Seattle's mature Douglas firs, cedars, and maples can be difficult to maintain, especially when branches extend over roofs or older trees show signs of decline.
A good arborist helps homeowners understand what needs attention, what can wait, and when leaving a tree alone is better.
Here are six Seattle-area companies offering routine maintenance and specialized tree preservation.
At a Glance
1. MTS Tree and Service
Best for: Tree care and landscaping projects
MTS Tree and Service is a family-owned company serving Sammamish, Seattle, Bellevue, and surrounding Eastside communities since 2005.
Its services include arborist consultations, pruning, tree removal, stump grinding, landscaping, and hardscaping.
The company identifies Alexander Lasko as an ISA Certified Arborist (PN-7704A) with Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ). Its assessments consider canopy health, trunk condition, root stability, soil conditions, and signs of pests or disease.
That assessment is useful when a homeowner notices a declining tree but isn't sure whether it needs treatment, pruning, or removal.
MTS can coordinate tree work with landscaping. For example, a homeowner might need an arborist assessment, selective pruning, stump removal, and landscape restoration as part of one project.
The company publishes Washington contractor license SOUNDPL826DZ and UBI 603554491 for homeowners who want to verify its credentials.
Key strengths: Arborist consultations, tree risk assessments, pruning, removal, landscaping, and hardscaping.
Potential considerations: Request separate pricing for tree care and landscaping when planning a combined project.
2. Seattle Tree Care
Best for: Certified arborist-led maintenance
Seattle Tree Care is a family-owned company operating since 2006. It identifies ISA-certified arborists on its team, including Peter Gruenwoldt and Mike Black, and reports TCIA accreditation.
The company provides inspections, pruning, removal, and ongoing maintenance for mature trees.
Key strengths: Certified arborists, TCIA accreditation, pruning, and inspections.
Potential considerations: Confirm whether follow-up assessments are included.
3. Blooma Tree Experts
Best for: Tree health and treatment programs
Blooma Tree Experts reports serving more than 6,000 homeowners. Its Tree Care Program combines soil nourishment, pest management, pruning, and arborist evaluations.
The company identifies ISA-certified arborists with TRAQ credentials, including Allen Tate and Kyle Anderson.
Key strengths: Tree health assessments, soil treatments, pest management, and arborist expertise.
Potential considerations: Ask whether a one-time treatment or ongoing program is appropriate.
4. Tree133 Professional Arborists
Best for: Advanced tree preservation
Tree133 serves Northeast Seattle, Shoreline, and Lake Forest Park. Its arborists report approximately 70 years of combined experience.
Owner Craig Bachmann is an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist. Services include pruning, root care, preservation, and risk assessments.
Key strengths: Advanced arborist qualifications, preservation, root care, and risk assessments.
Potential considerations: Check availability outside its primary service area.
5. Conservation Tree Care
Best for: Preservation-focused consultations
Conservation Tree Care serves South, Central, and West Seattle, providing tree health diagnosis, structural support, cabling, and pruning.
Its preservation-focused approach is worth considering when homeowners want to maintain mature trees rather than remove them.
Key strengths: Tree preservation, consultations, structural support, and plant health care.
Potential considerations: Confirm whether written assessments carry separate fees.
6. Bartlett Tree Experts
Best for: Long-term tree and shrub management
Bartlett's Puget Sound office in Lynnwood serves Seattle and surrounding communities.
Its arborists provide soil care, pest and disease management, and ongoing maintenance supported by the company's research resources.
Key strengths: Tree diagnostics, soil management, pest treatment, and recurring care.
Potential considerations: Compare recommended treatment schedules with your property's needs.
Which Seattle Arborist Service Should You Choose?
MTS suits projects combining tree care with landscaping. Blooma focuses on plant health, while Tree133 and Conservation Tree Care emphasize preservation.
Bartlett supports ongoing maintenance, and Seattle Tree Care offers certified arborist-led services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an ISA Certified Arborist do?
An ISA Certified Arborist evaluates tree health, recommends maintenance, and helps identify structural concerns.
What is TRAQ, and when is it required in Seattle?
TRAQ is an ISA qualification in tree risk assessment. Seattle requires providers preparing certain hazardous-tree removal risk assessments to hold current TRAQ qualifications.
Can an arborist save a declining tree?
Sometimes. Pruning, soil care, pest treatment, or structural support may help, depending on the diagnosis.
A Practical Wrap-Up
Good tree care starts with understanding what a tree actually needs. Compare qualifications, recommended work, service coverage, and written estimates before choosing a company. An experienced arborist should explain their recommendations clearly, help you prioritize necessary work, and consider the long-term health of your trees and surrounding property.
