Crawford Tree & Landscape Services in Milwaukee

Crawford Tree & Landscape Services

(414) 710-0093 www.crawfordtree.com

8760 W Calumet Rd, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53224

Equipment and Capabilities: Stump Grinder

Emergency and Storm: Storm Cleanup, Quick Response

Tree Services: Works Near Structures, Cabling Bracing, Tree Assessments, Stump Removal, Tree Planting, Large Trees

Credentials and Trust: ISA Certified, Long Established

Customer Experience: Free Estimates, Affordable, Cleanup Included

Crawford Tree provides expert tree and shrub care to our clients in the Greater Milwaukee area. We employ arborists and horticulturalists who have chosen the care of trees and landscape as their career. Crawford Tree was founded in 1969 and has become a leading tree and estate care company in SE Wisconsin. We are proud to be accredited by the Tree Care Industry Association, which qualifies companies based upon their safety and business practices, the knowledge of their staff, and proper tree care techniques. We have ISA Certified Arborists, Certified Tree care Safety Professionals, NALP Certified Landscape Technicians, and certified pesticide applicators on staff.

4.9 from 331 reviews

5 stars
315
4 stars
5
3 stars
3
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0
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8

Pros

  • The Crawford Tree Team did a great job and left the yard impeccably clean.
  • The crew was friendly, courteous, and highly skilled.
  • They worked quickly and efficiently, even in tight spaces.
  • Their cleanup was impeccable; you could hardly tell they had been there.
  • The arborists were knowledgeable about trees and health, and provided helpful guidance.
  • The pricing was reasonable and they stayed within budget.
  • Their communication from the initial quote to project completion was excellent.
  • They took care not to damage the lawn, plants, or nearby structures.
  • The projects transformed the yard into a beautiful space.
  • They followed safety protocols and coordinated with utility services when needed.

Cons

Based on reviews representing only 3% of total ratings

  • They were lazy with bad attitudes and left mulch and branches behind; not recommended.
  • A yard gate was left off its hinges, which could cause safety concerns.
  • They allegedly made excuses to avoid giving a quote and didn’t show up.

Review Overview

Crawford Tree & Landscape Services is best suited for Milwaukee-area homeowners who face high-stakes tree work and integrated landscape needs on sizable properties. The company excels on single-family homes with mature, overgrown, or hazard-prone trees, especially when branches threaten a house, garage, or power lines. It also serves property owners undertaking complex pruning, cabling, or tree removals in tight spaces, as well as those seeking a coordinated landscape upgrade, grading, drainage, sod, and plantings, through a single trusted provider. While not the cheapest option, the firm demonstrates value through thorough planning, expert execution, and a durable result that reduces long-term risk and maintenance. Urgency is well-handled, whether it is emergency storm work or a time-sensitive remodel, because a well-staffed team can mobilize quickly and stay on schedule.

Safety is the defining standard that runs through every Crawford job. Arborists and crew leaders plan around risk, not around taking shortcuts. In numerous projects, crews coordinate with WE Energies and use utility-dedicated procedures to move lines, protect underground cables, and ensure that workloads near structures or lines are conducted with controlled lowering and independent observers. The reviews repeatedly describe careful trunk removals, precise lowering of limbs, and deliberate bracing or cabling where needed. The emphasis on safety shows up in both dramatic removals and routine pruning alike. The result is not just a cleaner yard, but a yard that remains safe for inhabitants and neighbors long after the crew has left.

Cleanup standards at Crawford are not negotiable; they are the yardstick by which the service is measured. Across hundreds of reviews, the company earns praise for leaving sites essentially spotless: driveways and lawns cleared of wood, brush, and small debris; mulch, stone, and plantings returned or reinstalled with care; and equipment removed without leaving a trace. Several projects highlight ground-down stumps, regrading, and reseeding or re-sodding followed by a meticulous cleanup that makes it hard to tell a large job was ever done. In tight or elevated work, crews consistently place furniture back, restore landscaping beds, and even blow debris to the street for pickup, underscoring a commitment to a pristine finish.

