Home › Forums › WSB Reader Recommendations › Tree trimmers
- This topic has 11 replies, 11 voices, and was last updated 2 weeks, 5 days ago by wsmnn.
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September 10, 2017 at 9:47 pm #894509
KeriParticipantHello,
We are looking for recommendations for some professionals to trim some trees in our yard. We don’t want overpriced-take-advantage-of-crazy growth. We don’t want someone to top our trees, we don’t want someone who suggests that we go crazy and reduce by more than half so we can take advantage of that far off view of Mt. Rainier.
One of the main qualities of our yard is it’s trees and we love them. Many are getting older, and somewhat overgrown as we’ve allowed life, kids, insane schedules and lack of knowledge take over. But now that fall is on it’s way, we’d ideally like to find someone who loves trees and is willing to help us take control at a very reasonable price.
No thanks on Ken’s Yard Service who quoted through the roof and suggested that we clear for the view, ideally prefer someone who is a small run business or working for themselves that we would pay directly vs. high prices that don’t trickle down to the folks they hire. I know I’m asking a lot since the economy we are in demands that the places thrive. But we truly want an honest person who loves trees & can make ours healthy and under control. Would love any recommendations of good, personable experiences.
Thanks,
September 10, 2017 at 10:21 pm #894511
CurateParticipantHands down, Michael Oxman, Licensed Arborist. West Seattleite. Heck of a nice guy, kind of a character, really knows his stuff. He did great work for us recently and we enjoyed him (and his son, who often works with him) very much. 206.949.8733. http://www.treedr.com
September 11, 2017 at 6:34 am #894520
anonymeParticipantYou need a certified arborist for this work, not a yard service. Michael Oxman is great, so is Grun Tree Service. You get what you pay for, but both of these guys are reasonably priced given the excellent work they do.
September 12, 2017 at 3:18 pm #894649
The Velvet BulldogParticipantWhat anonyme said! Also: Apical Tree Services. Roger Brown is my go-to Arborist. (206) 679-8253
September 12, 2017 at 4:09 pm #894657
marianneParticipantNW Insured Tree Service 206-284-5930. My mother used for years and I use them now. Great work, nice folks.
September 12, 2017 at 6:51 pm #894673
cherableParticipantZeb Haney, Treesource
253.350.4722Zeb trimmed 5 overgrown trees for me this year and did a great job at a reasonable price. He’s a certified arborist and really knows how to shape trees so they grow naturally. He trimmed a huge maple 5 or 6 years ago that was hanging over the building and it has continued to grow naturally and with a beautiful shape.
September 13, 2017 at 6:53 am #894783
KatherineLParticipantI second Apical. After trying a number of services in my yard with many trees, Roger gave me the most reasonable price. He’s a certified arborist. He’s good at taking off the overgrowth, but leaving the tree or bush looking entirely natural. No stubs or rough edges. He also gives advice. He seems to really like trees.
September 13, 2017 at 2:31 pm #894814
LINDA4747ParticipantDanny is a local, lifetime resident of West Seattle. Hes been landscaping and caring for trees and yards for 30 years.
Give him a text or call, he can come take a look, see if he can help!
206 453 9006September 13, 2017 at 10:55 pm #894881
jissyParticipantMichael Oxman…. enuf said
March 23, 2018 at 11:19 pm #912203
KeriParticipantHi everyone-
It took a long time (because of the season and the cost – the main tree was an expensive undertaking – a 90 year old corkscrew willow) we ended up hiring Michael Oxman.
He was great- no pressure to rack up more work – which our yard can surely use, and must look like a goldmine to any arborist/landscaper- but we can’t afford. No pressure to start right away, no criticism for our lack of maintenance – and most important – he truly understands trees. He explained when the best time was to trim and why. He and his crew showed up in not just pouring, but driving rain, climbed up and into the tree in a way that was magical and were happy to be there.
And now, our tree looks like it can breathe again. Our neighbors (and we) are no longer worried about the safety hazards of the way too high branches hanging dangerously close to the power lines, our yard is no longer littered with dead twigs and small branches that used to drop by the dozens, and in general the tree looks healthy.
Thanks to everyone for the referrals. It is great to get advice from experience, and especially to support local. Michael and his crew, which included his son, were grateful for our business. As dense as Seattle is getting, good customer service and a happy, friendly face get lost in the rush of services offered. It’s tough to find a good one and I appreciate the recommendations and the blog for making it happen.
- This reply was modified 7 years, 1 month ago by Keri.
March 11, 2025 at 4:45 am #1115068
tlaborieParticipantAnother vote for Michael Oxman!
Michael and his son recently returned to work on our camelia, and they did an amazing job on a tough species. Other arborist/tree companies mentioned “shearing” immediately, which was a red flag. Michael absolutely cares about his work and keeping the plants healthy and thriving!
206.949.8733. http://www.treedr.com
April 21, 2025 at 11:51 am #1118114
MikeCharlieGolfParticipantBased on the recommendations in this thread I had Michael Oxman do some clearance trimming for my townhome and I can also vouch for a great experience. He did a detailed examination of our tree/property and took time to explain the tree species, benefits, and potential risks. There was a fairly narrow gap between my townhouse and the property next door, but his team did an excellent job gently lowering the large and heavy trimmed branches in a safe manner. I was very pleased with the work and it’s clear he has a passion for tree health.
April 25, 2025 at 12:47 pm #1118437
wsmnnParticipantI found out about Michael Oxman from this thread. I cannot recommend him given the unprofessional experience and would not hire him again.
Communication was an issue as well as organization. Our phone calls were abrupt and instead of scheduling something in the future, he would give me a 1 day notice before coming out. He never pressured us into more services but he also never provided a quote by email or paper. I had to remind him that our initial conversation included cutting down a dead tree. What was the most offputting was his interactions with my neighbor. Check yelp.
I do not doubt Michael’s love for trees. He seems knowledgeable and our trees were trimmed. However, I am disappointed by the unprofessionalism. Wish we went with another service.
May 7, 2025 at 10:51 am #1119388
Devin DavisParticipantMichael Oxman is fantastic. He’s got decades of experience, gave great advice and clear recommendations, and ensured our trees looked better and healthier than they have since we bought our house five years ago.
We had other tree folks come out and they charged us more, did less, and made us feel stupid.
I can recommend Michael without reservation.
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