Frequently Asked Questions

Holtz Tree Service provides professional tree care across the Twin Cities metro area, including Minnetonka, Wayzata, Plymouth, Orono, Shorewood, Golden Valley, St. Louis Park, Hopkins, Bloomington, Maple Grove, and the Lake Minnetonka shoreline communities. We also serve St. Cloud and surrounding central Minnesota communities. If you're not sure whether we cover your area, give us a call at (612) 600-8513 and we'll be happy to confirm.

Yes. Holtz Tree Service is fully licensed, bonded, and insured in the state of Minnesota. We carry comprehensive general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage for every crew member. This protects you from any liability in the rare event of property damage or an on-site injury. We're happy to provide proof of insurance upon request.

Holtz Tree Service has been providing professional tree care to Minnesota communities since 2000. With over 25 years of hands-on experience, the Holtz Tree Service team has built a reputation for reliable, high-quality work at fair prices. We maintain an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Yes, we provide free, no-obligation estimates for all of our tree care services. One of our experienced estimators will visit your property, assess the work needed, and provide a detailed written quote. There's never any pressure to commit on the spot. You can request an estimate by calling (612) 600-8513 or filling out our online estimate form.

Our crews are trained in modern arboricultural techniques and follow ANSI A300 standards for tree care operations. Every crew member receives ongoing safety training and is covered by our workers' compensation insurance. We invest in continuing education so our team stays current on best practices for tree health, pruning science, and safe removal techniques.

Absolutely. We work with homeowners, HOAs, property management companies, commercial properties, municipalities, and land developers throughout Minnesota. Whether you have a single backyard tree or a large commercial lot, we have the equipment and expertise to handle projects of any scale.

Holtz Tree Service holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. We've maintained this top rating through consistent quality work, transparent communication, and prompt resolution of any customer concerns. Our reputation matters to us, and we work hard to earn every positive review.

Tree removal costs vary depending on the tree's size, species, location, and complexity of the job. A small tree (under 25 feet) might start around a few hundred dollars, while large trees near structures or power lines can cost significantly more due to the specialized equipment and techniques required. We provide free on-site estimates so you get an accurate price specific to your situation — not a vague range.

Permit requirements vary by city in Minnesota. Some municipalities, like Minnetonka and Plymouth, require permits for removing trees above a certain size, especially significant or heritage trees. Others have no permit requirement for trees on private property. Homeowners are responsible for obtaining any required permits. We're familiar with local regulations across our service areas and can advise you on whether your project may require one.

Most residential tree removals are completed in a single day. A straightforward removal of a medium-sized tree typically takes 2 to 4 hours. Larger trees, trees near structures, or trees requiring crane-assisted removal may take a full day or occasionally two days. We'll give you a time estimate during your free consultation so you can plan accordingly.

Stump removal is offered as part of your tree removal service or as a separate service. Many customers choose to include stump grinding at the time of tree removal since our equipment is already on-site. We grind stumps 6 to 8 inches below grade level so the area can be filled with topsoil and seeded. Let us know during your estimate if you'd like the stump ground out as well.

Yes. Removing trees near structures, power lines, fences, and other obstacles is one of our specialties. Our crews use rigging techniques, sectional dismantling, and — when necessary — crane-assisted removal to safely take down trees in tight spaces. For trees near power lines, we coordinate with the utility company to ensure safe disconnection or line protection before starting work.

After removal, we chip all branches on-site using our industrial wood chipper. The trunk wood can be cut into firewood-length rounds and left for you, hauled away entirely, or a combination of both — it's your choice. We also offer complete site cleanup including raking and debris removal so your yard looks great when we leave.

Signs that a tree may need removal include significant trunk decay or cavities, large dead branches in the crown, mushrooms or fungi growing at the base, a noticeable lean that has recently developed, root damage from construction, and bark splitting or peeling on the trunk. Severe storm damage and trees infected with diseases like oak wilt or Dutch elm disease may also warrant removal. We offer free assessments to help you decide whether removal, treatment, or monitoring is the right call.

Yes, thorough cleanup is included with every tree removal. We chip all brush, remove all wood (or leave firewood rounds if you prefer), rake the area, and blow off your driveway and walkways. Our goal is to leave your property looking better than when we arrived.

Most mature shade trees benefit from pruning every 3 to 5 years. Younger trees should be pruned more frequently — every 2 to 3 years — to establish good structure and correct any growth issues early. Fruit trees, ornamentals, and fast-growing species may need annual attention. The specific interval depends on the species, age, location, and health of each tree.

Late winter through early spring (February through April) is generally the best time to prune most tree species in Minnesota. Trees are dormant, which reduces stress and minimizes the risk of disease transmission. However, dead or hazardous branches can and should be removed at any time of year. One important exception: oak trees should not be pruned from April through July to prevent the spread of oak wilt disease.

