Steve’s Tree Service
Steve’s Tree Service, Northwest Ohio
Your local, certified, and fully‑insured tree care experts
As one of Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan’s most referred tree care companies, Steve’s Tree Service has been caring for the region’s trees since 2008. Owner Steve Pryba and his team have served thousands of customers with custom‑built cranes, advanced climbing techniques, and a certified arborist on staff. With more than 20 years of experience, a mechanic, crane operator, and experienced grounds crew, we tackle everything from delicate pruning to large crane removals and excavation. We are fully insured and provide free estimates, assessing your trees and offering clear, environmentally responsible solutions. Our crews undergo extensive training and operate top‑of‑the‑line equipment, and we back every job with a 100 % satisfaction guarantee.
Comprehensive tree services
We offer a full spectrum of tree care for residential and commercial properties across Northwest Ohio. Our core services include:
Tree removal & crane‑assisted removal: Whether a tree is hazardous, diseased, or inconveniently located, our certified arborists provide safe and efficient removals. Crane‑assisted removal reduces risk, minimizes property damage, and increases efficiency. We handle hard‑to‑reach trees, large hardwoods, and jobs near power lines.
Tree trimming & pruning: Proper pruning stimulates healthy growth and keeps your yard attractive. Our services include crown thinning, deadwood removal, branch raising, structural, and vista pruning. Our ISA‑certified arborists understand the climate and soil conditions in Toledo and tailor pruning schedules accordingly.
24/7 emergency storm damage cleanup: When storms strike, we answer your call any time of day and dispatch a certified crew to remove fallen or wounded trees. We use specialized equipment, prioritize safety, provide complete cleanup, and even assist with insurance documentation.
Stump grinding: Unsightly stumps are ground below soil level to eliminate tripping hazards and prevent regrowth. Our compact machines minimize disruption to your landscaping, and we recycle the wood chips for mulch or disposal.
Lot clearing & brush removal: Preparing land for construction or reclaiming overgrown areas? We perform complete or partial clearing, brush removal, and stump grinding. Our heavy‑duty equipment and experienced team ensure efficient, environmentally responsible results.
Firewood delivery: Seasoned for at least eight months, our hardwood firewood is split, seasoned, and delivered directly to you. A one‑cord minimum applies, and we service Maumee, Perrysburg, Holland, Sylvania, Ottawa Hills, Waterville, and Whitehouse.
Excavation & grading: Beyond tree care, we offer excavation services, grading, and leveling to prepare your property for new projects. Our operators handle digging, hauling, and heavy‑duty tasks with precision.
Tailored tree care for every community
Toledo: In Ohio’s largest city, tight lot lines, mature trees, and exposure to severe weather require specialized care. We perform large tree removals, precision trimming near homes, and 24/7 storm cleanup across Toledo’s neighborhoods.
Perrysburg & Maumee: Mature landscapes in Perrysburg and Maumee need regular pruning, disease management, and careful removals to protect lawns, driveways, and structures. Our certified arborists deliver meticulous trimming and safe removals designed for these suburban settings.
Bowling Green: From residential yards to larger properties, Bowling Green residents rely on us for routine trimming, full removals, and storm‑damage repairs. We help maintain healthy trees while addressing aging growth and weather‑related hazards.
Sylvania, Whitehouse & Waterville: Suburban communities like Sylvania, Whitehouse, and Waterville demand precise tree work near homes, fences, and power lines. Our skilled operators use cranes and compact equipment to complete jobs efficiently without unnecessary disruption.
Why choose Steve’s Tree Service?
Local expertise: Born and raised in the Toledo area, owner Steve Pryba and his team know Northwest Ohio’s tree species and weather patterns.
Certified and experienced: We employ an ISA‑certified arborist and have more than 20 years of field experience.
Fully insured & safety‑focused: Our crews operate under strict safety protocols and are fully insured. We use cranes, bucket trucks, and advanced equipment for precise, low‑impact removals.
Modern equipment: Custom‑built cranes enable us to access hard‑to‑reach trees and minimize property damage.
Comprehensive services: From tree trimming and removal to stump grinding, lot clearing, firewood delivery, and excavation, we handle every aspect of tree care.
24/7 availability: We provide emergency storm damage cleanup around the clock, responding quickly when disaster strikes.
Sustainable practices: We use minimally invasive, eco‑friendly techniques to protect your property and the environment.
