Monster Tree Service of Pittsburgh in Upper St. Clair

Monster Tree Service of Pittsburgh

(412) 203-8174 www.monstertreeservice.com

Equipment and Capabilities: Stump Grinder

Emergency and Storm: Storm Cleanup, Quick Response

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

Customer Experience: Affordable

Whether you need a tree removal service for a construction project or you need tree trimming to beautify your property, Monster Tree Service can tackle it. Our crews have extensive training, skills, and equipment to handle any kind of tree service, from removing diseased branches to tree stump removal to reshaping old growth of massive trees. We can even plant trees to replace what we remove!

4.9 from 322 reviews

5 stars
312
4 stars
2
3 stars
0
2 stars
1
1 stars
7

Pros

  • The Monster Tree Service crew is fast, hardworking, and cleans up thoroughly.
  • They arrive on time and communicate clearly throughout the project.
  • They perform professional, courteous, and knowledgeable work.
  • Their pricing is fair and competitive.
  • They leave the yard spotless with debris removed.
  • They handle dangerous removals safely, even near houses, fences, and power lines.
  • Customers consistently rate Monster Tree Service as reliable and highly recommend them.
  • They go above and beyond, delivering excellent cleanup and customer service.
  • The team is friendly, respectful of property, and easy to work with.
  • Estimates and planning are clear, with good follow-through from quote to completion.

Cons

Based on reviews representing only 2% of total ratings

  • The company charged a $75 credit-card fee that was not disclosed on the estimate, which was deemed unacceptable.
  • The removal of five 40-foot pine trees was described as a horrendous job.
  • One reviewer called hiring Monster again a complete waste of money.

Review Overview

Monster Tree Service of Pittsburgh is at its strongest for homeowners who contend with large, mature trees on risk-prone sites, especially in single-family properties in Upper St. Clair and the South Hills. The company shines on complex removals near houses, driveways, fences, or power lines, as well as storm-damage cleanups that demand quick, controlled execution. Budget-conscious yet unafraid to pay for solid, competent work will find this outfit a top pick, with many projects completed faster than expected and at prices that routinely beat out competing bids for similarly large jobs. This is not a “cheapest first” service; it is a dependable, value-driven option for real-tree work where precision and safety drive the outcome. The recurring message from satisfied clients is that Monster provides reliable access, timely scheduling, and work that actually matches the scope discussed in the estimate.

Safety and cleanup are core differentiators in live-tree work, and Monster Tree Service demonstrates a disciplined adherence to risk management that matters far more here than in most home services. Reviewers repeatedly note crews that approach tasks with methodical rigging, smart personnel placement, and respect for adjacent structures and utilities. Trees near houses, decks, and walls are brought down with careful control rather than brute force, and several removals were accomplished without damage to nearby walls, fences, or plantings. The crews routinely protect the landscape, draping, roping, and positioning climbers to minimize collateral impact, and they bring equipment that supports secure lowering of large limbs and trunks. The upshot is a project that ends with a safe site and an absence of “new problems” to contend with after the crew leaves.

Cleanup standards are equally uncompromising and consistently highlighted as a standout feature. Across numerous jobs, the yard is left “clean as a whistle,” with debris hauled away, trimmings chipped or hauled, and even fine detritus like needles and sawdust removed from driveways and lawns. Several reviewers mention that they could plant or resume normal outdoor activities the same day because the space looks as if nothing had occurred. Firewood-sized logs are often stacked or left for disposal by the client, which adds tangible value to the service. In short, Monster treats cleanup as part of the contract, not as an afterthought, and the evidence sits in countless photos and testimonials of pristine, ready-to-use spaces after the work is done.

Reliability and communication build a strong case for repeat business, though a few reviews reveal occasional hiccups. Most clients describe prompt responses to inquiries, thorough on-site assessments with photos, and clear written estimates that map every step of the job. The team is noted for showing up on time, executing work efficiently, and keeping neighbors and property owners informed during the process. However, there are isolated notes of delayed responses or scheduling gaps, and at least one reviewer cautioned about a quoted price that later appeared as a separate line item for a credit-card fee. The practical takeaway is straightforward: lock in a well-documented scope, confirm payment terms upfront, and request a detailed schedule to avoid any misalignment if conditions or timelines shift.

Value, scope, and job adaptability are where Monster Tree Service earns its strongest endorsements. The service covers pruning, trimming, multi-tree removals, stump grinding, and even stump-to-firewood transitions when requested. The company’s ability to handle tight spaces, weather challenges, and large-diameter removals near structures is repeatedly praised, with crews delivering efficient work that minimizes field downtime and maximizes safety. While some reviews surface pricing as a concern in outlier bids, the majority describe pricing as fair, transparent, and competitive for the scope, equipment, and risk involved. The recurring pattern is clear: when the job demands skilled climbers, precise rigging, and swift cleanup, Monster proves itself a strong value proposition.

