Good pruning is mostly about what you leave on the tree. The goal is a strong structure, a healthy canopy and enough clearance that branches aren't scraping your roof or hanging over the driveway. Bad pruning — hacking off the top or stripping the inside of the canopy — leaves a tree weaker than before.
Our crew includes a professional climber, so we can reach the whole crown without driving equipment across your lawn. We explain what we plan to cut before we start, and you get the price in writing first.
What we do
Crown thinning removes select branches throughout the canopy so wind passes through instead of catching it like a sail. That lowers the chance of limbs breaking in Kansas City's spring thunderstorms and winter ice. Deadwooding takes out dead and dying branches before they fall on a car, a roof or someone walking underneath.
Crown raising lifts the lower limbs to give clearance over roofs, driveways, sidewalks and streets. We also clear branches away from the house side of your power service drop. We never cut on or near utility lines — if limbs are touching power lines, call your utility company, which handles that work.
Why we never top trees
Topping means cutting the main leaders back to stubs. It's fast, but it starves the tree, invites decay and triggers a flush of weak sprouts that break easily. Within a few years the tree is taller, messier and more dangerous than before. We use reduction and thinning cuts at proper branch junctions instead, which keep the tree's natural shape.
Timing: fall and winter is best
For most species, the dormant season — roughly November through March — is the best time to prune. With the leaves off, we can see the branch structure clearly, the tree is under less stress, and it seals cuts quickly when spring growth starts. Off-season scheduling is usually easier too.
Oaks are a special case. Oak wilt is a serious disease in the Kansas City area, and beetles that spread it are drawn to fresh cuts in the warm months. We only prune oaks during dormancy unless a broken limb is a safety hazard.
Hedges and shrubs
While we're on site, we can also shape overgrown hedges, cut back shrubs crowding windows and walkways, and clean up foundation plantings. All clippings are hauled away with the rest of the debris.
What's included
- Walk-around to agree on exactly what gets cut
- Crown thinning, deadwooding and crown raising
- Clearance over roofs, driveways and sidewalks
- Hedge and shrub trimming on request
- All branches and clippings hauled away
- Free written estimate before work begins
How we price it
Trimming is priced per job after we see the trees. The main factors are the size of the tree, how much needs to come out, how easy it is to reach, and whether anything fragile sits underneath.
Several trees on one visit usually cost less per tree than calling us back for each. Your estimate lists each tree and what we'll do to it, with no hidden fees.
Why Wilmer's
- Licensed & insured
- 7 years experience
- Cleanup & haul-away included
- Free written estimate
- Se habla español
Kansas City neighbors trust us
4.6 ★ on Google · 10 reviews
"Great work! They showed up on time and got to work right away. They were detailed and answered all my questions. Would recommend them to friends and family needing tree service."
"Wilmers had done work for me in the past and I had them back again because they do such great work, attention to detail and price very well."
"Great company hundred percent recommended they are always good to provide the best service."
"El equipo fue profesional, puntual y cuidadoso al remover nuestro árbol. Trabajaron de manera segura y dejaron el área limpia."Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to prune trees in Kansas City?
For most species, the dormant season from about November through March. Leaves are off, the structure is easy to see and the tree recovers well in spring. Oaks should only be pruned during dormancy to reduce the risk of oak wilt.
Do you top trees?
No. Topping weakens trees and causes fast, poorly attached regrowth that breaks in storms. We use thinning and reduction cuts that keep the tree healthy.
Can you trim branches near power lines?
We can clear limbs on the house side of the service drop, but we never cut on or near utility lines. For branches touching power lines, call your utility — they handle that work.
Do you trim hedges and shrubs too?
Yes. We shape and cut back hedges and overgrown shrubs, and can do it on the same visit as your tree work.
Get your free written estimate
No pressure, no hidden fees. We come out, look at the job and give you a fair price in writing.