(920) 788-6344 www.vandeheys.com
N2093 County Rd N, Appleton, Wisconsin 54913
Tree Services: Large Trees, Works Near Structures, Tree Planting
Credentials and Trust: Long Established
Customer Experience: Cleanup Included
In 1950, Vande Hey was founded on the principles of hard work, dedication and industry knowledge. Since then, we’ve grown to a full-service outdoor living company serving all of Northeast Wisconsin. Our team of architects, horticulturists, and skilled installation crews craft outdoor spaces that are both functional and beautiful. We design, install, and maintain landscapes of any size and budget with precision and care, and offer a full range of services, including patio, hardscape, and outdoor structure design and construction, as well as pool installation and maintenance, landscape services, outdoor lighting, and tree care. Our commitment to customer satisfaction, our team, and community remans the foundation of everything we do.
4.4 from 135 reviews
Based on reviews representing only 13% of total ratings
Vande Hey Company of Appleton, Wisconsin is best suited for property owners who are planning mid-to-large scale outdoor work that benefits from a design-forward, turn-key approach. The firm excels when the job requires a coordinated mix of arboriculture, hardscape, and landscape installation, especially where large or high-risk tree removals must occur near homes, gardens, or other structures. Clients with a substantial budget who value guidance from an onsite arborist or landscape designer will find the process especially worthwhile, since the company often prices itself at the premium end but backs it with a comprehensive scope, multiple on-site visits, and a finished product that aims to elevate curb appeal and usable space. Those with urgent, low-cost needs or a preference for quick, ultra-cheap solutions may run into friction, as scheduling for elaborate projects can be influenced by weather, crew availability, and the layering of services.
Safety and cleanup standards sit at the core of tree work here, and they should be non-negotiable in any bid. Several projects highlight careful site protection: boards laid down to protect lawns, machinery routed to minimize lawn damage, and crews that attend to waste disposal, raking, and general tidy-up once the work is complete. In truth, the clean-and-neat finish is as much a reflection of a project manager’s discipline as of the crew’s skill with chainsaws and rigging. For property owners, the takeaway is simple, get a written safety protocol and a cleanup agreement that spells out ground protection, debris removal, and any landscape restoration after the tree work. The best outcomes leave the yard in a condition that looks almost undisturbed, which aligns with the higher expectations that accompany complex removals or near-structure work.
Performance and reliability come in waves, which means prospective buyers should enter conversations with clear expectations and a commitment to a single point of contact. On the positive side, several reviews praise informative quotes, responsive arborists, and a collaborative design process. Site visits are used to confirm scope and ensure the team’s understanding of what the customer envisions, and the crews are described as punctual, knowledgeable, and thorough in implementing plans. Notable names, Nick, Phil, Ryan, and others, emerge as reliable liaisons who keep clients informed and who can mobilize staff effectively to deliver pools, patios, and plantings that meet ambitious design goals. Yet there are also warnings from the other side of the spectrum: delays, inconsistent follow-through, and instances of difficult-to-reach contacts. The prudent buyer anchors the project in a written schedule, assigns a dedicated project manager, and requires progress updates at fixed milestones to avoid the “soft” timelines that can turn into extended waits.
Pricing reflects the premium positioning, and value hinges on the alignment between expectation and delivery. For many customers, the outcome justifies the cost: a healthy tree, a lush bed, or a beautifully executed outdoor living space that integrates plants, lighting, and hardscape elements. For others, the same premium triggers concern when quotes appear high relative to the perceived scope, or when there is a perception of overcharging or miscommunication about inclusions. The prudent approach is to demand an itemized quote, with line-item costs and contingency allowances, and to confirm exactly what is covered under labor, materials, design input, and post-installation care. Insist on a warranty that covers plant replacements and structural elements, and tie final payments to clearly defined milestones. This approach reduces the risk of disputes and helps anchor expectations around performance and durability.
Red flags exist, but they appear as a spectrum of experiences rather than a uniform verdict. One widely cited concern involves a controversial response to online feedback, which suggests a cultural fragility at the management level that could color problem resolution. There are also accounts of a supervisor described in harsh terms by some clients, implying that interpersonal dynamics on the job site can influence the client experience. More tangible reliability risks include reports of slow communication, scheduling delays, and warranty challenges on non-tree projects such as pools and hardscapes. While these are not universal experiences, they underscore the importance of due diligence: check recent references for the exact service sought, verify a dedicated project manager, and confirm a robust post-completion service plan before committing. The prudent buyer also prioritizes a transparent, written contract that covers timelines, responsibilities, and remedies in case expectations drift.
