(206) 782-8202 www.ballardtree.com
12421 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle, Washington 98133
Equipment and Capabilities: Bucket Truck, Stump Grinder
Tree Services: Tree Assessments, Large Trees, Dead Tree Experience
Credentials and Trust: Family Owned, ISA Certified
Customer Experience: Free Estimates, Affordable
Emergency and Storm: Quick Response
Ballard Tree is a small, family-run business owned by a retired Seattle firefighter. We take pride in providing thoughtful tree care to the Seattle area for over 30 years. Since 1990, we have been committed to delivering exceptional customer service and high-quality tree care. At Ballard Tree Service, all our projects are managed with the utmost care by ISA Certified Arborists and Tree Risk Assessment Qualified project managers. Our office also has a team of horticulturists available to answer any questions you may have about tree care and planting. You can trust us to help you make informed decisions about your trees and property, while safely and efficiently handling all your tree service needs. Call us today for a free estimate!
4.6 from 58 reviews
Based on reviews representing only 10% of total ratings
Ballard Tree Service is best suited for Seattle-area homeowners facing meaningful tree work where safety, precision, and site cleanliness matter as much as the final look as the budget. The company shines on mid- to large-scale jobs: tall cedars and firs requiring bucket access, mature trees that need careful pruning to protect adjacent structures or delicate landscaping, and removal work where access is challenging or near power lines. Clients who value reliability, clear communication, and a professional crew capable of coordinating with neighborhood streets and city permits will find BTS a strong match. It’s a practical fit for households with a moderate to substantial budget who are not shopping strictly by price, but by value, skill, and dependable outcomes, especially when urgency exists, such as propping up a leaning tree or quickly preparing a site for a remodel.
Safety and cleanup standards are BTS’s defining non-negotiables. Repeated reviews note prompt, professional crews that bring the right tools for the job, whether that means a climber and bucket truck for a monumental cedar or a remover who can securely cradle a trunk through tight spaces. The emphasis on protecting people, plants, and property is consistent: crews minimize collateral damage, use containment and ground protection, and sweep and reset the site until it looks as if the work never happened. Cleanup is not an afterthought but an integral part of the plan, with multiple customers highlighting pristine results, landscaped beds, lawns, and driveways cleared of debris, even leaves tucked into bags or chipped for yard use. This is where safety and cleanup separate a routine cut from a responsible, long-term tree care approach.
The craftsmanship behind BTS’s trimming and shaping is another decisive factor. Clients consistently report natural-looking outcomes, even after aggressive vertical reductions or shaping around complex canopy architecture. The arborists’ ability to balance aesthetics with tree health, removing dead wood, managing growth direction, and preserving form, comes through in how trees breathe light after pruning and how neighboring coordinates remain intact. The team’s planning phase, often led by experienced arborists who tailor the scope to the tree species and site, translates into work that looks intentional rather than temporary. This is not a contractor who simply “gets it done”; it’s a crew that treats trees as living partners in the landscape and communicates changes or refinements with the client along the way.
Pricing and value carry some of the sharpest swings in the reviews, but the consensus leans toward competitive, fair pricing for solid work. BTS often delivers quotes quickly and sticks to them, with many customers praising straightforward, reasonable estimates that align with the final bill. Yet there are cautions worth heeding: a few reviews recount experiences where quotes seemed high or where permit handling later revealed miscommunications or delays. In Seattle’s permit-aware environment, this underscores a critical decision point, insist on a detailed written scope, explicit permit responsibilities, and a documented plan for debris removal and stump grinding. Ballard’s strength is in execution and accountability; the risk lies in paperwork missteps. The prudent buyer will require an itemized scope and a clear delineation of who handles city paperwork, fees, and follow-up actions.
