Birchcrest Tree & Landscape in Rochester

Birchcrest Tree & Landscape

(585) 288-3572 birchcrestlandscape.com

150 Lee Rd, Rochester, New York 14606

Equipment and Capabilities: Crane, Stump Grinder, Chipper

Tree Services: Large Trees, Stump Removal

Specialty Expertise: Works Near Power Lines

Credentials and Trust: Long Established, ISA Certified

Customer Experience: Cleanup Included

Emergency and Storm: Quick Response

For more than three decades, Birchcrest Tree and Landscape has been serving Rochester, NY and Monroe County with well meticulous landscapes and hardscapes, lawn care, and tree care services. When you work with our team of professionals, you are assured of receiving high-quality, valued services. We have eight ISA Certified Arborists, four NYSNLA Certified Nursery Landscape Professionals, and eight NYS Certified Pesticide Applicators on staff. Each certification requires continued education, and we offer in-house training to ensure all our staff is up to date on current technology, pest activity, safety issues, and landscape trends.

4.0 from 428 reviews

5 stars
303
4 stars
16
3 stars
7
2 stars
12
1 stars
90

Pros

  • Birchcrest is very prompt, courteous, and friendly, delivering great service.
  • Birchcrest Tree & Landscape has consistently been very professional and does a great job.
  • The crews are friendly and helpful and always clean up thoroughly.
  • The tree cutting service completes the job from start to finish in a very short time.
  • Cleanup is extremely thorough on the deck and lawn.
  • The workers are highly competent, even in tight spaces, and leave the property impeccably clean.
  • From start to finish, Birchcrest is professional, and customers are happy with the experience.
  • They consistently provide top-notch service.
  • The teams are polite, efficient, and receptive to input.
  • Birchcrest is a pleasure to work with and highly recommended for tree and landscape work.

Cons

Based on reviews representing only 25% of total ratings

  • They left a huge mess and debris in yards after completing the work.
  • They entered properties without notice, sometimes hopping fences to access the site.
  • They damaged fences, gardens, and landscaping during trimming near power lines.

Review Overview

Birchcrest Tree & Landscape in Rochester, NY is best suited for property owners facing high-stakes, technically demanding tree work where safety and thorough cleanup are non-negotiable. The company shines on large removals, tight or cluttered sites, and jobs that involve ground grading, stump grinding, and reseeding. Single-family homes with yards that sit close to power lines, sheds, or decks, as well as projects that require cranes or rigging, are within their wheelhouse. Clients who value speed and coordination for complex tasks, especially after weather events or windstorms, will find Birchcrest a strong contender. Budget-minded homeowners who still expect top-tier outcomes will appreciate the value offered on intricate jobs, though the price tag may be higher than some rivals. This is not a “low-cost, quick fix” outfit; it is a capacity-driven operation that delivers when the job demands planning, ballasting, and precise execution.

Safety and cleanup standards deserve underscoring, because tree work places unique risks that set the bar far above most home services. Birchcrest’s crews repeatedly demonstrate careful manipulation around power lines, with sophisticated rigging, crane work, and bucket-truck operations cited as strengths in many projects. The most telling praise comes from clients who regard the work as safe and controlled, with crews that “kept traffic in check,” used appropriate PPE, and minimized property disruption. However, the reviews also surface concerns about safety practices in a few instances, issues ranging from perceived overzealous pruning to questions about harness use or debris management. For peace of mind, confirm a clear safety plan before work begins: a licensed arborist onsite, documented PPE expectations, and a written method for protecting nearby structures, fences, and gardens. A supervisor should be present for complex cuts and for any work near utilities.

In the realm of work quality and cleanup, Birchcrest earns high marks when the crew executes the plan and leaves no trace of disturbance. Many reviewers note flawless site restoration: clean driveways, pristine lawns, and tidy piles of wood chips hauled away promptly. The strongest testimonials emphasize not only accurate pruning and safe removals but also meticulous debris removal and grading so reseeded lawns recover quickly. Yet there are equally persistent complaints about inconsistent cleanup and unfinished work, including branches left behind, gaps in field cleanup, or delayed removal of wood and stumps. The practical takeaway: demand a detailed cleanup checklist in the contract, with explicit milestones for debris removal, stump grinding, and any topsoil or seed work. Insist on a post-job walk-through to verify that the site meets the agreed standard before the last payment.

Communication and scheduling emerge as a mixed bag, requiring a practical, proactive approach from both sides. A substantial portion of reviews describe Birchcrest as responsive, courteous, and professional from first contact through project completion. Positive examples highlight reliable estimates, timely arrivals, and ongoing updates that help clients plan around work days or power outages. Conversely, a nontrivial share recounts missed appointments, delayed start dates, or “ghosting” after deposits are paid. The pattern suggests success hinges on choosing a dedicated point of contact, securing a fixed start date in writing, and arranging explicit progress updates. For projects tied to RG&E requirements, expect coordination with utility crews; confirm who will call to schedule and how disruptions, driveway closures, power shutoffs, or street access, will be managed so neighbors and clients are not left guessing.