The breadth and depth of Crawford’s expertise set it apart from many competitors. An arborist-led assessment (often featuring Jarod or Joe) translates into clear, education-minded dialogue about tree health, pruning objectives, and long-term growth. The team is comfortable tackling crowded properties, dangerous removals, or salvage-oriented pruning that preserves value and health. The company’s capacity to blend tree care with full landscaping, grading, drainage, sod, shrubs, and planting, lets clients move from “fix the tree” to “rebuild the yard,” all with a coherent plan and a single point of accountability. The project management approach, consistent scheduling calls, transparent proposals, and on-site leadership, keeps complex multi-day jobs moving, even when weather or site constraints arise.

Value is real and measurable when Crawford is the partner. Estimates are generally competitive for the Milwaukee market, and the company often structures payment options and phased work to fit multi-project plans. Several customers note that pricing reflects the scope of work and all necessary safety measures, with a willingness to align the project with reasonable budgets. The sales process is described as informative and thorough, with arborists explaining options and trade-offs. The downside in a few instances involves communication hiccups or delays in response, but those cases tend to be outliers and are typically addressed promptly by leadership, reinforcing a culture of accountability once concerns are raised. Taken as a whole, Crawford delivers cost-effective results that reflect expertise, safety, and a clean finish.

For those weighing their options, Crawford is the go-to when the priority is a safe, high-quality outcome with dependable cleanup and a clear plan that covers both tree work and landscaping. Target customers include homeowners managing hazardous removals near structures or lines, property owners needing precise pruning and cabling, and families seeking to refresh yards with new plantings and proper drainage. The recommended approach is to start with Jarod (or Joe) for an arborist assessment and a written scope, then rely on a capable crew, Victor, Chris, Conor, Paul, Kathryn, Heriberto, and others, who have earned a reputation for professional conduct, thoughtful communication, and thorough cleanup. Ask for a detailed site plan that includes potential impacts on adjacent plantings and utilities, and insist on a contingency for weather-related delays so the project timeline remains realistic.

In the Milwaukee market, Crawford Tree & Landscape Services stands as a practical, no-nonsense choice for discerning property owners who demand safety, cleanliness, and durable outdoor improvements. It is especially well-suited for large, hazard-prone removals and for clients who want a single firm to steward both tree care and landscape installation from first contact through final walkthrough. The firm’s strongest selling points are uncompromising safety standards, meticulous cleanup, and an operating philosophy that integrates arboriculture with landscape vision. When the priority is serenity of result, minimal ongoing maintenance, and a yard that looks as if nothing was ever done, except better for the trees, Crawford delivers.

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 and removal are delivered thoroughly, with stumps ground down and the area left clean and ready for replanting or new landscaping. Clients repeatedly note fast, careful work, even when stumps sit in tight spaces between a house, driveway, or other structures. On larger jobs, crews handle multiple stumps efficiently and ensure complete cleanup so debris and equipment don’t linger on the property. In the Milwaukee area and greater SE Wisconsin, this stump-grinder capability is a trusted part of Crawford Tree & Landscape Services’ arboricultural offerings, coordinated safely around utilities and nearby buildings.

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 a core capability, with crews ready to respond quickly to storm-damaged branches and downed limbs in Milwaukee and SE Wisconsin. Customers consistently note fast response times and the ability to safely remove hazards in tight spaces near homes, garages, and even power lines. In multiple cases they coordinated with utility providers to protect lines and, when needed, arranged with WE Energies to relocate a cable, ensuring safe and efficient work. Cleanup patterns are thorough, with debris and stumps removed and yards left looking neat—often indistinguishable from before the storm. Overall, residents repeatedly see reliable, safety-focused storm cleanup that protects property and minimizes disruption.

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.

