Tree Service in Johnstown, CO

When a Front Range windstorm tears across the plains or a heavy wet spring snow loads down the cottonwoods along the Big Thompson, the trees on your property either hold up or they don’t. Roots Up Tree Company handles tree removal, tree trimming and pruning, 24/7 emergency tree service, stump grinding, tree cabling, shrub removal and trimming, land clearing, commercial tree service, and storm preparation and cleanup for property owners throughout Johnstown and the surrounding Weld and Larimer County area. We work the same town year after year, from the historic homes along Parish Avenue to the newer subdivisions out toward Thompson River Ranch and the commercial properties on the I-25 corridor.

Call us today at (720) 783-7434 for a free estimate

About Tree Care in Johnstown, CO

Johnstown was platted in 1902 by a farmer named Harvey J. Parish, who noticed the Great Western Railway was coming through and bought up land for $11 an acre. He named the town after his son John, got it incorporated in 1907, and watched it become a supply center for the sugar beet farms that built northern Colorado’s agricultural economy. Parish Avenue, the main street through the historic downtown, is named after him. That same agricultural heritage still shows up in the older parts of town, in the original architecture along Parish Avenue, and in the windbreak rows and farmstead trees scattered around the rural edges.

Today Johnstown is one of the fastest-growing towns in northern Colorado. The 2020 census counted 17,303 residents and current estimates put it well over 20,000. New subdivisions keep going up on the outskirts. The town sits in the strategic middle between Fort Collins, Loveland, and Greeley, with I-25 running right by, which has made it a popular landing spot for people moving up from Denver and the rest of the Front Range.

For tree work, that growth means a property mix that splits a few ways. The historic core around Parish Avenue has older homes with mature shade trees from the early 1900s, some of which are now past their structural prime. The 1990s and 2000s subdivisions have a mix of plantings from that period that are now hitting maturity. The newer developments going up right now have younger trees that need the right care to establish well. And the rural edges, agricultural acreage, and properties along the Big Thompson River have their own profile of older specimen trees, windbreaks, and riparian cottonwoods and willows.

The tree population reflects the plains-to-foothills transition at 4,852 feet. Plains cottonwood and narrowleaf cottonwood along the river. Honeylocust, silver maple, boxelder, and the green ash trees that EAB has been working through. Colorado blue spruce, Austrian pine, ponderosa pine, and Rocky Mountain juniper as landscape conifers. Various oaks and maples planted in the newer subdivisions.

Weather is the bigger factor. Johnstown sits on the plains, which means hot dry summers, intense UV, dramatic temperature swings, late spring frosts, heavy wet May snowstorms, the hailstorms that strip half the canopy in fifteen minutes, and the high winds that sweep across the plains with nothing to break them up. Drought stress is real here. Trees that aren’t drought-adapted struggle, and stressed trees are the ones that fail first in storms.

Tree Removal in Johnstown, CO

The removals we do around Johnstown sort into a few main categories. Dead ash from emerald ash borer is the biggest right now. EAB has been moving through northern Colorado for years, and most untreated ash in Weld and Larimer counties is either dead or visibly declining. Storm-damaged trees, mature trees with structural problems, and cottonwoods along the river that have lost their grip on the bank fill out the rest.

On open suburban lots and rural acreage with room to work, we fell trees conventionally and clean up. On tighter lots near houses, fences, or power lines, we go sectional. The climber takes the tree down in pieces with proper rigging. For the largest trees, anything genuinely hazardous, or removals where there’s no good landing zone, we bring in crane assistance.

Tree removal covers everything from small ornamentals to large cottonwoods, with full debris cleanup included.

Tree Trimming and Pruning in Johnstown, CO

Most of the tree trimming and pruning we do in Johnstown is about a few things. Keeping limbs off the roof. Reducing wind-loading on tall canopies so a high-wind event doesn’t catch the canopy like a sail. Pulling out deadwood before it falls on its own. Addressing structural problems before they fail.

For newer subdivision trees specifically, early structural pruning is some of the highest-value tree work you can do. Catching co-dominant leaders, weak unions, and bad branch architecture when the tree is young sets it up to grow into a strong, structurally sound mature tree instead of a future hazard. It’s also way cheaper than fixing the same problems thirty years later.

