removal services to Farmington, Minnesota, earning trust through responsive communication, fair pricing, and careful execution near structures.

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.

In Farmington, Minnesota, large_tree work is a core capability, with crews removing very tall or multiple mature trees in tight spaces—between homes on hillsides or over decks and roofs—by sectioning the tree so sections can be lowered without hitting structures. They deploy a diverse array of professional gear, including lifts for hard-to-access branches, enabling precise cuts and careful placement to protect lawns, fences, and surrounding landscaping. Cleanup is consistently thorough, with debris removed and sites left immaculate; stump grinding is often included as part of the service. They respond to storm damage and hazardous branch scenarios and work safely around structures and neighbors, offering transparent pricing and reliable communication for both residential and commercial properties in the area.

Dead Tree Experience

Specialists in the safe removal of dead, dying, or diseased trees. Dead trees are unpredictable - experience and caution matter.

Based in Farmington, MN, they excel at removing dead and dying trees near structures, including diseased ash trees nestled between homes on hillsides and limbs over decks, roofs, and garages. They approach each job with careful staging and sectional cutting, using a range of professional equipment and even lifts to access tight spots without damaging lawns or nearby structures. Stump grinding is available and cleanup is meticulous—no debris left behind and yards left cleaner than before. Customers consistently note prompt communication, fair pricing, and quick response, with some jobs scheduled promptly and after-hours calls answered. The service emphasizes safety, property respect, and thoughtful tree health recommendations, including eco-conscious pruning to protect remaining trees and minimize risk to neighbors.

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.

Their on-site tree-health and risk assessments identify diseased or hazardous trees and evaluate how they interact with nearby homes, decks, and roofs. They translate findings into actionable recommendations, including timing guidance such as winter pruning to prevent pest issues, as seen when they advised delaying apple-tree pruning. With a broad range of professional equipment, they execute removals in tight spaces while protecting lawns, fences, gardens, and surrounding structures. Feedback repeatedly highlights clear communication, prompt estimates, and cleanup that leaves properties neat and undisturbed. Operating in Farmington, Minnesota, they bring an eco-conscious, knowledgeable approach to tree care, offering safe, reliable solutions for both residential and commercial properties.

Specialty Expertise

Fruit Tree Specialist

Experienced with the pruning, shaping, and care of fruit-bearing trees. The right cuts at the right time keep trees productive and healthy season after season.

Fruit trees, especially apple trees, are a clear focus, with careful assessment, pruning, thinning, and shaping to promote health and fruit production. They emphasize seasonal timing, notably recommending winter pruning for apple trees to prevent pest issues, demonstrating deep tree-health knowledge. Work is performed with attention to safety and surroundings, using appropriate equipment to remove dead or risk-prone limbs while protecting nearby structures and landscaping, and they will remove diseased trees when necessary. In Farmington, Minnesota, the team is known for thorough cleanup and reliable service, delivering tidy results that leave yards looking better than before.

Customer Experience

Affordable

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

Fair, competitive pricing is a hallmark of Gillis Lawn & Tree Care, with many customers noting quotes that are reasonable and, in some cases, about half of what they expected for major removals. They handle complex jobs—like removing large trees between homes on hillsides or near decks and roofs—by using a wide range of equipment to take the work down in sections and protect surrounding structures, keeping cleanup thorough and cost-efficient. Clients consistently report prompt responses and fast estimates, followed by efficient, high-quality service and meticulous cleanup that helps minimize additional costs. Across Farmington, Minnesota and nearby areas, the pattern is clear: skilled tree care delivered with dependable pricing that respects your budget.

Free Estimates

No charge for coming out to assess the job and give you a price. Know what you're getting into before committing.

Free estimates are a core capability, with Tom Gillis and his crew promptly engaging when you reach out and offering a no-cost assessment of your property. Quotes are delivered quickly—often the same day or over the phone after a quick look at photos or a site visit—so homeowners can plan and compare options without delay. Customers consistently describe the pricing as fair and competitive, with clear explanations of what work is needed and why. The estimate process is integrated with careful, site-specific recommendations for challenging scenarios (like trees between homes or near structures on hillsides) and a thorough cleanup plan post-work.

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.

In Farmington, Minnesota, cleanup is treated as an integral part of the service, with crews finishing every job by removing all debris and restoring the site to a tidy, yard-ready condition. Customers consistently note that after tree removal, trimming, or storm damage work, the area looks pristine—often with no sign a tree was there and no leftover leaves, branches, or sawdust. They go beyond by blowing, raking, and sweeping up debris, clearing gutters, and even removing stumps and brush as part of the completed project. On challenging sites near structures, they plan carefully and execute cleanup so the lawn and surroundings emerge undisturbed and well-protected. This strong cleanup performance supports reliable, repeat service from homeowners, commercial clients, and HOA managers alike.