A consistent pattern in customer feedback shows a strong, quick-response capability, with prompt replies, fast scheduling, and rapid on-site deployment in the Milwaukee area. Storm and emergency scenarios illustrate this, as crews are dispatched quickly to hazards, coordinate with utilities when needed, and secure or remove dangerous branches. In urgent removal work, customers report completions in hours—sometimes less than three hours for cutting and extracting multiple trees—followed by thorough cleanup. Quotes and planning are also rapid, with sales reps like Jarod providing clear, upfront estimates often on the same day or before leaving the property. Overall, this quick-response capability, combined with reliable communication and safety, supports high customer satisfaction across Greater Milwaukee and SE Wisconsin.

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.

Proficiency near structures shows up in frequent work on trees that overhang garages, roofs, and other built features in Milwaukee-area neighborhoods. Crews regularly operate in tight spaces between houses, bracing and carefully lowering limbs to prevent damage while preserving tree health when possible. When utility lines are involved, they coordinate with WE Energies to relocate cables or establish safe clearances before cutting near structures, and they use cabling and bracing on split trunks to stabilize risky limbs. The approach emphasizes protecting driveways, landscaping, and nearby plants, with meticulous cleanup that leaves the site looking untouched. Overall, customers repeatedly note the team's safety-first methods, clear communication, and professional handling of near-structure tree work.

Cabling Bracing

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 large trees is a standout capability demonstrated in Milwaukee-area projects. Customers consistently note crews can work in tight spaces near homes to brace and trim branches on substantial trees, with thorough cleanup after the job. For example, a winter project involved cabling a split trunk and removing a large spruce in a tight space between a house and a neighbor. Another job highlighted bracing and trimming branches on a large tree in a very constricted area, with debris removed and the site left clean. The feedback patterns point to knowledgeable, safety-conscious arborists supported by ISA-certified staff, delivering effective cabling and bracing while minimizing disruption to property.

Tree Assessments

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.

Arborists on staff perform on-site, comprehensive tree health assessments, evaluating structural integrity, disease indicators, and potential hazards to people and property. Feedback consistently highlights clear, detailed explanations of findings and recommended actions—pruning, cabling/bracing, or removal—with rationale that prioritizes the tree’s long-term health and stability. The assessments are described as responsive and education-focused, with practitioners like Jarod taking time to explain options, budget considerations, and environmental impact. Work plans are grounded in careful consideration of site constraints, including proximity to houses, driveways, and power lines, and often involve coordinating with utilities to ensure safe access and sequencing. Clients note transparent pricing, timely communication, and the availability of free estimates, all contributing to safer, healthier trees and neater landscapes in Milwaukee’s wider metro area.

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 well-integrated part of Crawford Tree & Landscape Services’ offerings, often completed in the same visit as larger tree removals. Customers consistently report thorough stump grinding—stumps ground down, roots addressed, and debris hauled away—leaving the site clean. Even in tight spaces or near structures, crews such as Victor, Chris, Conor, and Paul J are described as precise, careful, and able to work without damaging surrounding landscaping. The post-work cleanup is repeatedly praised, with yards returned to a near-pristine state and evidence of stump removal hardly noticeable. Milwaukee-area clients trust Crawford for reliable stump removal as part of comprehensive tree and landscape care delivered by a knowledgeable, safety-focused team.

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.

Tree planting is a core capability in the Milwaukee area, often delivered as part of broader landscape projects to shape the yard’s appearance and screening. Clients note a consultative approach, with designers guiding tree species selection and placement to fit space and goals; Mitchell Pierce is highlighted for helping pick out the perfect tree. In several projects, crews have installed multiple trees in a single job—up to 10 in one case—carefully placing and staking them with designer-verified positioning before project completion. Install crews are described as professional, communicative, and safety‑minded, able to work in tight spaces while coordinating with other landscape work, and they routinely leave the site clean and well‑finished. The pattern of feedback also shows a willingness to plan for future tree planting projects, with customers noting they’d turn to Crawford again for planting in addition to pruning and removal.