Pricing and value sit squarely in the “worth considering, with caveats” category. Birchcrest is repeatedly described as not the cheapest option, but often one of the more capable teams for difficult terrain and high-risk work. Several reviewers praise transparent, itemized quotes and competitive pricing for the scope described, while others report overestimations or surprise charges, and in rare cases, billing disputes after work has begun. The prudent path is to obtain multiple, detailed quotes, and to push for clarity on what is included or excluded, especially regarding travel fees, debris disposal, topsoil, and seed or sod. A careful contract should spell out exactly how many crew hours are anticipated, what types of equipment will be used, and what the ultimate cleanup and site restoration will entail. In short, the value comes from competence and efficiency on tough jobs; the risk lies in scope creep or unclear billing.

The verdict for Birchcrest should be grounded in project type and expectations. For complex removals, near-structure pruning, or RG&E–related line clearance, Birchcrest offers a deep bench of arborists and operators with proven capability to manage risk, protect property, and deliver on sizable tasks. Clients seeking a quick, light pruning of a few branches on a flat, easy-to-access lot may encounter frustrations if a project becomes a scheduling bottleneck or if communication drifts. The best approach is to enter with a concrete plan: a single point of contact, a written start date, a detailed scope of work, and a post-work cleanup agreement. For best results, request an on-site arborist to review the plan, confirm the line-clearance strategy, and set explicit expectations around debris removal and lawn repair.

Ultimately, Birchcrest stands out as a practical, knowledgeable partner for Rochester homeowners confronting demanding tree work, provided the engagement is governed by clear communication, rigorous safety and cleanup standards, and a well-defined scope. The company earns credibility from its track record handling high-stakes jobs with near-power-line access, crane work, and substantial grading or seeding tasks. It remains crucial to document every facet of the project in writing, including safety plans, schedule, and cleanup commitments, and to monitor the work closely enough to prevent the few recurring pitfalls that appear in some reviews. When the job involves complicated access, high-risk cuts, or utility coordination, Birchcrest is a decision that pays off, just go in with a plan, insist on accountability, and expect the level of workmanship that a serious arborist team can deliver.

Equipment and Capabilities

Crane

Crane-assisted removal for trees that can't be conventionally climbed or sectioned - ideal for extremely large, hazardous, or tightly situated trees.

Crane-enabled lifting and bucket-truck work are a recurring capability highlighted in Rochester-area feedback. Customers frequently describe Birchcrest using a crane or bucket to reach tall trees, work around tight spaces, and safely trim or remove limbs near power lines. The crane is noted for enabling precise maneuvers, such as lifting large branches over buildings or obstacles and positioning cuts without damaging surrounding property. In several accounts, crews coordinate crane use with other equipment (like tractors) to handle large removals while keeping cleanup thorough. Overall, the crane capability is described as a core driver of efficient, high-quality work in the Rochester context, though some feedback points to scheduling and communication issues that are separate from the crane work itself.

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 capability during removal projects, typically paired with stump removal and disposal and followed by topsoil and reseeding to restore the area. Feedback consistently highlights thorough, efficient stump grinding and clean removal of grindings, helping the lawn recover more quickly. Crews demonstrate the ability to maneuver grinders into tight spaces and around obstacles, finishing the grind without damaging nearby structures or landscapes. The standard workflow often includes grading the ground, applying topsoil, and reseeding, with many notes about a clean, orderly job site after the work is done. While broader projects can face scheduling or communication hiccups, the stump grinding component is repeatedly praised for skill, reliability, and thorough cleanup.

Chipper

On-site wood chipping turns bulky brush and branches into manageable mulch. Efficient cleanup and an option to keep the chips for your garden.

Branch chipper capability is a notable part of Birchcrest’s Rochester-area tree work, routinely employed during large-removal jobs. In cases with close power-line work or tight spaces, crews use a chipper alongside crane and bucket operations to process limbs on site. The pattern shows the chipper helps prevent debris backlog, with on-site grinding and chipping speeding up cleanup. This on-site processing complements thorough cleanup reported after many jobs, though some projects reflect variability in final site tidiness. Overall, Rochester clients experience on-site chipping as a core part of a fast, efficient limb-removal workflow that reduces the volume of material that must be hauled away.

Tree Services

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.

Large-tree work stands out in their service offerings, with demonstrated removals of very tall maples and other mature trees in Rochester and Monroe County. Crews routinely tackle trees in tight spaces—backyards, near fences or sheds, and even around power lines—using crane-equipped bucket trucks, careful rigging, and precise maneuvering. Stump grinding and debris removal accompany the removals, and projects often include topsoil replacement and reseeding to restore the lawn after a large cut. Cleanup and site care are frequently highlighted as strong points, with many customers noting clean properties on completion, though a few reports mention debris or scheduling gaps. In Rochester, their large-tree work is also linked to RG&E line-clearance programs, reflecting experience handling trees around utility infrastructure. Overall, the patterns show a capable, safety-conscious team able to handle sizeable, high-stakes tree removals in the local context.

