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Professional Tree Care, Pruning & Removal

Trained and certified arborists for trimming, removal, and stump grinding

Care you can see — every season, every visit

Licensed, Bonded & InsuredFree Estimates

Trusted in Southern Minnesota since 1984. Fast response. No obligation.

Tree Services in Owatonna & Southern Minnesota

A dead branch over your roof, a leaning trunk near the power line, or surface roots that have buckled your sidewalk — these aren't problems that get better on their own. In southern Minnesota, ice storms, straight-line winds, and heavy wet snow accelerate structural failures in trees that haven't been maintained. The Groundsmasters handles pruning, removals, stump grinding, and root grinding across Owatonna and the surrounding area with crews trained in proper arboricultural techniques and equipped for trees of every size. The outcome: healthy trees that hold their structure through severe weather, hazards eliminated before they cause damage, and clean sites ready for whatever comes next — whether that's new sod, a patio, or simply a safer yard.

We proudly serve Owatonna, Austin, Albert Lea, Mankato, North Mankato, and surrounding Southern Minnesota communities.

What this looks like on your property

  • Hazardous limbs and dead wood removed before the next storm
  • Stumps ground below grade so the site is ready for sod or landscaping
  • Canopies thinned to let light through to turf and plantings below

Ready to get started?

Free estimate. No obligation. Fast response.

Free estimateNo obligationTrusted locally for 42+ years

Why Homeowners Choose Groundsmasters

Veteran-OwnedOperating with integrity since 1984
Same Crew Every VisitConsistent quality from people who know your property
Written QuotesThe price we quote is the price you pay — no surprise fees
One ProviderLawn, landscape, irrigation, snow, and more — one call covers it

Why Tree Services Matters

Unmaintained trees pose real risks. Dead or weakened branches can fall without warning, damaging roofs, vehicles, fences, and power lines -- or injuring people. Trees that grow too close to structures can cause foundation problems, block gutters, and create moisture issues. Overgrown canopies shade out turf and understory plants, leading to thin lawns and struggling landscape beds. Disease and insect infestations, if not addressed promptly, can kill valuable trees and spread to healthy ones nearby. In southern Minnesota, our severe weather brings ice storms, straight-line winds, and heavy wet snow that stress trees and cause failures in weakened or poorly structured specimens. Regular professional pruning and maintenance keeps trees healthy, structurally sound, and safe, while timely removal of hazardous trees prevents damage before it occurs.

What's Included

  • Crown pruning and thinning to improve tree health and structure
  • Deadwood removal to eliminate falling hazard branches
  • Shaping and canopy reduction for overgrown trees
  • Complete tree removal for dead, diseased, or unwanted trees
  • Stump grinding to below grade level for a clean finished appearance
  • Root grinding for surface roots that interfere with mowing or hardscapes
  • Storm damage cleanup and emergency tree work
  • Debris chipping and removal with complete site cleanup

Our Tree Services Process

1

Tree Assessment

We evaluate each tree's health, structure, species, size, and location to determine the appropriate service. For removals, we plan the felling direction, identify overhead utilities, and protect surrounding landscape features.

2

Safety Planning

Tree work is inherently dangerous, and we take safety seriously. Our crew establishes work zones, uses proper personal protective equipment, and follows industry-standard rigging and felling techniques for every job.

3

Professional Execution

Pruning is performed using proper branch collar cuts that promote healing and prevent decay entry. Removals are done in sections when needed to protect structures and landscape. Stumps are ground to 6-8 inches below grade.

4

Complete Cleanup

All branches, wood, and chips are removed from your property unless you want to keep the wood. Stump holes are backfilled with the grinding material. We leave your property clean and ready for any follow-up landscaping work.

Benefits of Professional Tree Services

  • Professional pruning extends tree life and improves structural strength
  • Deadwood removal eliminates falling branch hazards before they cause damage
  • Stump grinding allows you to reclaim space for lawn, gardens, or new plantings
  • Fully trained crews ensure safe operations around structures and utilities
  • Proper pruning techniques prevent disease entry and promote healing
  • Complete debris removal and site cleanup included with every job
  • Licensed, bonded, and insured for your protection

See real results from projects like yours

See Our Work

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What Our Customers Say

They removed a huge oak that was leaning over our garage. Fast, safe, and the cleanup was spotless.

Dave P., Dodge Center

Had them trim several mature trees. They clearly know what they're doing.

Karen W., Owatonna

Storm took out a branch over our driveway — they were out the next morning.

Chris L., Blooming Prairie

Get a Free Tree Services Estimate

Serving Owatonna, Mankato, Albert Lea, Austin, and 17+ surrounding communities.

Trusted in Southern Minnesota since 1984. We'll follow up within 24 hours — often sooner. No obligation.

Tree Services for Owatonna & Southern Minnesota

Owatonna's urban forest includes a wide variety of species -- mature oaks, maples, elms, and a significant number of ash trees that are now threatened by emerald ash borer. Many neighborhoods in Owatonna feature large, mature trees that provide the community's signature canopy and character but require regular maintenance to remain safe and healthy. Our crews are experienced with all common southern Minnesota species and understand their specific pruning needs, disease vulnerabilities, and growth habits. We also handle the aftermath of Minnesota's severe weather events -- ice storms that load branches to their breaking point, straight-line winds that topple weakened trees, and heavy spring snow that causes structural failures. When storms hit, our team mobilizes quickly to clear hazardous situations and restore safety to your property. We recommend a regular pruning cycle of every 3 to 5 years for most trees to maintain health and prevent problems before they become emergencies.

Stump grinding is one of our most requested services, either as part of a tree removal or as a standalone job for old stumps left by previous contractors. We grind stumps to 6-8 inches below grade level, which allows you to backfill with topsoil and reseed or sod the area. For stumps near sidewalks, driveways, or foundations, we can adjust grinding depth and approach to protect adjacent hardscapes. Root grinding is available for surface roots that have lifted sidewalks, interfered with mowing, or created tripping hazards. We also offer bug control services for trees affected by emerald ash borer, spider mites, and other insect pests -- see our bug control page for details on tree pest treatment. For large removal projects or storm damage cleanup involving multiple trees, we provide detailed estimates that outline the scope of work, safety measures, and timeline.

Tree Services Available In

Frequently Asked Questions About Tree Services

How often should trees be pruned?
Most mature trees in the Owatonna area should be professionally pruned every 3-5 years to maintain health and structure. Younger trees may benefit from more frequent formative pruning to develop strong branch architecture. Deadwood removal can be done at any time and should be addressed promptly whenever hazardous dead branches are identified.
Can you remove large trees close to houses or power lines?
Yes. Our crews are trained in technical tree removal techniques including sectional dismantling and rigging. For trees near power lines, we coordinate with the utility company as needed. We carefully plan each removal to protect your home, garage, fence, and landscape features. Every removal includes complete debris cleanup.
What happens to the wood and debris after tree removal?
All branches are chipped on-site and removed along with the trunk wood. If you would like to keep the firewood, we can cut it to length and stack it for you. Chips can be left for your use as mulch if desired. Our standard service includes complete removal of all wood, chips, and debris from your property.
How deep do you grind stumps?
We typically grind stumps to 6-8 inches below the surrounding grade level. This depth allows for adequate topsoil backfill to support grass or new plantings over the ground area. Deeper grinding is available upon request for situations where specific depth is needed, such as areas planned for construction or hardscape installation.

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Ready for Professional Tree Services?

Get your free estimate today. Prefer to talk? Call us directly at (507) 455-0081.

Get Your Free Estimate Today

Trusted in Southern Minnesota since 1984. No pressure. Just honest recommendations about your property.