Built on Hard Work,
Raised on Passion

Knowing when a tree needs to come down can be tricky, but there are clear warning signs to watch for. A tree should be evaluated for removal if you notice any of the following:

• More than 50% of the tree is dead or dying — a tree this damaged cannot recover and poses a serious fall risk
• Large cracks, splits, or cavities in the trunk — these indicate structural weakness that can cause sudden failure
• Significant lean toward a structure — especially if the lean has increased recently or after a storm
• Fungal growth at the base — mushrooms or conks at the base are a sign of internal root rot, which undermines the entire tree's stability
• Hollow trunk — a tree with a hollow core may still look alive but has lost its structural integrity
• Damaged or exposed roots — roots lifting from the ground or severed by construction can destabilize even a healthy-looking tree
• Dead branches dropping frequently — also called "sudden branch drop syndrome," this is a hazard especially over areas with foot traffic
• Storm damage — major limb loss or a split trunk after a storm often means the tree is beyond saving

When in doubt, don't wait. A hazardous tree can fall without warning and cause serious damage or injury. We offer free on-site assessments — call us at (360) 438-0320 and we'll give you an honest evaluation with no pressure to remove if it isn't necessary.

Tree removal pricing depends on several factors, and every job is different. Here's what affects the cost:

• Tree size — small trees (under 30 ft) cost less than large or very tall trees (60 ft+)
• Location & accessibility — trees close to your home, power lines, fences, or in tight spaces require more care and equipment, which increases cost
• Number of trees — removing multiple trees in one visit is more cost-effective per tree
• Condition of the tree — dead or decayed trees can be more unpredictable to remove safely, adding complexity
• Stump removal — stump grinding is typically quoted separately; ask about our bundle deals
• Debris hauling — we include cleanup and haul-away in our quotes so there are no surprises

We provide free, no-obligation written estimates for every single job. We come to your property, walk the site with you, and give you a clear breakdown before any work starts. No hidden fees, no bait-and-switch pricing. Call (360) 438-0320 or use our contact form to schedule your free estimate.

Yes — 100%. This is one of the most important questions you can ask any tree service company, and we're proud to answer it clearly.

Olympic Tree Service LLC is fully licensed in Washington State as a contractor (License #OLYMPTS740DD), bonded, and insured. We carry:

• General Liability Insurance — protects your property against any accidental damage during the job
• Workers' Compensation Insurance — covers our crew members in the unlikely event of an on-site injury, so you have zero liability

Why does this matter? Hiring an unlicensed or uninsured tree company puts you at serious risk. If a worker is injured on your property without proper coverage, you could be held responsible. If a tree damages your home and the company has no insurance, you're left paying for it yourself.

We are happy to provide proof of insurance and licensing before any job begins — just ask. Never hire a tree company that can't provide this documentation.

Yes — we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emergency tree situations. We understand that trees don't fall on a schedule, and when a storm hits or a tree comes down unexpectedly, you need help fast.

Our emergency services include:

• Storm damage response — fallen or partially fallen trees on your home, car, fence, or blocking access
• Hazardous limb removal — large hanging limbs that are about to fall and pose an immediate danger
• Road and driveway clearing — trees blocking driveways, roads, or entryways
• Roof and structure damage — trees resting on or through your home requiring immediate safe removal

When you call us for an emergency, we prioritize getting to you quickly, assessing the situation safely, and resolving it as fast as possible. Call (360) 438-0320 any time — day or night. We serve all of Thurston, Mason, and Lewis Counties.

These terms are often used interchangeably, but they refer to slightly different types of work:

Tree Trimming is primarily done for aesthetics and to maintain the shape and appearance of a tree or shrub. It involves removing overgrown branches that are making the tree look unruly, touching structures, or blocking light and views. Trimming is typically done on a regular maintenance schedule.

Tree Pruning is done for the health of the tree. It involves selectively removing dead, diseased, damaged, or structurally weak branches to improve the tree's overall health, encourage better growth, improve air circulation through the canopy, and reduce the risk of branch failure. Pruning requires knowledge of tree biology to avoid causing more harm than good.

