"DA is great. He is talented, friendly and very conscientious. He knows what he is doing when it comes to tree removal and management. I would recommend him to anyone. and his prices are very reasonable."
"Mr. Vargas has also mowed our lawn. He has both mowed and removed snow for us for 5 years. He always does a good job. He is prompt and polite and he does a thorough job. He has at times come up to 10:00 pm to make sure he gets all of his customers taken care of."
We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business!
"The Exceptional Edge technicians were very professional and meticulous how maneuvered around to trim my shade tree. I was very impressed how they removed the stump and all the tree limbs without tearing up my yard. Their service was excellent and they have the latest equipment technology."
Big Richard Tree Service is a locally owned and operated tree care company serving Cedar Rapids and communities throughout Eastern Iowa. We specialize in tree removal, tree trimming and pruning, stump grinding, emergency storm cleanup, lot clearing, and hazardous tree takedowns.\n\nOwner Ricardo Larios built this company on hard work, honesty, and second chances. Every job is done with integrity, attention to detail, and respect for your property. We're licensed, bonded, and insured, and we offer free on-site estimates with same-week scheduling in most cases.\n\nWhether you need routine trimming, storm damage cleanup, or removal of a dangerous tree, our crews deliver professional results and full cleanup. Serving Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, Hiawatha, Marion, and surrounding areas.\n\nCall (319) 508-3694 or visit https://www.bigrichardstreeservice.com for a free estimate.\n
Late winter is ideal, but if you’re pruning apple trees in the spring, prune them as early as possible in the season. You want to ensure your tree is just creeping out of dormancy and hasn’t started pushing out new growth. If you prune your tree too late into spring, you generally won’t see results until the following year.
That said, there’s no pruning season for unhealthy growth. Remove dead, dying, or diseased branches as soon as you notice them, regardless of the time of year.
Yes, forestry mulching can grind stumps, but the level of effectiveness depends on the equipment used. Drum mulchers can break down smaller stumps, but larger or deep-rooted stumps may require a dedicated stump grinder for complete removal. If full stump removal is necessary for replanting or construction, additional excavation may be needed. Always check with your forestry mulching provider to confirm whether they offer stump grinding and if their equipment is suitable for your specific needs.
Yes, it’s okay to trim low branches on a tree, also known as limbing up or raising the crown. Essentially, you’ll trim the lower third of the tree (trunk) and leave the upper two-thirds of the tree (crown). Arborists recommend trimming 20% of a tree’s leaves per season for two to three seasons. Trimming low branches allows light to flow through the tree, increasing circulation and making the tree stronger and healthier.
In most cases, you should not use a pruning seal on trees after trimming. Applying a sealant can interfere with the tree's natural healing process, and it does not guarantee protection from pathogens. Instead of sealing the cut, the best practice is to support the tree's natural recovery by providing it with plenty of water and a dormant-style fertilizer. However, there are exceptions. Pruning seals may be recommended for very vulnerable species, like elm trees, in areas where dangerous diseases such as Dutch elm disease are prevalent. In these specific situations, the protection offered by a sealant can outweigh its downsides. For advice tailored to your situation, especially after cutting large branches, it is best to consult a local tree trimming professional.
Unfortunately, if you cut the top off a palm tree, it will die. Instead of budding or branching out, the top begins to slowly rot. That's why having a professional tree trimming at least twice a year is a good idea. If you don’t have experience with trimming your palm tree, you might accidentally cut the top off, leaving a dead and rotting tree in your wake.
The Hills, IA homeowners’ guide to tree services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Tree inspections can ensure your trees stay healthy and safe, preventing costly damage. Learn how much tree inspections cost and what can affect the price.
How much does an arborist cost? This guide explains the cost of different services, ongoing expenses, and other factors to consider when hiring an arborist.
Follow these tips to learn how to find a good tree removal service. Doing a little research can help you save time and money when you need to say goodbye to your trees.
You suspect that the leaning oak tree in the back needs to come down, but can you just handle it yourself? Here are the pros and cons of calling a tree service.
