(573) 268-7322 nelsons-tree.com
114 Clinkscales Rd, Columbia, Missouri 65203
Nelson's Tree Service, LLC is a Locally owned and family operated business that has been serving the Columbia, MO area for the past 15 years. We strive for 100% Customer Satisfaction and are fully licensed and Insured. We provide the following services for Residential and Commercial properties: Tree trimming Tree Removal Tree pruning Land and Lot Clearing Stump Grinding / Removal
4.4 from 81 reviews
Based on reviews representing only 16% of total ratings
Nelson’s Tree Service in Columbia, Missouri, is best suited for property owners facing substantial, technically demanding tree work where safety and cleanup are non-negotiables. For large yards, tall or structurally sensitive trees, or projects that require heavy equipment and a coordinated crew, Nelson’s delivers the value of scale and experience. They excel when timing is flexible but results must be thorough: storms cleanup, multifaceted pruning, or removals near driveways, sidewalks, or delicate landscapes. Budget-conscious buyers should anticipate a price that reflects the scope and equipment involved; the company is often competitive and perceived as reasonable, yet some bids have come in higher than others. In short, Nelson’s is the right fit for homeowners who want a robust, well-equipped crew handling a complex job with organized project management, rather than a budget-first, quick-turnaround service.
Safety and cleanup standards matter more in tree work than almost any other home service, and Nelson’s performance in these areas largely reinforces that truth. The reviews repeatedly highlight a capability to bring in a sizable crew and powerful machinery, eight-man teams, bucket lifts, avants, stump grinders, and lift-boom trucks, that can execute dangerous removals with a clear eye toward minimizing damage to lawns and structures. The typical outcome emphasizes careful cutting, controlled limb drops, and efficient debris removal, with many jobs leaving the site “clean” or “raked clear.” Nevertheless, the safety narrative isn’t uniformly flawless: a few reports mention improper handling near fences, storms, or traffic, underscoring the need for explicit safety protocols and, when appropriate, traffic control and lawn protection measures. A prudent client will insist on documented safety practices and a concrete cleanup checklist before work begins.
The operational performance on well-executed jobs is compelling. When Nelson’s comes in with a project plan, the foreman and crew convert hours into tangible progress: large trees downed, limbs hauled away, and yards returned to pre-work condition within a single day in many cases. One Rocheport job showcases the depth of capacity: eight-person crews, two bucket lifts, wide-traction machines, and a dedicated stump grinder, all coordinated to deliver a complete job in roughly six hours with debris gone and the yard tidy. This level of execution, when paired with prompt arrival and steady communication, sets a high bar for reliability on complex tasks. Yet the flip side exists: delays in estimating and scheduling have surfaced in a few reviews, reminding every property owner that calendar coordination and a written plan are essential to prevent misaligned expectations.
Customer service experiences with Nelson’s range from consistently positive to troubling outliers, so a practical buyer treats communication as a live variable. The front-desk staff, Michelle in particular, are repeatedly praised for professionalism, courtesy, and problem-solving persistence, lending a reassuring backbone to the field work. On the ground, the crew is described as polite and capable, with several owners noting the crew’s attentiveness to specific requests and their willingness to go beyond the basic scope, such as hauling off extra cut branches or supplying progress photos. However, there are meaningful exceptions: multiple reviewers report no-shows, delayed estimates, or perceived rough treatment by a few individuals, which can sour an otherwise solid job. The lesson is clear, secure a written schedule with confirmed start dates, require status updates as work progresses, and designate a single point of contact for changes.
The portfolio of work described in the reviews demonstrates both breadth and depth. Nelson’s handles storm damage, deadwood removals, pruning of large trees, stump grinding, and even tasks like mulching and soil delivery, often with careful limb placement and a focus on restoring safe, functional space around homes. In several cases, clients emphasize that the crew arrived with a clear plan, finished within hours, and left behind a yard that looked as though no disturbance had occurred, except for the improved tree health or cleared space. Yet some reports reflect inconsistent follow-through on post-work repairs or service promises, and a handful of incidents describe unprofessional or unsafe conduct. Prospective clients should, therefore, codify what constitutes complete job closure: stump removal, surface clean-up, fence and sprinkler considerations, and a final walkthrough to ensure all items have been addressed.
The bottom-line recommendation centers on fit and due diligence. Nelson’s Tree Service is a strong choice for properties with complex arboricultural needs, where the combination of a large, well-equipped crew and a track record of thorough cleanup translates into real value. Those choosing Nelson’s should come prepared with a detailed scope and a written estimate, and insist on a defined timeline with milestone updates and a final walkthrough. Confirm insurance coverage and a clear safety plan, including any required street or sidewalk protection and lawn protection measures. If the project is urgent or emergency-driven, Nelson’s can surge to the task, but verify capacity and secure a precise start window in advance to avoid repeats of past scheduling slips. In the right circumstances, Nelson’s is not merely adequate, it’s a dependable, capable partner for safeguarding property, improving safety, and restoring yard usability after major tree work.