Tree Care Services in Stillwater, MN

Woodchuck Tree Care didn’t just start serving Stillwater, it started here. Founded in 1976 on a hobby farm in Stillwater by Dave “Jake” Jacobson, our company has spent decades caring for trees in this exact community, from the legacy oaks along the St. Croix River bluffs to the shade trees around Lowell Park and downtown’s historic homes. Whether you need routine trimming, storm cleanup, or a full removal, our certified arborists bring local knowledge you won’t get from a crew driving in from another city.

Local Certified Arborists in Stillwater

Trees in Stillwater face seasonal challenges from strong winds, heavy snow, and summer storms, plus specific local risks like oak wilt in the warmer months. Our ISA-certified arborists bring extensive knowledge and hands-on experience to every project, and because we’re based here, we know which streets flood, which bluffs see the worst wind, and which neighborhoods have the oldest trees.

Tree Trimming and Pruning Services

Regular tree trimming and pruning help maintain healthy growth and reduce the risk of falling branches. In Stillwater, proper pruning timing matters more than most homeowners realize, especially for oaks, where pruning at the wrong time of year can spread disease. Our team carefully removes dead, damaged, or overgrown limbs to improve structure and help trees withstand severe weather. Learn more about our full tree trimming and pruning process.

Professional Tree Removal in Stillwater

When a tree becomes unsafe, diseased, or no longer fits your landscape, professional tree removal is the safest and most effective option. Woodchuck Tree Care provides controlled tree removal throughout Stillwater, including trees located near homes, garages, power lines, and bluff-edge properties where careful rigging matters. We use modern equipment and proven techniques to complete each removal efficiently. See our full tree removal services for a breakdown of how we handle removals near structures and steep terrain.

Signs your tree may need to come down:

• Large dead or bare branches in the upper canopy
• Deep cracks or splits in the trunk
• A visible lean that’s new or getting worse, especially on a bluff or slope
• Mushrooms or fungus growing at the base
• Rapid leaf browning on an oak during summer, a classic oak wilt sign

Not sure which of these applies to your tree? Send us a photo and we’ll give you an honest read, no pressure to remove a tree that doesn’t need it.

Stump Grinding and Lot Clearing

Leftover stumps can be both unsightly and hazardous. Our stump grinding services in Stillwater, MN, remove stumps below ground level, allowing you to reclaim usable yard space. We also offer lot clearing for homeowners and property owners preparing land for construction, landscaping, or development. See our lot clearing services for larger projects.

Storm Damage and Emergency Tree Services

Storms can cause sudden and dangerous tree damage, and Stillwater’s bluff-top and river-valley terrain can make wind and drainage effects unpredictable. If your Stillwater property is affected by fallen or damaged trees, Woodchuck Tree Care offers prompt storm damage cleanup and emergency tree services, day or night, to remove hazards and restore safety. Visit our storm damage page for what to do immediately after a storm.

Oak Wilt and Legacy Oak Care in Stillwater

Stillwater sits within the Minnesota DNR’s designated high-risk zone for oak wilt, and the city’s many legacy oaks along the river bluffs and older neighborhoods make this one of the most important local tree issues we manage. Oak wilt spreads when sap beetles carry fungal spores from infected wood to fresh cuts on healthy oaks, which is why the DNR strongly recommends against pruning or wounding oaks from April through July. Winter is the safest time to prune. If you have an oak showing rapid leaf browning or wilting in summer, don’t wait, early identification is the best way to protect nearby healthy trees. Our certified arborists follow the DNR’s seasonal guidance on every oak job and can advise you on timing before you plan any pruning. Learn more from the Minnesota DNR’s oak wilt prevention guidance. Our disease control services also cover oak wilt along with other common Minnesota tree diseases.

Boulevard Trees and Buckthorn in Stillwater

Not every tree or shrub on your property falls under the same rules. The City of Stillwater maintains trees on city boulevards, parkland, open space, and city facilities, and residents can report a problem city-owned tree directly to the city’s Natural Resources Technician. One change worth knowing: the city no longer picks up buckthorn from residents, removal of invasive buckthorn is now the property owner’s responsibility. Our team can help you identify, remove, and properly dispose of buckthorn along with any boulevard tree questions specific to your property. See the City of Stillwater’s Forestry page for details.

Caring for Trees Near Stillwater’s Historic Homes

Stillwater’s downtown and several surrounding neighborhoods fall within a National Register historic district and areas reviewed by the Heritage Preservation Commission. Trees on these properties often frame homes that are decades, sometimes over a century, old, and thoughtful pruning or removal can matter as much for the property’s character as for its safety. We work carefully around historic structures, mature plantings, and tight lot lines that are common in Stillwater’s older neighborhoods.

Why Stillwater Residents Trust Woodchuck Tree Care

• Founded in Stillwater in 1976, and still based here
• ISA-certified arborists on staff
• Fully licensed and insured
• Deep familiarity with local terrain, from river bluffs to historic downtown lots