Burke's Tree Service in Rochester

Burke's Tree Service

(207) 672-7987 www.burkestreeservice.net

116 Salmon Falls Rd, Rochester, New Hampshire 03868

Equipment and Capabilities: Stump Grinder

Emergency and Storm: Storm Cleanup, Quick Response

Tree Services: Works Near Structures, Large Trees

Credentials and Trust: Family Owned, Insured, Long Established

Customer Experience: Free Estimates, Affordable

Burke’s Tree Service is a family-owned, fully insured tree and lawn care company serving Rochester, NH and surrounding areas. For over 40 years, our expert team has provided safe, professional tree removal, trimming, pruning, and stump grinding, along with comprehensive plant health and lawn care services. Contact us today for a free estimate.

4.8 from 407 reviews

5 stars
379
4 stars
13
3 stars
1
2 stars
6
1 stars
8

Pros

  • Burke's Tree Service consistently delivers professional, safe, and efficient tree work.
  • They respond quickly and communicate clearly, keeping clients well informed.
  • The crew operates like a well-oiled machine, finishing jobs fast with meticulous cleanup.
  • They leave yards neat and debris-free, often making the area look undisturbed.
  • The service is reliable and offers great value for the quality provided.
  • They treat customers with courtesy and respect, including engaging with children.
  • Burke's goes above and beyond, often adding services at no extra charge.
  • They handle challenging removals near power lines or houses with care and precision.
  • Burke's Tree Service is a trusted, long-standing, second-generation family business known for excellent customer service.
  • The arborists are highly skilled and use state-of-the-art equipment to ensure safe, precise results.

Cons

Based on reviews representing only 4% of total ratings

  • Burke's Tree Service butchered the trees in the front yard.
  • The company’s communication was lacking and they left a large portion of the tree in the yard after the job.
  • They damaged the fire pit and patio, leaving the yard looking like a war zone.

Review Overview

Burke’s Tree Service is best suited for property owners facing mid- to large-scale arboriculture projects where complexity, access challenges, and safety stakes are high. This includes residential properties with multiple mature trees clustered near structures, driveways, or power lines; tight urban lots; condo or HOA settings with coordination requirements; and storm- or emergency-response scenarios where speed must be paired with disciplined technique. Values evident in the reviews show Burke’s routinely handles crane and lift work, trees in exposed or constrained spaces, and removal sequences that require careful choreography to protect roofs, fences, and service lines. For budget-conscious, small-pruning jobs or routine annual maintenance, Burke’s is typically the smarter choice when the goal is top-tier safety and thorough results; for straightforward pruning on a modest budget, there are cheaper options, but the trade-off is often a decline in the scale of safety-first execution and cleanup.

Safety and cleanup standards are Burke’s core differentiators. The reviews repeatedly emphasize a safety-first culture, advanced equipment, and methodical planning before any cut. Crews are described as coordinating through radios or headsets, using high-elevation equipment, and navigating confined spaces with cranes and lifts to avoid damage to homes or nearby utilities. In many instances, trees were removed without disturbing power lines, siding, or landscaping, and the ground and street are left spotless. The emphasis on protective measures, clearing the site first, using mats or designated staging areas, and ensuring stumps and debris are managed, speaks to a professional discipline that is rare in the trade. For any buyer, the takeaway is clear: demand a written safety plan, confirm the expected method of removal, and verify the approach to ground protection and debris containment before work begins.

Cleanup is consistently framed as a hallmark of Burke’s performance. Post-job photos and firsthand reports show yards returned to near-original condition, with residual logs set aside only when requested and small chips, leaves, and dust blown away or hauled off. Several projects showcase “clean as you go” discipline: workers finish one segment, move to the next, then return to seal the site with thorough debris removal. The best operators in this space leave little trace aside from the absence of the trees, neither muddy ruts nor lingering branches. There are occasional outliers in the reviews, instances of minor lawn damage or a scar left behind, but those are not representative of the standard, which tends toward a meticulously cleaned, neighbor-friendly result. For risk-averse clients, it pays to confirm cleanup specifics in the contract and to set expectations about potential surface impact on lawns during heavy lift or crane work.

