Written by Mark Reid,
Home Services Editor ยทVerified June 2, 2026
Memphis sits in the Mississippi Alluvial Plain, and that geography shapes everything about tree work here. The city's older neighborhoods, Midtown, Cooper-Young, Central Gardens, and Germantown Road corridors, are packed with mature hardwoods: white oaks, water oaks, sweetgums, and Bradford pears that have been growing since the bungalows beneath them were built. The clay-heavy soils common across Shelby County hold moisture well, which means root systems spread wide and deep, and storm damage tends to be severe when it hits. Add in the ice storms that roll through in winter and the straight-line wind events that come off the Mississippi River, and you've got a city where tree services aren't a luxury. They're routine. Emergency removal after storm damage, seasonal trimming to keep limbs clear of power lines, and stump grinding on lots where sellers want a clean look before listing are probably the three most common calls local crews get.
Every business on this page was drawn from third-party public business listings and ranked by review rating and review count, with a small lift applied to those that show a working website and phone number. We read each business's homepage to confirm tree services work is what they primarily offer, which is how unrelated contractors get filtered out. Any listing flagged as permanently closed is removed automatically. Some businesses carry a Trust Verified badge. That badge means the business has additionally passed our full verification process, covering licenses and certifications, general liability insurance, operating history, customer review history, and registered business information. You can find the complete checklist on our How We Verify page. For any business that doesn't carry that badge, those checks haven't been done by us, and you should carry them out yourself before you book.
Before you hire anyone for tree work in Memphis, ask for a written estimate that breaks out labor, disposal, and any stump grinding separately. These are often quoted as add-ons, and the gap between the headline price and the final invoice can surprise you. Confirm the company carries general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage. Tree work is one of the more physically hazardous trades, and if a worker is injured on your property without proper coverage, you could be exposed. Ask specifically whether they'll chip and haul debris or leave it for you to deal with. Get at least two or three quotes, especially for larger removals, because pricing on big oak or pecan removals in Memphis can vary by several hundred dollars depending on access, size, and how busy crews are.
How We Select & Rate The Best Tree Services in Memphis, TN
Rankings are driven by public review rating and review count pulled from third-party business listings, with a small lift for businesses that show a working website and phone. We check each business's homepage to confirm tree services is what they primarily offer, which keeps unrelated businesses off the page. Permanently closed listings are removed automatically. Businesses marked Trust Verified have additionally passed our full verification covering qualifications, insurance, operating history, customer review history, and registered business information. See our How We Verify page for the full list. All other businesses on this page have not been independently verified by us, and inclusion is not an endorsement. Always do your own checks before hiring.
Recommended and Featured listings are paid placements, so a business's fee affects whether and where it appears. Every other listing is ranked on rating and review count from third-party business listings. How we rank & verify →
Stump grinding is a core specialty at Vasquez Tree Service, which operates throughout Memphis handling removal, trimming, and site cleanup alongside its grinding work. With a 4.9-star rating across more than 400 Google reviews, the company has built a consistent record among local residents. It serves both residential and commercial properties in the Memphis area.
Tree care in the Memphis area comes with a solid track record at Mejia Tree Service, which holds a 4.9-star rating across 321 Google reviews. The company handles residential and commercial tree work throughout the 38133 corridor and surrounding neighborhoods. That consistent customer feedback points to reliable results on trimming, removal, and related outdoor tree maintenance.
Tree removal, trimming, and stump grinding form the core of what Memphis Tree Service LLC handles for residential and commercial properties across Memphis. With a 5-star rating drawn from 195 Google reviews, the company has built a consistent record among local property owners. Crews assess each site individually before work begins, prioritizing safety and clean removal over speed.
Hodges Tree & Landscape serves the Memphis area with tree care and landscaping work, holding a 4.8-star rating across 132 Google reviews. The company operates out of the 38137 area, giving it a focused reach across the northeastern neighborhoods of the city. That rating, built over a substantial number of reviews, points to consistent results rather than a one-off streak of good luck.
Rated 4.6 stars across 169 Google reviews, Mister Tree Service has built a consistent record of customer satisfaction in Memphis. The company handles tree care work for residential and commercial properties, covering removal, trimming, and related services. That volume of reviews points to a business neighbors in the area return to and refer.
