Professional Tree Trimming in Latham & the Capital District

Certified, Clean, and On Your Schedule

Clear Choice Tree Service provides expert pruning and trimming by an ISA Certified Arborist. Healthier trees, better curb appeal, and zero mess left behind. Free on-site estimates. Most jobs booked within days.

Your Trees Deserve More Than Being Ignored Year After Year.

Maybe they looked fine a few years ago. Now the branches are scraping the gutters, crowding the driveway, blocking the light, and looking a little wild. You know they need attention, but finding someone you can actually trust to prune them correctly is the hard part.

Most homeowners worry about two things: getting overcharged or having someone butcher the trees they’ve spent years growing.

We get both of those concerns. We’re here to make this simple and to make sure your trees come out healthier, not just smaller.

The Capital District's Certified Tree Care Experts — 27 Years, Every Cut Done Right.

Tree and Stump Removal Service was founded in December 1999 by Whitney and Douglas Kantrowitz, an ISA-certified arborist (ISA Number: #NY-5978A) and one of only five field-working certified arborists in the entire Capital Region.

That distinction matters more than most homeowners realize. Proper pruning follows strict arboricultural standards regarding how much canopy to remove, where to locate cuts, how to avoid stressing the tree, and providing entry points for disease. Done wrong, a trim can shorten a tree’s life by decades. Done right, it extends it.

When Douglas assesses your trees, he’s not just thinking about what you asked for. He’s thinking about what the tree actually needs — and he’ll tell you the difference.

27 Years

Serving the Capital District

$4,000,000

Tree-Specific Liability Coverage

ISA Certified

Arborist on Every Single Estimate

Ensure You’re
Fully Protected.

Take the guesswork out of tree care.

Everything Your Trees Need

One Trusted Capital District Crew

Get Your FREE On-Site Trimming Estimate — No Obligation. No Pressure.

Here's What Happens When You Reach Out:

We schedule a free visit at your convenience
Douglas assesses your trees in person and explains exactly what they need
You get a clear, digital quote and we stay in constant communication before any work begins
We trim to ISA’s best management practices and never remove more than 25% of the canopy
Full cleanup and haul-away included every time

Spring is the right time to address winter damage and ensure your trees are safe before the summer storms start. Spots are filling — book your free estimate now.

We call back the same day. No spam, ever.

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Getting Started Is Easier Than You Think

Step 1: Call or Fill Out the Form in 60 seconds

Tell us about your trees and your schedule. We'll take it from there.

Step 2: We Come to You for Free

Douglas visits in person, walks the property, and gives you an honest assessment and written quote. No pressure, no obligation.

Step 3: Sit Back — We Handle Everything

Our crew trims to current arboricultural standards, cleans up completely, and hauls every branch away. Your yard looks better and your trees are healthier.

Warning Signs

Time to Call If You Notice:

Branches rubbing against your roof, siding, gutters, or windows
Dense canopy blocking light to the lawn, garden, or first floor
Dead, crossing, or rubbing branches visible inside the canopy
Visible dieback, leaf spotting, or premature leaf or needle drop
Branches growing toward or within 10 feet of utility lines
It's been 2+ years since a professional trim
Ash trees showing early signs of EAB stress — common in the Capital Region

Small Problems Don't Stay Small

Here's What to Watch For:

Overgrown branches don’t just look neglected — they create problems that compound over time. Crossing limbs wound each other and open entry points for decay. Heavy, unbalanced limbs stress the trunk. Branches scraping your roofline cause property damage every season they’re ignored.

The longer a trim is postponed, the more work — and cost — the job eventually requires.

Testiomonials From Clients Like You

Not All Tree Pruning Is the Same — Here's What Most Companies Get Wrong

What Non-Certified Crews Do

Drastic trimming that severely stresses the tree
Flush cuts that destroy the branch collar and encourage decay
Trim whatever the customer asks for, regardless of tree health
No insurance above 10ft — homeowner liability risk
Leaves debris or chips it on-site
Gone when the job is done

What Our ISA-Certified Arborist Does

Never removes more than 25% of the canopy at a time
Proper collar cuts that help the tree to protect itself from decay
Asks why, assesses the tree, and advises on what will actually help
$4M tree-specific policy — you’re protected
Complete haul-away every time
10-point follow-up — we make sure you’re satisfied

In New York State, anyone can call themselves an arborist. There’s no licensing requirement, no certification requirement, no mandatory insurance. Anyone with a truck and a chainsaw can show up and start cutting your trees. On the other hand, it takes years of experience and considerable expertise to earn the distinction of being an ISA-certified arborist, like Douglas is (ISA Number: #NY-5978A).

That difference is significant — for both your trees and for your legal protection.

Proudly Serving Latham, Albany & the Surrounding Capital District

Tree and Stump Removal Service serves homeowners and commercial properties across the Capital District. Whether you’re in Latham, Clifton Park, Albany, Schenectady, Troy, or the surrounding suburbs, our crew is nearby and typically scheduled within a few days, not weeks.

Not sure if we cover your area? Call us — we’ll tell you right away.

Latham
Albany
Schenectady
Troy
Guilderland
Colonie
Delanson
Capital District

Questions Capital District Homeowners Always Ask About Tree Trimming

How much does tree trimming cost in the Capital District?

Most residential trimming jobs range from $200 for a small tree or a couple of branches to $3,500+ for large specimen trees or multi-tree properties. Price depends on tree size, canopy density, access, and how long it’s been since the last trim. We always provide a FREE written estimate before any work begins — you’ll know the exact cost upfront.

When is the best time to trim trees in the Capital District?

The dormant season — late fall through early spring — is ideal for most species. Trees suffer less stress, pests are less active, and it’s easier to see the tree’s structure without leaves. That said, dead or hazardous branches should be removed at any time of year. Douglas will assess your trees and give you an honest recommendation during your free visit.

How much of the tree can be trimmed at once?

ISA best management practices recommend not removing more than 25% of a tree’s live canopy in a single season. Removing more than that stresses the tree, disrupts root development, and can cause long-term structural decline. Some companies will cut whatever you ask — we’ll tell you what’s actually safe for the tree.

Will trimming hurt my trees?

Not when done correctly. Proper pruning by a certified arborist improves structure, promotes healthy growth, and minimizes disease entry points. The key is correct cut placement — a flush cut destroys the branch collar the tree uses to seal the wound. Our experienced crew makes sure every cut is done properly.

Are you insured for trimming work?

Yes — fully. We carry a $4 million tree-specific liability policy and full workers’ compensation. General liability insurance — the kind of coverage most competitors carry — doesn’t cover aerial work above 10 feet. Under NY Scaffold Law §240, if an uninsured worker is injured on your property, you can be held personally liable. We make sure that never happens to our customers.

Do you clean up after the job?

Always. We haul away every branch and chip and leave your property cleaner than we found it. Nothing left behind.

How often should my trees be professionally trimmed?

Most trees benefit from professional pruning every two to three years. Fast-growing species or trees near structures may need annual attention. Douglas will give you an honest, no-pressure recommendation specific to your trees during your free estimate.

Ready for Trees That Look as Good as the Rest of Your Home?

Clear Choice makes it simple. One call, one free estimate from a certified arborist, and zero pressure. Join hundreds of Capital District homeowners who trusted us and feel safe every time we pull into their driveways.

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