Tree removal and pruning, quoted by a certified arborist
Removals, pruning, stump grinding and storm cleanup for homes across Spencerport and western Monroe County. Ben Kowalski has run the crews since 2006.
- ISA Certified Arborist
- Fully insured
- Free written estimates
What we do
Removals and pruning are priced after a free visit, and the price always includes cleanup.
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Tree removal
Dead, leaning or in the way, at any size and any distance from the house. Brush is chipped and hauled the same day.
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Pruning and trimming
Deadwood out, limbs lifted off the roof and crowns thinned to the ANSI A300 standard. We don’t top trees.
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Stump grinding
Ground below the surface, with the chips raked back into the hole or hauled away.
from $125
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Storm cleanup
Trees on a roof, a car or a driveway, answered any hour. We photograph everything for your insurance claim.
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Cabling and bracing
Steel cable and rods to support a split trunk or a heavy limb, with a free check each spring for three years.
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Tree health visits
An arborist’s look at what’s sick, what’s a hazard and what can wait, including treatment for emerald ash borer. Credited toward any work you book.
$95
Based in Spencerport since 2006
I spent six years climbing for a utility line-clearance crew before I started Tall Oak in 2006 with a used chipper and a pickup. I became an ISA Certified Arborist in 2009, and I still write most of the estimates myself.
We’re seven people now, in two crews. If a tree can be saved with pruning or a cable, I’ll tell you that before I quote a removal.
Ben Kowalski, owner and ISA Certified Arborist
With every job
- A written price before any work
- Mats under the equipment to protect your lawn
- The yard raked and blown clean before we leave
- Wood left split for firewood, if you want it
Credentials and insurance
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ISA Certified Arborist
Ben Kowalski, certified by the International Society of Arboriculture since 2009
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Tree Risk Assessment Qualified
Ben Kowalski, through the ISA, for deciding whether a tree near the house is safe to keep
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Commercial pesticide applicator
Certified by the New York State DEC, for emerald ash borer treatments
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Fully insured
$1 million liability, a $2 million umbrella and workers’ comp for every crew member
Where our crews go
Most jobs are within 20 miles of Spencerport.
- Spencerport
- Ogden
- Parma
- Hilton
- Greece
- Clarkson
- Brockport
- Hamlin
- Churchville
- Riga
- Chili
- Gates
Farther out, we still take removals and storm work. Ask when you call.
Recent work
A removal beside a house, lowered by crane 
Crown thinning on mature shade trees 
Deadwood cleared over a garden path
What homeowners say
Seven stumps ground in an afternoon, chips raked into the holes, and they texted me photos since I was at work.
Ben talked us out of removing a maple we thought was dying. He pruned it instead for a third of the price, and it leafed out fine this spring.
Two oaks over the garage, one with a crack down the trunk. Ben cabled the good one and took the other down, and the lawn looked untouched the next day.
A silver maple came down across our driveway in the March windstorm. They were here before 8 the next morning and had it cleared by noon.
Fair price and careful work. Scheduling took about four weeks in the busy season, but they told us that up front.
Questions before an estimate
Do you give free estimates?
Yes. An arborist walks the property and emails you a written price, usually within five working days. Storm damage is priced on the spot.
Are you insured?
Yes, with liability and workers’ comp for everyone on the crew. We’ll email you the certificate before we start, or send it straight to your insurance company.
Is stump grinding included with a removal?
Only if the estimate says so. Most people add it, and it costs less on the same visit: $95 a stump with a removal, from $125 on its own.
Do I need to be home?
No, as long as we can reach the tree and the gate is unlocked. We text when the crew arrives and again when it leaves.
What areas do you cover?
Western Monroe County, from Hamlin down to Chili: Ogden, Parma, Greece, Clarkson, Brockport and the towns in between.
Do I need a permit to take a tree down?
Usually not for a tree on your own lot. Trees between the sidewalk and the street often belong to the village or town, so we check that before we quote.
When is the best time to prune?
Late fall through winter for most trees, while they’re dormant. Oaks only from August to March, to keep oak wilt out. Dead or hanging limbs can come down any time.
Tree down after a storm?
Call any hour. If it’s touching a power line, call RG&E first and keep everyone well back.
Free estimates
Tell us the address and which tree, and we’ll set up a visit. A photo by text helps us bring the right equipment.
- Phone
- (585) 555-0138 · Text us
- Service area
- Western Monroe County, within about 20 miles of Spencerport
Hours
| Mon–Fri | 7 am – 5 pm |
|---|---|
| Sat | 8 am – noon |
| Sun | Closed |
Storm calls answered any hour
Hours confirmed October 2026