Tree care across Memphis and the surrounding Midsouth region is the focus of Monster Tree Service of the Midsouth, which covers removal, trimming, and general tree maintenance for residential and commercial properties. The company holds a 4.9-star Google rating across 79 reviews, reflecting consistent results in the field. Locally owned within a national franchise network, it brings structured service standards to the area.
AB Tree Service LLC is a tree care company operating out of Memphis, zip code 38115. With a 5-star rating across 36 Google reviews, the company has built a consistent record among local residents. Its service area centers on the 38115 corridor, making it a practical option for homeowners in that part of the city needing tree removal, trimming, or general canopy maintenance.
Homeowners and property managers across Memphis turn to Red's Tree Service for tree care work in the 38134 area. With a 4.8-star rating across 53 Google reviews, the company has built a consistent record among local residents. Red's handles the kind of outdoor work that protects both structures and neighboring lots from overgrowth and storm-related hazards.
Pyramid Tree Service handles residential and commercial tree work in Memphis, with a focus on removal, trimming, and lot clearing. The company holds a 5-star rating across 22 Google reviews, a consistent record for a local outfit operating in the 38119 area. Customers in the east Memphis corridor rely on them for straightforward tree care without upselling pressure.
Homeowners and property managers across Memphis rely on Andrews Tree Service for tree care work ranging from routine maintenance to removal. The company holds a five-star rating across 21 Google reviews, reflecting consistent results for residential clients in the area. Its website, ats901.com, gives local customers a direct way to request service.
Real Tree Pros, LLC is a tree services company operating out of Memphis, TN 38016. Carrying a 4.9-star Google rating across 25 reviews, the company handles removal, trimming, and general tree care for residential properties in the area. Its strong local reputation makes it a practical choice for homeowners looking to maintain or clear trees on their lots.
Fitz & Son Tree LLC is a family-run tree service operating out of Memphis. The company carries a perfect 5-star rating across 19 Google reviews, a notable record for a trade where quality of work varies widely. Services cover what the category implies, from removal and trimming to general tree care for residential and commercial properties.
Arbor MD Tree Care is a tree services company operating out of Memphis. Holding a 4.9 rating across 23 Google reviews, the company handles tree care work for residential and commercial properties throughout the area. Its name signals a diagnostic approach to arboriculture, treating tree health as a core part of the job rather than an afterthought.
Rated 4.5 stars across 37 Google reviews, Glens Memphis Tree Service has built a consistent record in the 38122 area of Memphis. The company handles tree work for residential and commercial properties, covering removal, trimming, and land clearing. Its review profile reflects reliable follow-through from a locally rooted operation.
JL's Tree Services LLC is a tree care company serving Memphis and the surrounding area. Operating out of the 38122 zip code, the company holds a perfect 5-star rating across its Google reviews, a consistent signal of quality for neighbors seeking reliable tree work. Services span the range typical of a full-service tree care operation, from trimming and pruning to removal.
Stump grinding and removal anchor the service list at Jones Tree Service, a Memphis-based operation covering the 38128 area. The company holds a 4.7-star Google rating across 18 reviews, a consistent mark for a contractor working in a category where cleanup and follow-through often separate reliable outfits from the rest.
Rated 5 stars across its Google reviews, The Tree Firm operates out of Memphis, serving the 38118 area with tree care and removal work. The near-perfect score across multiple reviewers points to consistent results on residential and commercial jobs. Neighbors looking for reliable tree services in the south Memphis area have a locally rooted option worth considering.
Stump removal is the core focus at JLR Stump Grinding, a Memphis-based service that clears leftover root systems after tree removal. The company holds a 5-star Google rating across its reviews, reflecting consistent results in the Memphis area. Grinding stumps down below grade allows clients to reclaim yard space without the disruption of full excavation.
ZenithScape Landscaping and Tree Service operates out of Memphis, offering tree care alongside broader landscaping work. With a perfect five-star rating across its reviews, the company has built a consistent record with local clients. Its combined scope means property owners can address tree removal or trimming and general outdoor maintenance through a single contractor.
Residential and commercial properties across Memphis rely on 901 Tree King for tree care in the 38117 area and surrounding neighborhoods. The company handles the kinds of outdoor concerns, from routine trimming to removal, that homeowners and property managers regularly face. With a 4.3-star Google rating across 17 reviews, it holds a consistent local reputation for straightforward, reliable service.