While the terms are often used interchangeably, trimming generally refers to cutting back overgrown branches to maintain a tree's shape and manage clearance over roofs, walkways, and driveways. Pruning is a more targeted practice focused on tree health — removing dead, diseased, or structurally weak branches to improve the tree's long-term health and structure. At Holtz Tree Service, we apply proper arboricultural pruning standards to every job.

In many cases, yes. Strategic pruning can remove diseased or insect-infested branches before problems spread, improve air circulation through the canopy to reduce fungal issues, and redirect the tree's energy toward healthy growth. However, if a tree has significant trunk decay, root damage, or is more than 50 percent dead, removal may be the safer and more practical option. We'll give you an honest assessment during your estimate.

Proper pruning done by a trained professional will not harm your tree — in fact, it promotes healthier growth. The key is following established standards: we never remove more than 25 percent of a tree's live canopy in a single session, we make clean cuts at the proper location (just outside the branch collar), and we never top trees. Topping — cutting main branches back to stubs — is an outdated and harmful practice that we do not perform.

We regularly trim trees that are growing near or into power lines. For branches within 10 feet of high-voltage lines, we coordinate with the local utility company to ensure proper safety clearances. Our crews are trained in line-clearance techniques and follow OSHA guidelines for working near energized conductors.

Tree trimming costs depend on the tree's size, species, condition, accessibility, and the scope of work needed. A small ornamental tree might cost a couple hundred dollars to trim, while a large oak overhanging a roofline will cost more due to the height, weight of the limbs, and care needed to protect your property. We provide free estimates so there are no surprises.

Yes. Holtz Tree Service provides emergency tree response throughout our service areas. When a tree falls on your home, blocks your driveway, or takes down a power line, call us at (612) 600-8513. We dispatch crews as quickly as possible to address hazardous situations and begin cleanup.

A tree emergency includes any situation where a tree or large branch poses an immediate risk to people, structures, or utilities. Common emergencies include trees that have fallen on houses, garages, vehicles, or fences; trees or limbs blocking roads or driveways; trees leaning dangerously after a storm; and branches resting on power lines. If you're unsure whether your situation is an emergency, call us and we'll help you assess it.

We prioritize emergency calls and aim to have a crew on-site as quickly as possible, often within a few hours. During major storm events when call volume is high, we triage based on severity — situations involving immediate danger to people or structures are addressed first. We'll communicate clearly about expected arrival times when you call.

First, ensure everyone in the home is safe and evacuate if there's any structural concern. Do not attempt to remove the tree yourself. Call 911 if there are injuries or if the tree has brought down power lines. Then call your insurance company and call Holtz Tree Service at (612) 600-8513. We'll remove the tree safely and provide you with a written receipt for the work performed that you can submit to your insurance company on your own.

In most cases, homeowner's insurance covers tree removal when a tree falls on an insured structure (your house, garage, fence, or other covered structures). If a tree falls in your yard but doesn't hit anything, coverage is more limited — policies typically offer a smaller amount for debris removal. Homeowners deal with their insurance company directly; we provide a written receipt for the work performed that you can submit with your claim.

Yes. Our crews are experienced in carefully removing trees and large limbs from roofs, and we use techniques specifically designed to minimize additional damage. We section the tree apart piece by piece rather than pulling or rolling it off, which could cause further structural damage. We also take steps to protect your roof, siding, and landscaping during the process.

In Minnesota, if a neighbor's tree falls on your property due to a storm or natural causes, your homeowner's insurance typically covers the damage and removal. However, if the neighbor knew the tree was dead or hazardous and failed to address it, they may be liable. Regardless of who is ultimately responsible, we can remove the tree promptly and provide a written receipt for the work performed.

Stump grinding uses a specialized machine to chip the stump down to 6–8 inches below the soil surface. The remaining root system is left in place and will naturally decompose over time. Full stump removal involves extracting the entire stump and major root ball from the ground, leaving a larger hole that needs to be backfilled. Stump grinding is the most common and cost-effective option for most residential situations.

Most residential stumps can be ground out in 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the stump's diameter, species (hardwoods take longer), root flare, and accessibility. We can usually grind multiple stumps in a single visit, making it more cost-effective if you have several to remove.

Stump grinding produces a pile of wood chips mixed with soil. We can leave these chips for you to use as mulch or garden fill, or we can haul them away — your choice. If you plan to plant a new tree or lay sod in the area, we recommend removing the excess chips and replacing them with topsoil.

Yes, but we recommend waiting and preparing the area first. Remove the wood chips from the grinding, backfill the hole with quality topsoil, and let the area settle for a few weeks. When planting, offset the new tree slightly from the old stump location to avoid the remaining root system. Ideally, plant a different species to reduce the risk of soil-borne diseases.

