Tree Service in Middleton, WI

Middleton sits on the western shore of Lake Mendota, and a good share of the city drains through the Pheasant Branch watershed toward the lake. That water shapes our tree service in Middleton more than most people expect. Lots that back onto the creek corridor or the Pheasant Branch Conservancy can stay wet for days after heavy rain, and trees at the edge of open ground often grow lopsided toward the light. A yard on higher ground a few blocks away can need completely different work. We walk each property and price it on what is actually growing there.

When the creek comes up

In August 2018 severe flooding hit the area, including along Pheasant Branch Creek. Saturated ground is when shallow-rooted trees let go, and flood water can also scour soil from around roots and leave a tree standing on less than it needs. If a tree near a drainage way has started to tilt, if the soil on one side of the trunk has cracked or lifted, or if you can see roots that used to be buried, that tree should be checked before the next wet stretch or windstorm.

Storm weeks and the city's pickup

Middleton runs special brush collections after city-declared storm events. After the June 13, 2022 storms the city scheduled a citywide pickup for June 20, and after the severe weather of May 21, 2024 crews started a storm collection on May 28. Those pickups have the same rules as regular collection: hard limbs only, no more than 6 inches across, laid parallel to the curb. Contractor-trimmed brush is not taken. When we handle storm damage, the cleanup is part of our job rather than something left for the city.

Regular collection is homeowner brush only

In a normal season Middleton picks up brush monthly from April through October, with a week assigned by quadrant: south or north of University Avenue, and east or west of Park Street or Allen Boulevard. The city caps it at about 7 cubic yards per property per month and branches under 6 inches. If you prune a shrub yourself, that system works well. For anything we cut, we chip and haul.

Middleton's street tree protections

The city's Street Tree Education and Protection Program lists activities that damage public trees, including trenching, soil compaction, chemical exposure and topping. Digging or paving within 10 feet of a public tree needs a City Forester permit, and fines run $250 for a first offense, $500 for a second and $1,000 after that, plus the tree's replacement cost. That matters during private jobs, too: when we drop a backyard tree we keep equipment and log piles off the terrace and away from city tree roots.

Work we commonly do here

1. Thinning and clearance pruning over roofs, decks and lake-facing views 2. Removal of declining ash and storm-split maples 3. Assessment of leaning trees near creek banks and low ground 4. Stump grinding so the area can be regraded or replanted 5. Pruning oaks in the dormant season to avoid oak wilt risk

For a free on-site estimate, phone (608) 820-8710 or use the request form. Tell us which quadrant you live in and roughly what the trees are doing; we will bring a written quote to the visit. Get a free estimate