Free quotes & satisfaction guarantee: We offer free consultations and transparent estimates, and we back our work with a 100 % satisfaction guarantee.
Key Considerations When Hiring Tree Trimming, Removal & Crane Services in Northwest Ohio
Hiring a tree care company is not just about price. It’s about safety, expertise, compliance, and protecting your property. Before selecting a tree service provider in Northwest Ohio, consider the following technical and safety-driven factors:
1. ISA Certification & Professional Credentials
Tree work should be evaluated or supervised by an ISA-certified arborist. Certification ensures proper diagnosis of disease, structural defects, and pruning methods based on ANSI A300 standards. An experienced arborist understands Northwest Ohio’s species, soil conditions, and seasonal pruning windows.
2. Proof of Insurance & Workers’ Compensation
Tree removal is one of the most hazardous professions in the U.S. Always verify:
General liability insurance
Workers’ compensation coverage
Proper licensing where required by local municipalities
This protects homeowners from financial liability in the event of property damage or injury.
3. Compliance with ANSI Z133 Safety Standards
Professional tree companies should operate under ANSI Z133 arboricultural safety standards. This includes:
Establishing a secure work zone
Wearing full PPE (helmets, eye/ear protection, cut-resistant gear)
Proper rigging and fall-zone control
Equipment inspections before work begins
If a company cannot explain its safety protocol, that is a red flag.
4. Power Line & Utility Awareness
Northwest Ohio neighborhoods frequently have trees growing near overhead power lines. Reputable companies:
Maintain minimum 10-foot clearance from energized lines
Coordinate with utility providers when necessary
Call 811 before digging for stump grinding or excavation
Improper handling near utilities can lead to electrocution, outages, or major liability issues.
5. Proper Pruning Techniques (Not Topping)
Avoid companies that “top” trees. Proper pruning should include:
Removal of dead, diseased, and damaged limbs (the 3-D rule)
Cuts made at the branch collar
No more than 25–30% canopy removal in one season
Crown thinning and structural pruning based on species
Late-winter dormant pruning is typically ideal in Northern Ohio to reduce stress and pest vulnerability.
6. Structural & Storm Risk Assessment
Given Northwest Ohio’s exposure to severe wind and ice storms, a qualified tree service should assess:
Co-dominant stems
Included bark
Leaning trees
Root plate instability
Deadwood or decay
Preventative pruning can significantly reduce storm damage risk.
7. When Crane-Assisted Removal Is Necessary
Crane removal is not always required, but in tight lots, near homes, fences, or power lines, it dramatically improves safety and minimizes property damage. Ask:
Is the crane operator certified?
Are outriggers properly stabilized?
Are pieces lifted in controlled sections?
Is a designated drop zone established?
Crane-assisted removal reduces lawn damage, increases efficiency, and improves jobsite safety on large hardwood removals common in Toledo, Perrysburg, Sylvania, and Maumee.
8. Site Protection & Property Care
Professional crews should:
Lay plywood or mats to protect lawns
Clear vehicles and outdoor furniture
Establish clear escape routes and safety perimeters
Provide complete cleanup and debris removal
Tree work should improve your property, not damage it.
9. Emergency Availability
Storms do not wait for business hours. A reliable tree service should offer:
24/7 emergency response
Rapid dispatch of trained crews
Safe removal of fallen or compromised trees
Assistance with insurance documentation if needed
10. Transparent Estimates & Detailed Scope of Work
A written estimate should clearly outline:
Work to be performed
Equipment to be used
Safety procedures
Cleanup responsibilities
Total cost with no hidden fees
Professional companies provide clear communication before, during, and after the job.
Why This Matters in Northwest Ohio
From mature Toledo neighborhoods with tight lot lines to open properties in Bowling Green and Waterville, tree care requires localized expertise. Heavy clay soils, lake-effect winds, aging hardwoods, and seasonal storms demand experienced crews using modern equipment and certified safety protocols.
Choosing the right tree service protects your home, your landscape, and your liability.
Ready to work with Toledo’s arborist of choice?
Whether you need routine tree maintenance or emergency storm cleanup, Steve’s Tree Service is here to help. From Toledo to Bowling Green, Perrysburg, Maumee, Sylvania, Whitehouse, and Waterville, we provide safe, efficient, and reliable tree care tailored to Northwest Ohio.