We follow standard arboricultural practice on every job. Proper cuts at the branch collar. Conservative removal levels. No topping, ever. If you’ve seen a tree that was “topped” by a previous service, you know what bad pruning looks like, and you know why we don’t do it.

Timing matters by species. Cottonwoods and willows should be pruned during dormancy. Most major structural work on hardwoods is best in late winter. Conifers have a narrower window. We help sort out what works for your specific trees.

Emergency Tree Service in Johnstown, CO

Front Range storms hit at the worst times. Always.

A May snowstorm dumps wet snow on leafed-out trees and snaps branches. A summer thunderstorm produces hail and straight-line winds. A high-wind event in winter finds every weak attachment point on every tree in town. When something fails, our 24/7 emergency tree service responds the same day for active hazards. Trees on structures. Trees blocking roads. Trees down on power lines.

Order of operations on site is safety first. Figure out what’s holding what, stabilize anything that could shift, then start the removal. We coordinate with Poudre Valley REA, Xcel Energy, or your local utility on anything near power lines. We document everything for insurance and help with claim coordination so you’re not stuck running paperwork while you’re also dealing with the rest of the storm damage.

Tree Cabling and Structural Support in Johnstown, CO

Not every tree with structural problems needs to come down. For trees with co-dominant leaders, weak unions, included bark, or split limbs that haven’t fully failed yet, tree cabling can extend the safe life of a valuable specimen by years or decades.

For Johnstown’s older shade trees along Parish Avenue and the historic streets, cabling is often the right answer over removal. We evaluate the tree honestly and tell you whether cabling makes sense for that specific tree or whether the structural issues are too far gone.

Hail and Storm Damage Recovery in Johnstown, CO

The plains see some of Colorado’s worst hail, and Johnstown gets its share. After a major hailstorm, trees can look stripped, broken, and worse than they actually are. The right response is usually patience, supportive care, and corrective pruning rather than panic removals.

Hail-damaged branches with extensive bark wounds may need to come out to prevent disease entry points. Cracked or split branches should be removed cleanly. The tree itself usually has more recovery capacity than it looks. We do a lot of post-hail evaluation work and can tell you what actually needs to be done versus what can be left to heal on its own.

Stump Grinding in Johnstown, CO

After a tree comes down, the stump is what’s left. Left alone it sprouts, attracts pests, makes mowing a hassle, and eventually settles into a sinkhole. Stump grinding takes care of it. We grind below ground level with commercial equipment, deep enough to plant grass over, run a flower bed across, or have a level spot again.

Storm Preparation and Cleanup in Johnstown, CO

Storm prep is the work that prevents the emergency calls. Storm preparation and cleanup covers preventive pruning to reduce wind-loading and limb failure, removal of dead and declining trees before the next event, and full property cleanup after a storm has already done its damage. We document everything for insurance and coordinate directly with adjusters on covered claims.

Land Clearing in Johnstown, CO

For larger property work, whether you’re prepping a new building site, expanding a yard, or pushing back vegetation around a structure, land clearing handles projects of all sizes. Tree removal, brush clearing, debris hauling. Site left ready for whatever’s next.

Commercial Tree Service in Johnstown, CO

For the businesses along Parish Avenue, the commercial development on the I-25 corridor, HOA-managed neighborhoods, schools, churches, and the agricultural commercial properties around town, commercial tree service covers scheduled maintenance, hazard inspection, seasonal trimming, lot clearing, and storm preparedness. We work around operating hours and minimize disruption to staff and customers.

Recent Projects in Johnstown, CO

  • Historic home along Parish Avenue: Structural pruning on two mature shade trees that have been on the property since the early 1900s. Selective deadwood, weight reduction, careful access to protect the older landscape and the home itself.
  • Subdivision off the southwest side: Removed nine dead ash trees taken out by EAB across a residential block. Stumps ground, replanting recommendations using honeylocust, bur oak, and Kentucky coffeetree to diversify the canopy.
  • Property along the Big Thompson River: Crane-assisted removal of a large declining cottonwood that lost its grip on the bank during spring runoff. Sectional takedown, full cleanup including the riparian zone.
  • Newer subdivision: Early structural pruning on a dozen young trees throughout a 2010s residential development. Corrective work to set the canopy up for the next forty or fifty years.
  • After a summer hailstorm: Post-storm evaluation across a residential property where major hail had stripped foliage and broken branches. Selective corrective pruning and a plan for the tree’s recovery over the following growing season.