Bottom line: Vande Hey Company is a capable, design-forward landscape and arboriculture partner well-suited to discerning homeowners who want a turnkey outdoor upgrade and can invest in premium service. When the goal centers on careful tree removals near structures, or on delivering a cohesive outdoor living space that includes planting plans, lighting, and hardscape elements, the firm stands out for its on-site project leadership, safety discipline, and finishing quality. The right project manager and a clearly defined scope can yield superb results, with several clients reporting yards that are cleaner and more functional than before work began and crews that respect neighbors and property lines. For tree trimming or removal work, the company shines most when a strong design or stabilization objective accompanies the operation and when communication is actively managed throughout the job.
Given the mixed reviews, prospective buyers should engage in meticulous pre-project screening. Verify licensure and insurance, insist on an itemized proposal, and request a single point of contact who commits to a written schedule with milestone reviews and a final walk-through. Demand explicit safety protocols tailored to the site, including protection for existing trees, lawn, and nearby plantings, along with a clear cleanup standard and a post-work warranty on plant material and structural features. If possible, speak with recent clients who had projects most closely aligned with the intended scope, especially those involving tree work near the home or major landscape installations. With due diligence, Vande Hey Company can be a strong ally for complex arboricultural tasks and full outdoor living projects in the Appleton area, delivering meaningful value for homeowners who prioritize safety, thorough cleanup, and design-driven results.
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 clear strength, with arborists and installation crews equipped to handle substantial removals near homes, gardens, and other structures. They plan carefully and protect the site, even placing boards to drive machinery on so the lawn stays undisturbed. Crews have removed multiple large dying trees that were close to houses and gardens, demonstrating the ability to access tight spaces without damaging surrounding features. They also deliver and plant healthy trees, with thorough placement and guidance from the design and arborist teams. In Northeast Wisconsin, including Appleton, customers consistently report professional, careful service on large-tree projects, along with cleanups that leave the property looking tidy and cared for.
Skilled at working in tight spaces where trees sit close to homes, fences, garages, or power lines. Precision removal without damage to surrounding structures.
Working near structures, they consistently protect homes, gardens, and lawns while delivering large-scale outdoor work. They often use protective measures, such as laying boards to drive equipment, to prevent damage to the lawn and nearby features. In projects where trees were close to houses, they have removed trees with no damage to surrounding elements and left the site clean and tidy afterward. On-site coordination and respect for neighbors stand out, with crews communicating clearly and minimizing disruption during installations near living spaces. The results commonly include integrated outdoor living spaces—patios, pools, and lighting—designed and executed with careful consideration of the home and its surroundings.
Not just removal - these companies help you add trees too. Proper planting technique gives new trees the best chance at a long, healthy life.
Tree planting is a core part of their full-service outdoor living approach in Northeast Wisconsin, backed by a team of arborists, horticulturists, and skilled install crews who tailor tree choices to each property. They source and plant healthy, well-suited trees for home landscapes, including large specimens and maples like Autumn Blaze, with careful site preparation and placement to maximize growth and aesthetics. Clients note careful handling around existing features—machinery driven on boards to protect lawns and gardens—and thorough cleanup after planting, along with clear, ongoing guidance from design professionals. This combination of design collaboration, robust tree selection, and meticulous installation reflects a capable, locally tuned tree-planting capability in the Appleton area.
A business with years - often decades - in the community. Local reputation and deep experience speak for themselves.
Dating back to 1950, the company demonstrates a long-established capability in designing, installing, and maintaining outdoor living spaces across Northeast Wisconsin. Feedback highlights a collaborative design-build approach, with customers working closely with designers and arborists to shape spaces from concept to completion. They routinely deliver a broad suite of services—patios, hardscapes, outdoor structures, pool installation and maintenance, landscape care, lighting, and tree work—through teams of architects, horticulturists, and skilled installers. On-site performance is often praised for professionalism and care, with crews that are punctual, meticulous, tidy, and respectful to neighbors, and that communicate clearly and keep projects on track. While a minority note issues with communication, pricing, or warranty resolutions, the consistent pattern across long-term engagements shows a trusted local partner capable of handling large, multi-element projects and ongoing maintenance.
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 as a standard part of their outdoor projects in Northeast Wisconsin, including Appleton, ensuring the site is finished well beyond the installation itself. Customer feedback patterns show crews consistently leave yards picked up, raked, and cleaned afterward, with debris removed and no lingering mess. Crews also take care to protect lawns and nearby areas by using protective measures, like boards to drive equipment over the turf, and they minimize disruption to neighbors. This thorough post-work cleanup helps the property look complete and well-kept, often looking better than before the project began.