No. Once the stump is ground below grade, the tree cannot regenerate. The remaining root system will gradually decompose over the next several years. In rare cases, some species like silver maple or elm may send up root suckers (small shoots from the roots). These can be mowed down and will stop appearing as the roots decay.

Stump grinding costs are primarily based on the stump's diameter. Larger stumps and stumps with extensive root flare take more time and machine wear. We offer discounted rates when grinding multiple stumps in a single visit. The most accurate way to get pricing is to schedule a free estimate — we'll measure your stumps and provide a clear quote.

Old stumps can attract termites, carpenter ants, and other wood-boring insects that may eventually move to your home. They also create tripping hazards, make mowing difficult, and can harbor fungal diseases that spread to healthy trees nearby. Aesthetically, stumps detract from your landscape. Grinding them out is a quick, affordable way to eliminate these issues.

First, stay safe — avoid downed power lines and unstable trees. Survey the damage from a safe distance. If trees are on structures or blocking access, call Holtz Tree Service at (612) 600-8513 for emergency response. Take photos of the damage for insurance documentation before any cleanup begins. Contact your insurance company to file a claim. Do not attempt to remove large, hanging, or tangled branches yourself — they can shift unpredictably and cause serious injury.

It depends on the extent of the damage. Trees that have lost less than 50 percent of their crown and still have an intact, structurally sound trunk often recover well with professional pruning to remove broken and hanging branches. Trees with split trunks, severe bark stripping, or major root upheaval typically need to be removed. We'll give you an honest assessment of whether saving the tree is realistic and worthwhile.

No — homeowners deal with their own insurance company. What we provide is a written receipt for the tree work we perform, which you can submit to your insurer along with your own claim materials. We do not work directly with adjusters, take photos for claims, or help navigate the claims process.

During major storm events, we triage all incoming calls based on severity. Situations where trees are on occupied structures, blocking emergency access, or resting on live power lines receive the highest priority. Non-emergency cleanup (fallen trees in yards that aren't threatening anything) is scheduled in the order calls are received. We keep you informed about our estimated arrival time throughout the process.

Our storm cleanup service includes removing fallen trees and large branches, cutting and chipping all debris, clearing driveways and walkways, removing trees from structures, and leaving your property clean and safe. If a remaining tree needs hazard pruning (removing cracked or hanging branches), we handle that as well. We provide a written receipt for the work performed.

For emergencies — trees on structures or blocking access — we respond as quickly as possible, often the same day. For general storm cleanup, we typically begin within 24 to 72 hours depending on the scale of the storm event and the volume of calls. During widespread storms like derechos or ice storms, we bring in additional crews and equipment to serve as many customers as possible.

Several factors influence the price of tree work: the size and species of the tree, its location relative to structures and power lines, the accessibility of the site (can we get equipment close or is it a backyard-only carry-out?), the scope of work (full removal vs. pruning), and whether stump grinding is included. We never quote sight-unseen — an on-site estimate ensures you get an accurate, honest price.

Yes. Every estimate we provide is in writing, with a clear description of the work to be performed and the total price. We don't believe in vague verbal quotes. Our written estimates spell out exactly what's included so there are no surprises when the work is completed.

We're committed to fair, honest pricing. We may not always be the lowest quote you receive, but we provide tremendous value: fully insured crews, professional equipment, thorough cleanup, and the peace of mind that comes from working with an A+ BBB-rated company. We encourage you to compare apples to apples — not all tree service quotes include the same scope of work.

For larger projects, we can discuss payment arrangements on a case-by-case basis. Contact us to discuss your specific situation and we'll do our best to work with you. We accept major credit cards, checks, and cash.

No. Our estimates are completely free with no obligation. We'll visit your property, assess the work, and provide a detailed written quote at no cost to you. If you decide not to proceed, you owe us nothing.

We maintain consistent, fair pricing year-round. However, emergency response calls during storms may include an emergency surcharge due to the after-hours mobilization, hazardous conditions, and urgency involved. We're transparent about any additional costs before starting work.

Winter and early spring (December through March) can be an excellent time to schedule tree work. The ground is often frozen, which protects your lawn from heavy equipment, and our schedule tends to be more flexible. While we don't discount our rates, the scheduling flexibility means we can often get to your project more quickly.

Homeowner's insurance typically covers tree removal when a tree falls on an insured structure (your house, garage, shed, or fence). If a tree falls in your yard without hitting anything, coverage is usually limited to a smaller debris-removal benefit. Storm damage and wind events are generally covered, while removal of a healthy tree for landscaping purposes is not. Check your specific policy or ask your agent for details.

If an uninsured or underinsured tree service damages your property or a worker is injured on your land, you could be held financially liable. When you hire Holtz Tree Service, our comprehensive general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage protect you completely. If anything goes wrong — which is rare — our insurance covers it, not yours. Always ask for proof of insurance before hiring any tree service.