For property owners weighing options, Monster Tree Service of Pittsburgh represents a compelling choice when the project involves high-stakes tree work on a suburban lot, especially where time is of the essence and the budget allows for quality, not just minimal price. Ideal scenarios include storm-damage response, trees leaning toward structures or power lines, or series-removal plans where multiple trees must be removed and stumps ground in a single, coordinated effort. It is also a sound recommendation for long-term maintenance programs where reliability and consistent communication reduce decision fatigue. Prospective clients should enter with a defined scope, request written estimates with explicit inclusions and exclusions, and anticipate a thorough cleanup that matches the level of care given to the trees themselves. In these conditions, Monster Tree Service of Pittsburgh stands out as a practical, knowledgeable ally, experienced enough to protect the property, patient enough to explain the process, and capable enough to leave the landscape better than before.

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 capability, and customers consistently describe it as fast and thorough. People note grinding multiple stumps in a single visit and leaving the yard clean with no debris left behind. In the Pittsburgh area, including Upper St. Clair, the stump work is often paired with tree removals or storm cleanup and completed in an efficient, professional manner. One customer called out a stump grind as fast and professional, and many others emphasize reliable, courteous crews and meticulous cleanup. Overall, patterns show Monster Tree Service handles stump grinding with care, delivering clean sites and solid value as part of a full-service tree care package.

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 is one of Monster Tree Service of Pittsburgh’s strongest capabilities, with teams quickly dispatched to clear downed trees, broken branches, and storm debris after events in Upper St. Clair and the Pittsburgh area. Customer feedback patterns highlight fast response times, safe removal of large limbs and trees even when they’re near structures or power lines, and meticulous cleanup that leaves yards spotless. They routinely operate in challenging conditions—frozen ground, snow, and windy days—without compromising safety or damaging surrounding property. The crews communicate clearly from estimate through completion and coordinate smoothly with neighbors as needed, restoring safety and order after storms. Overall, the storm cleanup work reflects a reliable, professional service that Pittsburgh-area residents rely on to quickly recover from severe weather.

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 hallmark of Monster Tree Service of Pittsburgh in Upper St. Clair, with many customers noting quick replies to inquiries and fast mobilization after approval. Estimates and scheduling are handled promptly, and crews often arrive the next day or within 24 hours to assess and begin work, even in storm or challenging weather. They readily handle urgent needs near structures, removing hazardous trees, pruning, and stump grinding with safety and efficiency, leaving yards clean and debris-free. Throughout, communication remains proactive and clear from initial quote through project completion.

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.

Dropping and pruning near structures is a core capability, with Monster Tree Service routinely removing limbs and whole trees that are right up against houses, fences, driveways, and even power lines in Upper St. Clair and the Pittsburgh area. Clients consistently describe crews who plan carefully and lower large sections in tight spaces to avoid contact with the building or landscaping. In storm-damaged situations or when access is constrained, they respond quickly and work cleanly, removing hazards without leaving debris or causing further risk to the home. Cleanup is thorough, leaving yards and driveways clear and homes unscathed. This proximity-conscious approach and emphasis on safety near buildings and utilities make Monster Tree Service a trusted choice for work near structures in the Pittsburgh region.

Dead Tree Experience

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

In Upper St. Clair, Monster Tree Service handles dead and dying trees with a safety-first approach, even when trunks are large or located near houses, driveways, or power lines. Customers describe quick, responsive service to storm-damaged or leaning dead trees, with crews carefully pruning, felling in sections, and lowering pieces to avoid collateral damage. Post-removal cleanup is thorough, with debris hauled away and stumps ground down, leaving yards clean and ready for replacement planting if desired. They work in tight spaces and near valued landscaping, preserving nearby plants and ensuring minimal disturbance while achieving full removal. Overall, the dead-tree capability is demonstrated through reliable, professional teams, clear communication, and efficient completion from estimate to finish.

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 the Pittsburgh area, including Upper St. Clair, large-tree work is a hallmark, with crews regularly handling massive removals and pruning in tight spaces near homes and even power lines. They can take down multiple large trees in a single visit, grind stumps, and leave yards clean—examples include removing twelve trees on one property and cutting down two very large oaks near a house. Work near structures is done with safety and care; one job involved removing a large pine near a house and a block wall with no damage to the wall. Neighbors and homeowners consistently praise their professionalism, responsiveness, and thorough cleanup, often noting the site is left spotless. They also respond quickly to storm damage and urgent situations, with crews arriving promptly to clear downed trees and restore safety.

Tree Planting

Not just removal - these companies help you add trees too. Proper planting technique gives new trees the best chance at a long, healthy life.

Planting replacement trees is a core capability they offer to complete a landscape project after removal. One client described removing a stump and planting a tree in its place, showing they can integrate planting into removal work. This approach is paired with careful site cleanup and respectful handling of the yard, so the landscape looks natural after the job. In the Pittsburgh area around Upper St. Clair, homeowners experience professional, efficient service that includes replacement planting as part of the overall tree care package.

Customer Experience

Affordable

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

Affordability shines through in customer feedback, with many clients calling pricing fair, reasonable, or among the lowest for substantial jobs in Pittsburgh and the South Hills. They consistently pair this value with broad capabilities—removing trees near structures or power lines, grinding stumps, trimming and pruning large trees, storm cleanup, and even planting replacements—delivered quickly and with thorough cleanup. Quick quotes, prompt scheduling, and safe, professional workmanship further reinforce that customers get great value for the cost. In Upper St. Clair and surrounding areas, homeowners repeatedly express satisfaction not just with the results but with how affordable the service is for the scope of work performed.