Scheduling reliability and responsiveness consistently tilt in BTS’s favor, particularly in emergencies. The company earns trust through rapid response to urgent situations, a leaning tree pinning against a house, a break in a storm, or a leaning hedge threatening power lines, paired with follow-through that keeps the project on track and within cost estimates. Instances of smooth experiences when calling for urgent service are echoed in multiple accounts where a next-morning crew or same-week work is arranged, sometimes leveraging strong on-site leadership to coordinate a complex cut with minimal disruption. There are occasional mentions of scheduling friction, but the overall pattern is one of dependable mobilization and professional conduct under pressure.
In the final assessment, Ballard Tree Service is the sensible choice for property owners who require skilled arborists, robust safety practices, and meticulous cleanup on challenging Seattle landscapes. They excel with larger or more complex trees, hillside or constrained sites, and jobs where preserving the surrounding garden matters almost as much as the tree itself. The warning signs are clear: be prepared for the possibility of permit-related delays or miscommunications, and insist on a comprehensive written plan that assigns responsibility for permits, debris disposal, and any neighbor-facing impacts (for example, stump grinding noise or chip dumping). A practical decision checklist should include: confirm a dedicated arborist on site to discuss species-specific pruning strategy; get a detailed permit and liability plan; request a precise debris and stump removal scope; verify site protection measures for beds and sidewalks; and ensure a clear, fixed price with no surprise add-ons.
For homeowners who want a trusted partner to prune, shape, or remove with care, Ballard Tree Service delivers the mix of technical skill, disciplined safety, and reliable service Seattle properties demand. They can be counted on to bring the right crew, the right equipment, and the right attitude toward protecting neighbors and landscapes alike. Do not enter a project without a detailed plan, written scope, and a mutual understanding of permit responsibilities; the right BTS crew will convert a potentially stressful tree project into a controlled, predictable, and ultimately satisfying transformation of the yard.
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 lets Ballard Tree Service reach tall canopies and perform high-priority pruning and removals without relying solely on climbing. Customer feedback patterns show that very large trees or hedges on slopes in Seattle-area yards are handled efficiently when a bucket truck is used. One client noted a large tree required both a climber and a bucket truck, while another described a crew member in a lift performing precise cuts on a very tall fir. Overall, the bucket truck capability is a valued part of their service in Seattle, enabling safe height access, thorough work, and clean, well-kept properties.
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 performed thoroughly and efficiently. In Seattle’s Ballard area, customers note that stumps are ground completely and all resulting debris is removed, leaving the site clean and ready for landscaping. They often handle stump grinding as part of larger projects, including hedge removals and sizeable tree removals, with careful work that protects surrounding plantings and property. The crew’s execution is paired with clear communication and consistent site cleanup, with crews checking in to ensure homeowner satisfaction. Overall, their stump-grinding capability is dependable, precise, and integrated into careful, property-conscious tree care.
Offers professional evaluation of your trees' health, structure, and risk level. Useful before buying property, after storm damage, or when a tree just doesn't look right.
Rigorous on-site assessment underpins Ballard Tree Service’s approach, supported by ISA Certified Arborists and Tree Risk Assessment Qualified project managers. Customers consistently report quick, accurate evaluations that determine the right intervention—pruning, shaping, or removal—always with attention to safety for people, property, and nearby landscapes. The assessments often translate into practical outcomes such as fast, clear quotes and support with permitting and city coordination when needed. Throughout the job, crews check in to confirm satisfaction and can adjust the plan based on feedback, reflecting a collaborative, thoughtful assessment process. The end results show preserved natural tree form and tidy landscapes, backed by thorough cleanup and careful consideration of surrounding plants and spaces.
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.
Handling very large trees is a core strength for Ballard Tree Service. They regularly work on tall cedars and firs, including a large cedar trimmed in preparation for a second-story addition, with scheduling sometimes within a week of contact. When needed, they deploy bucket trucks for the tallest trees, and climbers can reach the canopy to prune at the top, often achieving dramatic reductions while preserving a natural look, as one project trimmed about 30 feet vertically and 12 feet horizontally yet still looked completely natural. They’ve safely removed massive trees and carefully managed work near homes and power lines—one job involved removing a massive hemlock that was leaning toward a house, with crews coordinating to protect the surroundings and neighbors. After large-tree work, cleanup and communication are consistently thorough, with crews checking in during the job and leaving properties tidy.
