(973) 238-9800 www.downestreeservice.com
65 Royal Ave, Hawthorne, New Jersey 07506
Equipment and Capabilities: Crane, Bucket Truck, Stump Grinder
Tree Services: Large Trees, Cabling Bracing, Works Near Structures
Emergency and Storm: Storm Cleanup
Customer Experience: Affordable, Cleanup Included
4.2 from 115 reviews
Based on reviews representing only 20% of total ratings
Downes Tree Service is best suited for property owners facing large, complex, or high-risk tree work in Hawthorne and surrounding NJ suburbs, especially in yards with tight access, near structures, or where a crane, bucket truck, or Teupen platform is necessary. This company shines for multi-tree jobs, storm-damage responses, and situations that demand professional arborists who can assess risk, coordinate equipment, and deliver a turnkey removal or substantial pruning with minimal disruption. It is a strong fit for mid-to-high budgets where safety, precision, and thorough cleanup are non-negotiable. For straightforward pruning, small removals, or projects with a strict budget, alternative providers may offer cheaper quoted prices, but they will likely fall short on the level of capability and safety that Downes routinely demonstrates in demanding jobs.
Safety and cleanup standards matter here more than almost any other home service, and Downes generally earns high marks on both fronts. Several reviews highlight early site assessments by seasoned arborists and clear plans before work begins, including a dedicated safety rate for high-climbing tasks and a foreman who arrives ahead of the crew to stage the operation. In high-stakes removals, such as a 135-foot tulip tree near wires or a dangerous oak next to a house, the crew deploys cranes or Teupen platforms and coordinates with neighbors to move vehicles away, all while protecting lawns with careful staging and ground protection. Post-work cleanup often receives lavish praise: debris cleared, fences repaired if moved, and the site left looking as if the tree work never occurred. Yet, a few reviews flag dangerous missteps or problematic behavior in isolated incidents, underscoring the need for clear expectations and consistent supervision on every job.
The company’s cleanup discipline stands out in urban or suburban landscapes. Time and again, Downes is praised for leaving properties immaculate, no stray branches, no lingering dirt, and even soil and seed work to restore disturbed ground after stump grinding or ground prep. There is notable pride in precise edge work, neat mulch placement, and reliable disposal of waste. This level of thoroughness makes a big difference when the objective is to restore a yard’s usability and aesthetics after a large removal or heavy pruning. The downside in the cleanup narrative tends to hinge on the occasional complaint about debris or dust in the neighborhood or about a job where access constraints led to less-than-perfect containment. Still, the prevailing pattern is that, when a crew commits to meticulous cleanup, the result is a yard that looks finished and safe.
Scheduling and communication are mixed but frequently favorable for customers who actively engage the process. Office staff and on-site supervisors, names like Colleen, Veronica, and Scott surface repeatedly, are described as professional, responsive, and capable of guiding complex jobs from quote to completion. In many storms or urgent removals, the team mobilizes quickly, arrives with the right equipment, and executes tasks with coordinated efficiency, earning trust and repeat business from property managers and homeowners alike. However, several reviews recount long wait times, missed callbacks, or a sense that certain individuals were less patient or courteous with customers. A few experiences even describe rude behavior or a disconnect between sales promises and field execution. The takeaway: Downes tends to perform very well when communications are proactive and documented, but potential clients should confirm timelines in writing and request a dedicated supervisor for the duration of the project.
Price and value arrive as a pragmatic reality. Across the spectrum, reviewers describe Downes as offering solid value for complex work, with some jobs noted as aggressively priced for the scope and equipment required. Some customers praise the company for fair pricing and transparent, detail-rich estimates, while others label certain services as costly or confront reports of extra charges. A recurring theme is the importance of an explicit, written scope and contingency allowances, particularly for crane work, stump grinding, or ground preparation, where surprises tend to appear. Insurance status is a consistent point of emphasis in reviews: Downes is described as fully insured in many cases, which is essential when large equipment operates near residences and driveways. Yet, there are isolated complaints about insurance-related friction or disputes over damage claims. In sum, pricing should be negotiated with a detailed scope and a solid written contract to avoid later disagreements.
The practical verdict: Downes Tree Service is a robust, capable choice for discerning property owners facing big-tree challenges or urgent storm response in the Hawthorne area. For complex removals, high-access pruning, or multi-tree projects that require crane access or specialized equipment, Downes delivers the safety discipline, cleanup thoroughness, and project management that many properties demand. Prospective clients should enter the process with a clearly documented scope, a named on-site lead, and a concrete schedule, particularly if neighbors, access through alternate yards, or fence lines are involved. If a job is relatively simple or price-sensitive, it pays to compare a few alternatives, but for anything that could become a high-risk scenario, near structures, power lines, or in congested urban settings, Downes often proves its value through professional arborists, skilled crews, and a demonstrated commitment to restoring landscapes with minimal disruption. In short, Downes Tree Service stands out as a practical, informed, and capable partner for the toughest tree jobs, provided the client secures clear expectations and a reliable line of communication from the outset.
Crane-assisted removal for trees that can't be conventionally climbed or sectioned - ideal for extremely large, hazardous, or tightly situated trees.
Crane-assisted removals and bucket truck work are a core capability, enabling high-reach, large-tree work in urban settings like Hawthorne, New Jersey. In Hawthorne, Downes Tree Service used a crane and bucket truck to remove a 75-foot twin-bark White Pine in under five hours, from a backyard accessed through a neighbor’s yard. For tall or tricky trees, the crew brings a Teupen platform to reach upper limbs, sometimes moving a fence or coordinating parking-lot access to position the equipment, all while protecting the lawn. This crane-and-platform capability supports rapid storm response and complex removals, with emphasis on safety, thorough cleanup, and minimizing disruption to the property and neighbors.
