Professional Tree & Shrub Removal in the West Metro
Protecting Your Home, Landscape & Peace of Mind
4.7 OUT OF 5 STARS
Trusted by homeowners
across the twin cities
OUR STORY
Protecting Your Home, Landscape & Peace of Mind
Removing a tree is a big decision, especially when it's been part of your landscape for years. Before recommending removal, we determine whether your tree can be saved. If pruning or Plant Health Care is the better solution, we'll recommend it. When removal is the right choice, our experienced crews have the expertise and equipment to handle it safely and efficiently.
For four generations, we've served homeowners throughout the Lake Minnetonka corridor. We believe great tree removal is about more than cutting down a tree. It's about showing up on time, working safely and efficiently, protecting your property, and leaving your landscape cleaner than we found it.
Does Your West Metro Tree Need to Be Removed?
Not every tree needs to be removed. But some do. Common reasons homeowners should consider removal include:
Disease Beyond Treatment: Advanced emerald ash borer infestation in ash trees makes removal the responsible choice.
Structural Problems or Safety Risks: Weak branching, cracks, or proximity to structures create safety risks that removal solves.
Storm Damage: Trees severely damaged by high winds, heavy snow, or lightning often can't recover.
Interference with Property: Trees may need to be removed if they're growing into power lines, crowding structures, blocking views, or preventing planned construction or landscaping.
Age and Decline: Trees that are in irreversible decline and no longer provide value may be better removed before they become a safety hazard.
If you're unsure whether your tree should stay or go, that's exactly why you should call. Our Certified Arborists can assess the situation and give you an honest recommendation. Sometimes what looks like a dying tree can be saved with proper pruning and care.
The Right Removal Method for Your Tree
We've learned that one approach doesn't fit every tree. Depending on size, location, and accessibility, we match the right method to your situation.
Standard Tree Removal
Most trees in the Twin Cities West Metro can be safely removed using our fleet of lifts, bucket trucks, and our grapple saw crane. We approach each removal strategically to minimize disruption to your property and neighborhood. About 80% of our work uses this method.
Rope and Saddle Removal
For trees that can't be reached with equipment because of tight spaces or nearby structures, our certified climbers use rope and saddle techniques to bring them down safely. This method requires more time and expertise, but allows us to handle trees that many companies can't.
Hazardous Tree Removal
Trees with structural defects, disease, or environmental stress require more intensive assessment and experienced personnel. We have the credentials and equipment to handle these safely.
Stump Grinding
After the tree comes down, you're left with a stump. We can grind it below ground level so you can replant, landscape, or reclaim your yard. Grinding depth, root removal, and what we fill the hole with are all customizable based on your plans.
Start with an Assessment
We'll examine your tree, answer your questions, and recommend the best path forward. No obligation, no pressure, just honest advice.
What to Expect When You Call Ostvig
From your first conversation to the final cleanup, here's exactly what to expect when you call Ostvig.
1. Request an Estimate
Call us or submit a request online. We'll schedule a time that works for you to visit your property and assess the situation.
2. On-Site Assessment
One of our Certified Arborists will examine the tree, discuss your goals, and determine whether removal is the best path forward or whether pruning or plant health care could save the tree. We'll answer all your questions.
3. Written Recommendation & Quote
You'll receive a clear explanation of our recommendation and a detailed written estimate. We'll discuss what happens to the wood (chipped on-site, left for firewood, or hauled away) and confirm any cleanup expectations.
4. Schedule & Execute
Once you approve, we'll schedule the work at a time that suits you. Our crew will arrive with the right equipment, execute the removal safely, and manage the debris throughout.
5. Cleanup & Final Walkthrough
We don't leave until the job is truly done. We haul away debris, clean up chips and branches, and walk through the property with you to make sure everything meets our standards.
6. Follow-Up & Future Care
We'll recommend any follow-up work, like stump grinding, site cleanup, or pruning of nearby trees to prevent future issues. Many customers become part of our maintenance program for ongoing seasonal care.
Why Lake Minnetonka Homeowners Trust Ostvig with Their Tree Removals
We've been removing trees in this region for four generations. That experience shows up in our work quality, our crew professionalism, and the relationships we've built throughout the Twin Cities West Metro.
Four Generations of Local Expertise
Ostvig Tree Care was founded in 1933 during the Great Depression and has been family-owned ever since. We're not new to the Twin Cities or to tree work. We know the species, soil, climate, and neighborhoods from Wayzata to Excelsior like few others do. This isn't just our business. It's our heritage.
The Best-Trained Crew in the Metro
We invest in our team. Every crew member is trained to climb and we employ certified arborists, TCIA-accredited specialists, CTSP credentials, and certified crane operators. That experience and continuity means you're working with seasoned professionals who know exactly what they're doing.
The Most Mechanized Equipment in the Area
We've invested heavily in specialized equipment, including a grapple saw crane (knuckleboom), multiple lifts, bucket trucks, skid steers, and high-capacity chippers. By matching the right equipment to every job, we can complete removals more safely, work more efficiently, and minimize disruption to your property.
Respect for Your Property
Our philosophy is simple—leave the job better than you found it. We rake, clean, chip, and haul. Our crew shows up on time, treats your neighbors with courtesy, and takes pride in finishing what they start. We consider cleanup a core value, not an afterthought.
Honest Assessments Built on Local Expertise
We've removed thousands of trees across the Twin Cities and learned what works. If a tree can be saved through pruning or plant health care, we'll tell you. If removal is truly the answer, we explain why in clear, practical terms. You'll understand the decision before you commit.
Serving the Lake Minnetonka Area and West Metro
Whether you live on the shores of Lake Minnetonka or elsewhere in the West Metro, we're proud to serve communities throughout the region, including:
Don’t see your neighborhood listed? Give us a call. We may still be able to help.
Explore Your Tree Care Options
Thinking about removal but want to understand your options first? Check out our blog for articles on pruning, tree health, hazardous trees, and when removal makes sense.
Jim Ostvig | August 14, 2026 | Tree Care Tips
Plant Health Care Programs: What’s Included & Why You Should Enroll
Plant health care keeps trees healthy for years. Discover what’s included in a PHC program, why they save money compared to removal, and how to get started.
Jim Ostvig | August 14, 2026 | Tree Care Tips
Best Time to Prune Trees in Minnesota (And When to Avoid)
Discover the best seasons for tree pruning in Minnesota. Learn why winter is best for most trees, plus species-specific exceptions and disease risks to avoid.
Jim Ostvig | August 14, 2026 | Tree Pests and Diseases
Oak Wilt Prevention: Minnesota’s Year-Round Seasonal Guide
Worried about oak wilt? Learn when it spreads, how to recognize symptoms, and the best times to prune, treat, and protect Lake Minnetonka oak trees.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tree Removal
What Our Customers Say
Tim Doering — Google
Jacquelyn Olson — Google
Mike Lewis — Google
Let's Talk About Your Trees
Whether you're ready to remove or just want a professional opinion, we're here to help. Call us for a free assessment, or use the form below to request an estimate.