Mr Vasquez Tree Expert is a tree services company operating out of Memphis, serving the 38117 area and surrounding neighborhoods. The business handles tree care work with a focused, owner-named operation that signals direct accountability on every job. Homeowners looking for straightforward tree services without a corporate intermediary will find that setup practical.
World Tree Services is a tree care company operating out of Memphis. The business covers the range of work that urban and suburban tree maintenance typically demands, from pruning and shaping to removal. Neighbors in the Memphis area can reach the company through its website at worldtreeservices.com for scheduling and service inquiries.
Transparency notice: Recommended and Featured listings are paid placements, so a business's fee affects whether and where it appears. All other listings are ranked by a combined score drawn from ratings and review counts published on third-party business listings, plus basic completeness signals such as a working website and phone. A Trust Verified badge means we have independently checked that business's documents; businesses without it have not been independently verified by us. How we verify →
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It depends heavily on the job. A basic trim on a small ornamental tree in a Midtown backyard might run $150 to $300. A full removal of a mature water oak, say 60 to 80 feet tall with a wide canopy, typically lands between $800 and $2,500 depending on access and whether the stump is included. Stump grinding alone usually costs $75 to $200 per stump. Emergency work after storm damage, when crews are in high demand and debris removal is complex, can push prices toward the higher end or beyond. Getting two or three quotes is standard practice and worth the time, especially for anything over $500.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree on my property in Memphis?
In unincorporated Shelby County, most residential removals don't require a permit. However, if you're inside Memphis city limits, the rules can vary depending on tree size, species, and whether the tree is on a street easement. Some homeowners' associations in neighborhoods like Germantown or Collierville also have their own rules about tree removal. It's worth calling the City of Memphis Division of Planning and Development or your HOA before a major removal, just to avoid fines or disputes with neighbors. A reputable local tree service will usually know the local requirements and flag the issue if it applies to your situation.
How do I know if a tree in my yard is actually dangerous?
A few signs are hard to miss: large dead branches hanging over a roof or driveway, visible cracks or splits in the main trunk, fungal growth at the base (which often signals internal rot), or a tree that leans noticeably more than it did a year ago. Softer signs include leaves that are sparse or discolored during a season when the tree should be full, bark that's peeling in large sections, or roots that have heaved and cracked the surrounding soil. Memphis's clay soils can also make trees less stable after heavy rain because the ground gets saturated and root anchorage weakens. If you're unsure, asking a certified arborist for an assessment is the right move.
What's the difference between tree trimming and tree pruning?
Trimming is mostly about aesthetics and clearance. It's what you do to keep a tree looking tidy, clear limbs from gutters or power lines, or thin a canopy that's gotten too dense. Pruning is more targeted. It involves removing specific branches for the health of the tree, cutting back dead wood, or shaping a younger tree to encourage strong structure as it grows. Pruning done well can extend a tree's life significantly. In Memphis, a lot of Bradford pears in older subdivisions have been damaged over the years because they weren't pruned properly when young. The two terms get used interchangeably in quotes, so ask the crew to explain exactly what they're planning to do.
Can tree roots damage my foundation or sewer lines in Memphis?
Yes, and it's a real concern in parts of Memphis with older clay sewer pipes. Tree roots, especially from water oaks, willows, and silver maples, actively seek out moisture and can infiltrate sewer lines through tiny cracks. Over time that leads to slow drains, backups, and expensive repairs. Roots from large trees near older homes can also put pressure on shallow foundations, though direct structural damage from roots is slower to develop than most people think. If you're planning to plant a new tree near a structure or utility line, a local arborist can advise on species with less aggressive root behavior. For existing trees near sewer lines, a plumber can run a camera inspection to check for intrusion.
What should I check before hiring a tree service company in Memphis?
Start with insurance. Ask for a certificate of general liability insurance and a workers' compensation policy, and verify those certificates are current. Tree work has a high injury rate, and an uninsured crew working on your property is a financial risk to you. Ask whether the company will pull any required permits on your behalf. Check their reviews across public listing platforms, and look at how they respond to negative feedback. Ask whether they have any certified arborists on staff, the International Society of Arboriculture credential is the recognized standard. Get written estimates from at least two companies so you can compare scope, not just price. Ask what happens to the debris, whether it's chipped, hauled, or left for you. A good company won't pressure you to sign on the spot.
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