At Erlacher’s Tree Service, we protect your property and enhance your landscape. As a family-owned and operated tree care company right here in Cedar Rapids, we treat your yard with the exact same respect we give our own. From precision trimming of hard-to-reach limbs to complete, safe removals of hazardous trees, our family brings meticulous attention to detail to every single branch.\n\n
"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!
"They showed up and made my yard look way better. Very reasonable and very hard workers. I will definitely hire them more often when I need more work done."
"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
For trimming trees, your best tool is a pair of pruning shears or loppers. Both options work best for branches that are under 3 inches in diameter. Trimming trees with a larger diameter may require a robust tool like a small chainsaw or a handsaw, so take into account your tree’s diameter when deciding between tools.
Tree roots can take weeks to years to die, depending on the method you use. Chemical herbicides take the least amount of time—typically between three and four weeks—while homemade methods, like covering an old stump with leaves, could take between seven and eight years. If you’re unsure which method to use or how quickly you need to act, consulting with a pro is always a good idea.
You don’t always need a permit to grind a stump, but you might need one depending on your location and the stump’s surroundings. Permits are often needed if the stump is part of a protected tree species, near public areas or utility lines, or close to environmentally sensitive zones like wetlands. Some cities also regulate noise and work hours. Always check local rules before grinding, and contact your city or county office if you're unsure.
For safety reasons, leaning trees are best removed by a professional, as they may often tear away from the hinge, causing you to lose control over where the tree falls. If you choose to cut down a tree leaning slightly, avoid cutting off root protrusions before you start. Make your hinge a little longer than usual by cutting it deeper (up to 30% of the diameter) and applying a wedge into the felling cut on the side the tree is leaning. Stand away from the direction the tree leans while making your felling cut.
Tree pruning is a common and helpful tree maintenance technique that involves carefully cutting and trimming unwanted branches so that the tree can continue to grow and thrive. Pruning is done carefully and intentionally. Tree topping is a frowned-upon method that involves removing and cutting most or the entirety of the top of the tree, including structurally important branches.
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.