Uses an aerial bucket truck for safe, efficient access to tall or hard-to-reach branches. Faster and more stable than climbing for many jobs.
Bucket truck access, often paired with a crane, enables Downes Tree Service to reach tall limbs in tight urban yards, including locations with access only through a neighbor's property in Hawthorne, NJ. For example, a 75-foot twin-bark White Pine was removed from a backyard using both a crane and bucket truck, with the crew removing the tree and debris in under five hours. In another job, they brought a Teupen elevated platform to reach high branches, with a crew member operating from the moving cabin to access the canopy. They can adapt the site by relocating fencing to maneuver the lift and structure, and they finish with thorough cleanup, reflecting a focus on safety and yard preservation.
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 integrated into tree removal projects, with a dedicated stump-grinding crew dispatched after the tree is felled. Customers consistently report efficient grinding followed by impeccable cleanup, with yards left neat and free of the stump’s remnants. They handle stump work in challenging Hawthorne-area sites, including backyards with access through neighboring properties and tight urban spaces, often using cranes, bucket trucks, or a Teupen platform to reach tall stumps. The process is well coordinated—from initial consultations to scheduling and post-work touchups—emphasizing safety, professionalism, and a finish that makes the property look as if the stump was never there.
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 a core capability, with crane-assisted removals and bucket-truck access that let crews tackle towering specimens even in tight urban backyards. Customers consistently note professional, efficient teams that communicate clearly, assess risks, and execute cleanups after the job. A standout job removed a 75-foot twin-bark White Pine located behind a home, with access through a neighbor's yard, using a crane and bucket truck to remove the tree and its debris in under five hours. Another project involved a 135-foot tulip tree whose limbs hung over the house; a Teupen elevated platform and crane were used to reach and bring it down safely, with the crew protecting the lawn and nearby structures and leaving the site spotless.
Installs steel cables or braces to support weak branch unions, co-dominant stems, or leaning trunks - extending the life of a tree you don't want to lose.
Cabling and bracing are a core capability for Downes Tree Service in Hawthorne, NJ, applied when stabilizing large or high-risk branches to reduce wind-related risk. An arborist assesses each tree and designs a targeted cabling and bracing plan, coordinating with homeowners to respect nearby structures and property lines. On complex jobs in yards and urban spaces, crews have used cranes, bucket trucks, and Teupen elevated platforms to reach treetops and install the support systems. The teams execute work safely and efficiently, with attention to protecting lawns and landscaping and thorough cleanup after the cabling project. This capability sits alongside a broad range of services in Hawthorne, NJ, including tree removal, pruning, stump grinding, and storm cleanup, reflecting a safety-minded, customer-focused approach.
Skilled at working in tight spaces where trees sit close to homes, fences, garages, or power lines. Precision removal without damage to surrounding structures.
Crane-equipped removals and bucket-truck access are routinely used to work safely within inches of structures, wires, and tight spaces. When trees sit in backyards with limited access, crews have reached through a neighbor’s yard, deployed a crane and bucket truck, and removed large trees with debris in under five hours. For urban backyards, the Teupen platform is brought in, and the team coordinates with property owners and neighbors, even relocating fencing as needed to reach the tree. A safety-conscious approach is evident: a safety lead surveys the area, neighbors are alerted to move cars to prevent damage, and the crew protects lawns and performs thorough cleanup. They can respond quickly to storm or emergency scenarios, often working odd hours with proper lighting and delivering clean, orderly results.
Ready to respond after high winds, ice storms, or heavy snow bring trees and limbs down across your property.
Storm cleanup capability is front and center, with Hawthorne-based crews ready to mobilize quickly in the field using cranes, bucket trucks, and a Teupen elevated platform to reach tall trees near structures. In a backyard with access only through a neighbor’s yard, the crew used a crane and bucket truck to remove the tree and its debris in under five hours. During a recent surprise storm in nearby Plainfield, the team was dispatched via PSEG and arrived in the middle of the night to remove a tree that fell on a house, completing the job professionally and rapidly despite limited visibility. Cleanup after removals is thorough, with stump grinding and yard protection as part of the service, and crews consistently leave the property neat and clear of debris.
Competitive pricing without cutting corners. These arborists offer fair rates and transparent quotes, making professional tree care accessible for most budgets.
Affordability is a recurring theme in their service patterns in Hawthorne, NJ, where customers note reasonable estimates and strong value across tree removal, pruning, cabling, and stump grinding. A notable backyard removal was completed with a crane and bucket truck for a totally reasonable estimate, and many clients mention the price as great or the rates as reasonable for the scope. They leverage heavy equipment like cranes, bucket trucks, and even Teupen platforms to handle tight urban backyards and multi-property projects efficiently, often finishing quickly with thorough cleanup. While a few experiences cite pricing concerns or service friction, the overall pattern shows Downes delivering affordable capability for comprehensive tree care in Hawthorne and surrounding areas.
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 included and consistently evident in Hawthorne, NJ, where crews finish jobs by leaving the property immaculate. From large removals to stump grinding, debris is cleared quickly and thoroughly, with the team tidying branches, leaves, and dirt and protecting lawns and driveways during work. Even in tight urban backyards, they coordinate access and sometimes move fencing or other obstacles, then restore the site so it looks neat and almost unused. Across projects of varying size, the final appearance is routinely pristine, with cleanup accompanying the professional tree work.