At Olympic Tree Service, we do both — and we apply the right technique based on what your specific trees need. Our crews understand the difference and will always prioritize the long-term health of your trees alongside their appearance.

Full cleanup and debris removal is included in every job we do. Here's exactly what happens after we complete the work:

• All branches and limbs are chipped on-site using our wood chipper and the chips are hauled away
• Large logs and trunk sections are cut into manageable pieces and loaded onto our truck for removal
• The work area is raked and blown clean — we leave your yard looking better than we found it

If you'd like to keep the firewood, just let us know before we start and we'll cut the logs to length and stack them for you. Many of our clients love having the firewood for their fireplace or fire pit.

If you'd like to keep the wood chips for garden mulch, we're happy to leave those as well — just ask. Wood chip mulch is fantastic for garden beds and helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.

The time it takes to remove a tree depends on several factors. Here's a general breakdown:

• Small trees (under 30 ft) — typically 1 to 3 hours including cleanup
• Medium trees (30–60 ft) — usually 3 to 6 hours depending on location and complexity
• Large or very tall trees (60 ft+) — can take a full day or more, especially if near structures requiring careful sectional removal
• Multiple trees — we'll give you a time estimate per tree and total project time when we quote

Factors that can extend the timeline include: proximity to your home or power lines, difficult access, heavily decayed wood that requires extra caution, and the need for specialized equipment like a crane or bucket truck.

We always provide a realistic time estimate when we give you your quote so you can plan your day accordingly. Our crew works efficiently without cutting corners on safety.

Timing matters when it comes to tree care, and the best time depends on the type of tree and what you're trying to accomplish:

• Late fall through winter (dormant season) — this is the ideal time for most pruning. Trees are dormant, so there's less stress on the tree, wounds heal faster in spring, and with leaves gone it's easier to see the tree's structure clearly. There's also less risk of spreading disease or attracting insects through fresh cuts.
• Early spring (before budding) — good for shaping and light trimming before the growing season kicks in
• Summer — best avoided for heavy pruning, but acceptable for removing dead wood or correcting hazardous growth. Avoid pruning oaks in summer due to oak wilt risk.
• Any time of year — dead, damaged, or hazardous branches should be removed immediately regardless of season. Safety always takes priority.

Here in the Pacific Northwest, our mild winters make dormant-season pruning very manageable. We offer year-round trimming and pruning services and can advise you on the best timing for the specific trees on your property. Call us for a free consultation.

This is a great question and the answer depends on your specific location and the tree involved. Here's what you generally need to know for the Olympia and Thurston County area:

• City of Olympia — certain significant or "landmark" trees may require a permit before removal. Trees on public right-of-way always require permits. For trees on private property, it depends on size and location.
• Lacey and Tumwater — have their own tree ordinances. Always check with your local planning department if you're unsure.
• Unincorporated Thurston County — generally fewer restrictions on private property, but regulations still apply in some zones.
• HOA rules — if you live in a neighborhood with a homeowners association, they may have their own tree removal rules separate from city or county requirements.

As your local tree service, we are familiar with the permit requirements in the communities we serve and can help guide you through the process. In many cases, we handle the permit paperwork on your behalf. When we come out for your free estimate, we'll let you know if a permit is needed for your specific situation.

We make paying as easy as possible and accept a wide variety of payment methods:

• Flexible Financing — flexible financing options are available for larger jobs. Ask us about payment plans when you get your free estimate.
• Stripe — Secure Online Payment — we send you a payment link so you can pay instantly online from any device
• All major credit & debit cards — Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover
• Digital payments — Venmo, Zelle, PayPal & Apple Pay
• Cash & Personal Check — always accepted

Payment is typically due upon completion of the job once you've walked the site with us and are fully satisfied with the work. We never ask for full payment upfront. If you have questions about payment for a larger project, just ask us when we provide your estimate and we'll work something out that's comfortable for you.