Specialists in the safe removal of dead, dying, or diseased trees. Dead trees are unpredictable - experience and caution matter.
Dead or dying trees are assessed on site and removed with safety and craftsmanship by ISA-certified arborists. They can handle high-risk removals of large dead trees, using climbing and bucket-equipped teams to bring down trees up to about 90 feet while safeguarding nearby homes and property. They’ve removed dead trees near structures and boundaries—such as a dead fir—while coordinating any required city permits. After removal, stump grinding and thorough site cleanup are standard, leaving yards tidy and free of debris. They respond quickly in urgent situations, offering prompt scheduling and clear communication from estimate through completion.
A business built and run by family, often passed down or grown from the ground up. Personal accountability and pride in every job.
This family-owned operation demonstrates a hands-on, relationship-driven approach that translates into dependable scheduling, thoughtful planning, and careful on-site execution. Customers consistently report timely arrivals, ongoing communication during the job, and meticulous cleanups, often with crews checking in to confirm satisfaction mid-job. Many reviews note that a large portion of the staff has worked there for several years, reflecting the family’s commitment to treating employees well and building trusted, local service teams. The owner and lead arborists are directly involved in estimates and planning, and the Seattle roots—spanning over 30 years—reinforce a neighborly, responsible approach to tree care.
Employs one or more ISA-certified arborists - credentialed professionals who've passed rigorous testing in tree care science and best practices.
ISA Certified Arborists and Tree Risk Assessment Qualified managers are evident in Ballard Tree Service’s approach to each job, aligning work with safety, risk assessment, and long-term tree health. Customers repeatedly highlight precise, high-quality pruning and removals performed with the right equipment, including bucket trucks for tall trees and climbers for careful reductions, while preserving natural looks. The pattern of thorough planning and ongoing communication—checking in during the job, confirming scope, and providing clear estimates—reflects ISA-level standards in risk-aware decision making. They consistently protect neighbors and property, manage permits when needed, and finish with clean, debris-free sites. Even in emergencies, quick-response and professional execution demonstrate the capability expected of ISA-certified tree care teams.
No charge for coming out to assess the job and give you a price. Know what you're getting into before committing.
Free estimates are a common starting point, with many customers in the Seattle area reporting prompt quotes after first contact. Quotes are often explained clearly, detailing the scope and pricing so customers can understand what is included and compare options. Pricing is described as fair and competitive, and several reviewers note that the final cost stayed within or below the initial estimate. The process frequently enables quick scheduling, with examples of work dates arranged within a week of the quote. While there are a few negative experiences, the predominant pattern is reliable, transparent free estimates that help secure timely, well-managed tree work in the Seattle area.
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 clear throughline in customer feedback, with many Seattle-area clients describing Ballard Tree Service’s rates as fair, competitive, or notably affordable for a wide range of tree care. They offer rapid, transparent estimates and scheduling—often within a week—helping homeowners plan pruning, hedge work, or removals without delays. Workmanship matches the value, with many noting high-quality pruning and shaping, natural-looking results after substantial reductions, bucket-truck removals, and thorough stump grinding at a good price. Even in urgent or complex situations around Seattle, customers highlight prompt responses, careful handling near neighboring properties, and cost-effective solutions, including cash discounts and flexible payment options.
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 and scheduling are hallmarks of their service in Seattle, with the team quickly mobilizing from first contact to on-site work. Customers commonly report being slotted into the calendar within a week of the initial call, sometimes sooner. In emergencies, they respond promptly; for a massive hemlock leaning toward a house, they were the first to answer after many emergency numbers, arrived the next morning, and completed removal by 4pm under the original estimate. On routine jobs, crews arrive on time, communicate ETA, work efficiently, and leave the site clean, often checking in with homeowners during the job to ensure satisfaction. Overall, Seattle residents describe quick, clear communication and professional, careful service that prioritizes safety and property while delivering value.