Communication and scheduling are a strength in most engagements, though a few reviews reveal gaps. Burke’s is praised for prompt quotes, clear progress updates, and on-time arrivals, often delivering estimates quickly and coordinating tight schedules for urgent removals or multi-tree projects. The cadence of updates, before, during, and after the job, appears to be a consistent driver of client satisfaction. Yet there are noted exceptions where customers encountered delays, missed or rescheduled appointments without timely communication, or questions about responsiveness during a long wait. The practical advice is straightforward: for time-sensitive work or complex projects, lock in a written schedule with explicit milestones, require timely confirmations of start dates, and designate a single point of contact to minimize miscommunications.

From the perspective of handling hazardous or high-stakes removals, Burke’s demonstrates exceptional capability. The company repeatedly proves its capacity to clear large trees that sit between structures, over roofs, near busy driveways, and adjacent to utility lines, often using cranes or specialized lifts and a coordinated ground crew to manage the load path and chip material. This level of proficiency is especially valuable for homeowners worried about structural damage, landscaping disruption, or the risk of a falling limb during storms. The most compelling evidence is the consistency with which crews complete complex removals in a single day, secure the site, and leave neighbors with little to no trace of heavy equipment activity. The caveat remains that access limitations can constrain the exact method (crane versus lift), so clients should discuss site constraints up front and be prepared for adaptive plans depending on space and line clearance.

The bottom line is that Burke’s Tree Service represents a reliable, high-skill option for customers who value safety, efficiency, and exemplary cleanup more than the absolute lowest price. The best-fit buyer is a homeowner with a potentially hazardous or logistically tricky project, large removals near structures or lines, removals in tight spaces, or storm-response scenarios, who is willing to invest in experienced crews and advanced equipment to minimize ground damage and ensure prompt, tidy outcomes. For HOA or commercial clients, Burke’s also offers scalable coordination and dependable performance that reduces disruption to neighbors and maintains property aesthetics. For those prioritizing the absolute cheapest bid on a simple prune, Burke’s may feel overkill; for those who need a professional, safety-forward operation that respects the property and delivers a near-perfect cleanup, Burke’s is among the top choices in Rochester, New Hampshire.

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 a core part of Burke’s Tree Service offerings in Rochester, NH, and it’s consistently paired with thorough site cleanup after removals. Customers frequently note the grinding is done thoroughly, with statements like the stumps being ground down and all debris removed. In several cases, the finish is so precise that the stump is left so small you can barely see it. Overall, the feedback highlights efficient, professional stump grinding near homes and structures, with neat, minimal-mess results that match the rest of Burke’s reliable service in Rochester and the surrounding 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.

Rapid storm-response is a hallmark of Burke’s Tree Service in Rochester, NH, with customers noting quick callouts and same-week site visits after severe weather. They deploy cranes and lifts to remove large trees and limbs even in tight spaces or near power lines, sometimes lifting sections over a house to avoid ground damage. Cleanup is consistently thorough, with debris cleared, yards left neat, and additional touches like chipper work or targeted pruning performed as requested. The crews are described as professional, safety-minded, and highly coordinated, coordinating like a well-oiled team to handle stressful storm scenarios. Pricing for urgent storm-related work is commonly viewed as fair and competitive, reflecting reliable value during emergency removals and cleanup.

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 after storms and emergencies is a hallmark of Burke’s Tree Service, with customers noting quick replies to calls and rapid mobilization. In multiple instances they were on site within the same week or even the same day, often arriving with the right equipment and completing removals efficiently. One account recalls arriving at 11:20 and having the tree gone by noon, while others highlight prompt estimates and scheduling and crews that arrive on time and work quickly and safely. In the Rochester, NH area, this pattern translates to reliable, professional, and time-conscious service when fast action is needed to protect property and restore calm.

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.