Stump Removal

Full stump extraction, root and all - not just grinding. Ideal when you need the area completely cleared for construction, landscaping, or replanting.

Stump removal is a core capability Birchcrest handles alongside tree removals in the Rochester, NY area. Customer feedback consistently highlights efficient stump grinding as part of complete removal projects, with wood and stump material removed and the site cleaned thoroughly. Crews are noted to maneuver equipment skillfully even in tight spaces or near structures and power lines. After grinding, many jobs include grading the area, placing topsoil, and reseeding to help lawns recover. Overall, the pattern shows professional execution and thorough cleanup, with a few reviews noting scheduling or communication hiccups.

Specialty Expertise

Works Near Power Lines

Trained and equipped to work near energized power lines. This specialized work requires specific qualifications - not every company should attempt it.

Power-line clearance work is a core capability, with Rochester, NY customers noting Birchcrest is routinely contracted by RG&E to trim, remove limbs, and clear branches that threaten power lines. Crews are described as highly skilled in lifting and negotiating tall limbs using bucket trucks and crane operations, often maneuvering in tight spaces and directly over wires to complete removals safely. The use of crane buckets, rigging, and careful trunk work near lines is highlighted as a key strength in these projects. Customers consistently praise quick response and professional conduct when lines are involved, along with thorough cleanup after the power-line work is finished. At the same time, feedback warns that scheduling and communication around these jobs can be inconsistent, and post-work debris cleanup can vary, indicating room for improvement alongside strong technical capability.

Credentials and Trust

Long Established

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

With more than three decades of service in Rochester and Monroe County, Birchcrest Tree & Landscape demonstrates a long-established capability to plan, execute, and finish complex tree and landscape projects. Customer feedback patterns show enduring relationships and repeated engagements for large removals, near power-line work, stump grinding, and landscape installation, reflecting trust built over many years. A robust team, including eight ISA Certified Arborists and other certified professionals, supports high-skill tasks such as pruning around power lines, crane-assisted removals, and careful site restoration. The overall experience highlights professionalism, safety, courteous crews, and meticulous cleanup, even in challenging spaces or close to utilities. The long-standing presence is reinforced by recurring RG&E line-clearance work and a history of community-focused service, including timely responses and notable acts of care, such as animal rescue efforts. While some feedback notes scheduling or communication hiccups, the prevailing pattern underscores a veteran Rochester company trusted for skilled arborists, durable results, and sustained local impact.

ISA Certified

Employs one or more ISA-certified arborists - credentialed professionals who've passed rigorous testing in tree care science and best practices.

Eight ISA Certified Arborists on staff anchor Birchcrest’s tree care capabilities in Rochester, NY, providing a credentialed backbone to the services offered. Across reviews, customers consistently describe the arborists as highly knowledgeable, safety-conscious professionals who can plan and execute complex removals, pruning, and crane-assisted work around powerlines with precision. They also note the educational role of the arborists, with clients like Micah Burns highlighted for exceptional, patient guidance that helps homeowners understand treatments and decisions. The feedback reflects careful work in tight spaces and near utilities, paired with thorough cleanup, underscoring adherence to high safety and quality standards. Taken together, local feedback shows that ISA-certified arborists are a central driver of dependable, expert tree care in the Rochester area.

Customer Experience

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.

Cleanup_included appears to be a core part of Birchcrest’s service, with many Rochester-area customers noting thorough, front-to-back cleanup after tree removals, stumps, grinding, and debris removal. Reviewers consistently describe the site as being left “clean,” “spotless,” or “without a mess,” and they often mention logs, wood chips, and debris being removed from lawns, decks, and driveways. Specific scenarios highlight cleanup in challenging spaces—near power lines, tight corners, and after crane work—where crews are praised for completing the job and then tidying the site. While there are occasional complaints about leftover debris or incomplete cleanup, the prevailing feedback pattern reinforces that when cleanup is done, customers are highly satisfied and view it as an integral part of the service. In short, Rochester customers commonly experience thorough cleanup as part of Birchcrest’s tree and landscape work, reinforcing trust in their ability to restore property after projects.

Emergency and Storm

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.

Quick response is a recurrent strength noted by customers. In Rochester, NY, clients consistently describe prompt, courteous crews who mobilize quickly for tree removals, power-line clearances, and urgent pruning. Several comments highlight a short turnaround from initial contact to on-site work, with crews arriving on time and completing jobs in a matter of hours; one reviewer even described a crew arriving within an hour of calling to recover a drone stuck in a tree. The pattern extends to time-sensitive emergencies— crews are dispatched rapidly for safety-focused work around power lines and other urgent needs. They have also demonstrated quick action in rescue-oriented situations, such as quickly responding to help a raccoon trapped in a tree.