Tree Facts About Johnstown, CO

  • Front Range weather: High winds, dramatic temperature swings, intense UV at 4,852 feet, late spring frosts, heavy wet May snowstorms, and the hailstorms that strip canopies all hit Johnstown regularly.
  • Emerald ash borer: EAB has reached northern Colorado, and most untreated ash in Weld and Larimer counties is already dead or in decline.
  • Hailstorms: The plains see some of Colorado’s worst hail, and Johnstown gets its share. Trees often recover better than they look after a major storm, but some level of corrective pruning is usually warranted.
  • Drought stress: Johnstown sits in a semi-arid plains climate. Trees that aren’t drought-adapted struggle, and stressed trees are more vulnerable to pests, disease, and storm damage.
  • Big Thompson riparian zone: Cottonwoods and willows along the river deal with seasonal high water, bank erosion, and ice damage during spring runoff.
  • Newer growth tree care: Most of Johnstown’s residential growth happened in the 2000s and beyond. Many subdivision trees are at the age where early structural pruning makes a major long-term difference.
  • Historic canopy in the older core: The shade trees in the historic district near Parish Avenue date back to the early 1900s and need careful preservation work, not aggressive pruning.

Why Johnstown Property Owners Choose Roots Up

  • ISA accredited arborists doing the assessment and the work
  • Family-owned, locally operated, based at 343 Indian Peaks Trail W in Lafayette
  • 45+ years of combined experience on the Front Range
  • Licensed, bonded, and fully insured. Certificate provided when asked, not just claimed
  • 24/7 emergency response across northern Colorado
  • Crane-assisted removal for the largest trees and tight access work
  • Historic property experience with appropriate care for older homes and mature shade trees
  • Hail and storm damage expertise with documentation for insurance claims
  • Newer-subdivision tree experience including early structural pruning for long-term canopy health
  • Clear pricing. What we quote is what you pay, no add-ons at the end
  • Senior and military discounts
  • 10% off any service over $500 for new customers
  • $100 off same-day hire
  • Financing available for larger projects

Helpful Resources in Johnstown, CO

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Johnstown? For trees on private property, generally no. The Town of Johnstown may require permits for trees in the right-of-way, on public property, or in protected zones. We check before any work starts.

How much does tree removal cost in Johnstown? Depends on size, species, access, and proximity to structures. Tight lots in the historic core with mature trees often need crane work, which costs more than a conventional removal on an open subdivision lot. Free written estimates with clear pricing.

Should I get my newer subdivision trees pruned even if they look fine? Yes. Early structural pruning on young trees is some of the highest-value tree work you can do. It catches structural problems while they’re easy and cheap to fix, sets the tree up for healthy long-term growth, and prevents the hazards that develop in maturely poorly-pruned trees.

What about my ash trees? Most untreated ash in northern Colorado is already dead or dying from EAB. Healthy ash worth saving can be treated with systemic injections. Trees in decline should usually come down before they get too brittle to climb safely.

What do I do after a major hailstorm? Wait a few days, then get the trees evaluated. Most trees recover better than they look. We can tell you what actually needs corrective pruning versus what should be left alone to heal on its own.

Are you licensed and insured? Yes. Full liability and workers’ comp. We’ll send you the certificate when you ask, not just tell you we have it.

How fast can you respond to an emergency? Same day whenever possible for active hazards. Call (720) 783-7434 any time, day or night.

Other Communities We Serve

Loveland, Berthoud, Milliken, Mead, Longmont, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Lyons, Hygiene, Niwot, Lafayette, Louisville, Erie, Boulder, Firestone, Dacono, Westminster, and the surrounding northern Colorado communities.

Schedule Tree Service in Johnstown, CO

One tree or twenty, historic Parish Avenue or newer subdivision, planned work or storm cleanup, Roots Up has the equipment and the people to handle it. Free estimates. Clear pricing. Full cleanup on every job.

Address: 343 Indian Peaks Trail W, Lafayette, CO 80026 Phone: (720) 783-7434 Free estimate: https://rootsuptreecompany.com/request-an-estimate/