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 is a core strength for Crawford Tree & Landscape Services, evidenced by frequent handling of multi-story removals and high-stakes pruning on very large trees. Crews routinely tackle jobs where trees overhang garages, near houses, or close to power lines, often removing four trees in a single project or taking down two tall pines along with a tree that had fallen, while keeping driveways and access clear. They also manage difficult, tight-space removals and tricky access in the Milwaukee area, coordinating safety measures and utility considerations as needed. Cabling and bracing of large or split trunks are performed to preserve tree health and reduce risk, with careful attention to debris cleanup and minimal disturbance to the landscape. Backed by ISA-certified arborists and a long-standing presence in Greater Milwaukee, Crawford Tree & Landscape Services consistently demonstrates capability, planning, and execution for large-tree challenges.

Credentials and Trust

ISA Certified

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

ISA-certified arborists on staff enable rigorous tree-health assessments, evidence-based pruning, and safety-forward cabling and bracing strategies for Milwaukee-area trees. Clients repeatedly report clear, detailed explanations of options and health-focused recommendations from arborists like Jarod, who communicates well, cares deeply about tree health, and works to stay within budget. In tight or challenging sites, Crawford crews demonstrate technical proficiency, bracing and pruning near structures, and coordinating with WE Energies to keep power lines and utilities safe. Cleanup is consistently thorough, with debris removed and yards left looking pristine after service. These patterns reflect a disciplined, ISA-certified team delivering reliable tree and landscape care across the Milwaukee area.

Long Established

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

Dating back to 1969, Crawford Tree & Landscape Services has built a long-established reputation for reliable, professional tree and landscape care in the Greater Milwaukee area. Across many projects, customers repeatedly praise safe, meticulous removals and pruning—often in tight spaces or near homes, garages, or power lines—along with thorough cleanup that leaves yards pristine. They value consistent responsiveness and clear, budget-conscious planning, with quotes provided promptly and work completed with careful scheduling around weather or emergencies, including storm cleanup. A broad suite of capabilities—from arborist-led diagnostics and cabling/bracing to stump grinding, planting, drainage work, and landscape installation—are backed by ISA Certified Arborists and safety credentials on staff. Long-term repeat business and strong referrals mirror decades of dependable service, professionalism, and value in SE Wisconsin.

Customer Experience

Free Estimates

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 trusted starting point for Crawford Tree & Landscape Services’ Milwaukee-area projects, from tree removals to landscape installations, even when access is tight or near structures. Customers report prompt, thorough assessments from knowledgeable sales staff—often Jarod or Joe—who explain options clearly, outline costs upfront, and discuss timing and scope. The estimates are described as detailed and transparent, with final pricing typically aligning with the quote and projects staying within budget. The estimating process often leads to ongoing work, as homeowners gain confidence to proceed with pruning, removals, and follow-on landscaping after seeing a clear plan and fair pricing. In challenging spots—tight spaces between houses, near power lines, or tricky drainage and grading concerns—the upfront assessment helps set realistic expectations and schedules in the Milwaukee area.

Affordable

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

Affordability stands out as a core strength in Milwaukee-area projects handled by Crawford Tree & Landscape Services. Client feedback patterns show customers repeatedly stay within budget while receiving thorough, safe, and professional tree care and landscape work—from removals near structures to complex pruning and drainage improvements. Quotes are described as fair and reliable; final bills often reflect the estimate, and in several cases customers note the price being lower than expected. The option of a three-month payment plan is cited as a helpful budgeting aid, contributing to a strong willingness to reuse the service. Taken together, this evidence suggests Crawford delivers high-value results at competitive prices without compromising quality or safety in the Greater Milwaukee region.

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 is a defining part of Crawford Tree & Landscape Services’ work. After removals, pruning, or storm cleanup, crews consistently remove wood, brush, and debris and clear driveways and paths. The feedback repeatedly notes yards are returned to a pristine state, often described as immaculate with little to no mess left behind. They manage tight-access spaces and delicate areas by thoroughly cleaning up and even returning moved outdoor items to their places. Across Milwaukee-area projects, this dependable, meticulous cleanup complements the high-quality arboreal and landscape care Crawford provides.