What tree services homeowners in Omaha, NE usually need
Most tree work falls into a handful of categories: tree removal, trimming and pruning, stump grinding, ash tree decisions, and cleanup after a storm. Each job is different, and the right approach depends on the tree, its location, and what is going on with it.
A tree service company can evaluate the situation and walk you through the options. We are a free referral service, not a contractor, so we connect you with someone local who can actually look at the tree.
Who is responsible for which tree
This question comes up a lot, and the answer depends on where the tree is.
Trees in your own yard are generally yours to care for.
The strip of ground between the sidewalk and the curb is city-owned right-of-way, but in Omaha, homeowners are responsible for maintaining the trees in that strip, including structural pruning and picking up fallen branches. Check with Omaha Forestry (402-444-5925) before removing or pruning a street tree.
Trees near power lines are a separate matter. If a tree is touching or hanging over a line, call OPPD. If a line is down, stay away and call 911 or OPPD. Don't trim near a line yourself.
Storms and tree damage in Omaha
Omaha gets hit hard by storms. On July 9, 2021, a 96 mph gust at Eppley Airfield caused widespread tree damage and left 188,000 metro customers without power, the most OPPD had ever recorded. On July 31, 2024, winds of 70 to 90-plus mph damaged or destroyed more than 2,200 trees in the city alone.
After a storm, loose hanging branches and split trunks are the priority. For anything else, the Nebraska Forest Service advises not rushing: if you can wait up to a year, a tree may turn out less damaged than it first appeared.
How to choose a tree service company
Nebraska does not require arborist certification, so it pays to ask the right questions before hiring anyone.
Ask whether the contractor holds an ISA or Nebraska Arborists Association certification. You can verify an ISA Certified Arborist at treesaregood.org. Ask for certificates of liability insurance and workers' compensation, and call the insurer to confirm they are current. The City of Omaha has required a city arborist's license for paid tree work. Ask to see it, and confirm with the city.
Nebraska contractors must register with the Nebraska Department of Labor. You can search at dol.nebraska.gov. The BBB of the Midwest Plains, with an office in Omaha, is another resource for checking a company's record.
Get more than one estimate. Reputable companies rarely go door to door, and legitimate arborists do not ask for payment in advance.
How our free referral service works
We are not a contractor, an arborist, or a tree service company. We do not inspect trees, perform tree services, set prices, or offer any warranty on work.
What we do: when you call or fill out the form, we connect you with an independent local contractor who serves your area. They come out, look at the tree, and give you a quote. There is no cost to use our service.
Frequently asked questions
Is your service free?
Yes, completely free to homeowners. You call or fill out the form, we connect you with a local tree care contractor, and the quote is free. You pay only if you decide to hire the contractor.
What kinds of tree work can you help with?
We can connect you with local contractors for tree removal, trimming and pruning, stump grinding, storm cleanup and ash tree decisions. Tell us what is going on when you call or use the form, and we will match you with someone who does that kind of work.
How do I know if my tree needs attention?
UNL Extension lists seven signs that a tree may be worth having an arborist evaluate: decay, conks (mushroom-like growths), cracks, girdling roots, co-dominant leaders, leaning, and root plate defects. If you are seeing any of these, it is worth getting a professional set of eyes on it.
Talk to a local contractor
Free, no-obligation quotes across the Omaha metro.