Their near-structure capabilities are a clear pattern in Rochester-area feedback, with customers noting successful pruning and removals right up to houses, garages, and other structures. Crews regularly handle trees that sit within feet of buildings or utilities, including limbs that overhang roofs or sit close to driveways and power lines. They employ cranes and lifts and work as a highly coordinated team to move large sections over or around structures, sometimes lifting over a home to place sections safely on the other side. The performance is accompanied by strong communication and dependable scheduling, with crews arriving on time and working carefully to protect surrounding property. Cleanup after near-structure work is consistently thorough, leaving driveways, lawns, and yards looking neat and free of debris.

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 Rochester, NH, Burke's Tree Service handles large-tree removals with heavy equipment, often using a 40-ton crane or lift to manage towering trees. They regularly work on trees well over 60 feet tall in tight spaces, near houses, driveways, and power lines, executing precise, coordinated removals so sections can be lowered safely. Cleanup is thorough and adaptable to customer needs, with options to leave larger logs for firewood and debris removed to leave yards neat and tidy.

Credentials and Trust

Family Owned

A business built and run by family, often passed down or grown from the ground up. Personal accountability and pride in every job.

Family ownership shows through a multi-generational, highly trusted team that has served Rochester, NH for over 40 years. Customers consistently highlight safety-minded, well-coordinated crews that prioritize thorough cleanup and minimal disruption near homes and power lines. The lineage is evident in references to a second-generation company and mentions of Dan Burke and his father, signaling long-standing leadership and steadiness. Local homeowners and associations report reliable communication, fair pricing, and respectful, professional service that reflects a family ethos of accountability.

Insured

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

In Rochester, NH, Burke's Tree Service is consistently praised for safety-first workmanship when removing or pruning trees near homes, driveways, and even power lines. Customers note the use of cranes and lifts and a well-coordinated crew that maneuvers large equipment without damaging property, signaling insured, risk-managed performance. The emphasis on thorough cleanup and leaving yards and driveways spotless shows strong accountability and coverage protection in case of post-work concerns. Their storm-response and emergency work is described as rapid and professional, underscoring capabilities typical of an insured provider in tight sites. Overall, feedback patterns point to a safety-conscious, professional team that reliably protects client property and delivers tidy, responsible service across Rochester and surrounding areas.

Long Established

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

Over four decades in Rochester, NH and surrounding areas, Burke's Tree Service has established itself as a long-standing, family-owned operation. Customer feedback patterns consistently show a safety-first, professional crew capable of near-structure removals, storm responses, and precise pruning, with cleanup that leaves yards looking untouched. The team often leverages heavy equipment such as 40-ton cranes and lift systems to execute large removals quickly and safely, even in tight spaces near houses and power lines. Across residential, HOA, and commercial settings, clients repeatedly note responsive communication, fair pricing, and ongoing service for tree work, lawn care, and irrigation, reflecting a trusted, insured provider with a strong local legacy.

Customer Experience

Free Estimates

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

On-site assessments kick off Burke’s Tree Service’s estimate process in Rochester, NH, with services spanning removal, trimming, pruning, and stump grinding. Reviewers consistently highlight a fast quote turnaround, noting that they meet with the estimator and immediately receive an estimate after the visit. The process is described as easy to obtain, and many mention that the quoted figures lead to scheduling without delay. This pattern appears across residential properties, condo associations, and commercial sites in the Rochester area, where customers also praise fair or competitive pricing and clear, proactive communication from first contact through project completion. Taken together, the feedback suggests that free estimates are readily available and serve as a reliable, streamlined entry point to Burke’s Tree Service in Rochester.

Affordable

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

Affordable pricing is a standout capability for Burke's Tree Service in Rochester, NH, paired with a free estimate. Customers consistently report that their pricing is among the lowest or best among local quotes, describing it as fair, very reasonable, or cheaper than others. They also emphasize efficient, safe work—often with cranes or lifts for tight sites—and thorough cleanup, all at a value that keeps projects on budget. This pattern holds across residential and commercial jobs in the Rochester area, including storm-related removals, pruning, stump grinding, and related lawn care.