Yes. We're happy to provide a current certificate of insurance upon request. Many HOAs, property management companies, and commercial clients require this before work begins, and we're accustomed to providing it promptly.

Make sure the company carries both general liability insurance (which covers property damage) and workers' compensation insurance (which covers employee injuries). Verify that the policy is current and that the coverage amounts are adequate. Be cautious of companies that can't or won't provide proof of insurance — that's a major red flag.

If a healthy tree on your property falls due to a natural event like wind or ice, your neighbor's homeowner's insurance typically covers the damage to their property. However, if you knew the tree was dead or hazardous and didn't take action, you could be held liable for the damage. This is one of many reasons we recommend removing dead or declining trees proactively.

No. Homeowners handle their own insurance claims directly. We provide a written receipt for the tree work we complete, which you can submit to your insurance company on your own. We do not coordinate with adjusters, take photos for claims, or help navigate the claims process.

Late fall through early spring (November through April) is generally the best time for major tree work in Minnesota. During dormancy, trees experience less stress from pruning or removal, disease transmission risk is lower, and frozen ground protects your lawn from equipment. That said, hazardous or dead tree removal, emergency work, and many pruning tasks can be done year-round.

In Minnesota, oak trees should never be pruned from April through July. This is the high-risk period for oak wilt, a lethal fungal disease spread by sap beetles that are attracted to fresh pruning wounds. We strictly follow this guideline and schedule all oak pruning for the dormant season (November through March). If emergency pruning on an oak is necessary during the restricted period, we immediately seal the wounds with a tree-wound sealant.

Yes, and winter is actually one of the best times for tree work in Minnesota. Frozen ground supports heavy equipment without rutting your lawn, dormant trees handle pruning with less stress, and visibility of the tree's structure is better without leaves. We work throughout the winter months unless extreme cold (below -20°F) or active blizzard conditions make operations unsafe.

For non-emergency work, we recommend scheduling 1 to 3 weeks in advance during our busier seasons (late spring through fall). During slower periods (winter through early spring), we can often schedule within a week. For emergency services, we respond immediately regardless of our regular schedule.

Yes. Oak wilt risk peaks from April through July. Dutch elm disease is most active from spring through early fall. Emerald ash borer, while not a disease but an invasive insect, is most active from May through August. Apple scab and fire blight are spring/summer issues. Scheduling tree inspections in early spring helps catch problems before they become severe.

The ideal planting windows in Minnesota are early spring (April through May) and early fall (September through October). Spring planting gives trees a full growing season to establish roots before winter. Fall planting works well because the soil is still warm, allowing root growth even after leaves drop. Avoid planting during the heat of summer or after the ground freezes in late fall.

Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica and Frangula alnus) is an invasive shrub/small tree species that aggressively crowds out native Minnesota plants, degrades wildlife habitat, and creates dense, impenetrable thickets. It provides poor quality food for birds, and its berries actually spread the plant further. Removing buckthorn helps restore your property's ecological health and opens up space for native plants to thrive.

Effective buckthorn removal combines mechanical removal (cutting and clearing) with targeted treatment to prevent regrowth. We cut buckthorn at ground level and apply an herbicide treatment to the fresh-cut stump to kill the root system. Without treatment, buckthorn aggressively resprouts from the roots. For large infestations, we use a systematic approach, clearing section by section and monitoring for regrowth over subsequent seasons.

Our lot and land clearing service removes all trees, brush, stumps, and vegetation from a designated area. This includes felling and removing all trees, chipping brush, grinding stumps, and leaving the site graded and ready for the next phase of your project. We work with homebuilders, developers, and landowners preparing sites for construction, agriculture, or other use.

Yes. Our shrub maintenance service covers trimming, shaping, and rejuvenation pruning for all types of ornamental and landscape shrubs. We also handle overgrown hedges that need significant reduction, dead shrub removal, and new shrub bed clearing. Regular shrub maintenance keeps your landscaping looking sharp and promotes healthy, dense growth.

Absolutely. Our brush removal service handles everything from small volunteer trees and saplings to dense brush and scrub growth. We cut, chip, and remove all material, leaving your property clean and accessible. This service is popular for reclaiming overgrown fence lines, clearing around lakes and ponds, and opening up wooded areas on residential properties.

Yes. We regularly perform selective clearing where we remove unwanted trees, brush, and invasive species while carefully preserving desirable trees and native plants. We'll walk the property with you beforehand, mark the trees to keep, and take care to protect them during the clearing process. This approach is especially common in lakefront properties and wooded home sites.

Yes. We provide complete lot preparation for residential and commercial construction. This includes tree and stump removal, brush clearing, grading-ready site preparation, and even preserving specific trees the builder wants to keep. We can work from your site plan and coordinate directly with your builder or contractor.