Expert Tree Service has provided tree removal service in Poughkeepsie and across Dutchess County since 1936. Four generations of the Hughes family have worked on properties throughout the city, from the residential streets around Vassar College to the older neighborhoods along South Avenue. We’re licensed, fully insured, and available 24/7 for storm emergencies.
Call us today at 845-331-6782 to schedule a consultation!
Poughkeepsie, NY’s Most Common Trees
According to Poughkeepsie’s Tree Inventory and Community Forest Management Plan, the most common trees in the city are:
- Norway Maple – 1,725
- Crabapple Species – 563
- Japanese Flowering Cherry – 440
- Green Ash – 326
- Ornamental Pear – 291
- Honey Locust – 287
- Pin Oak – 258
- Littleleaf Linden – 230
- Red Maple – 160
- Sugar Maple – 146
- Eastern Hemlock – 116
- Red Oak – 115
Our Tree Services in Poughkeepsie
We handle every type of tree work in Poughkeepsie, from routine trimming to complex removals near homes and power lines. Our crew brings the right equipment for the job — including crane-assisted removal for large trees in tight spaces.
- Tree Removal: Safe takedown of dead, dying, storm-damaged, or unwanted trees of any size. We section and lower limbs with rigging to protect structures, landscaping, and underground utilities.
- Tree Trimming & Pruning: Crown reduction, deadwood removal, and clearance trimming are critical for tree care to keep them healthy and away from your roof, gutters, and power lines.
- Crane-Assisted Removal: For large trees in tight backyards or near structures where traditional climbing isn’t safe. Our crane work eliminates the need to drop sections over homes.
- Emergency Storm Cleanup: 24/7 response for trees on homes, blocking driveways, or tangled in power lines. We’ve been the crew Poughkeepsie calls after every major storm for decades.
- Feeding & Cabling: Deep-root fertilization and structural cabling to extend the life of mature trees that aren’t ready to come down yet.
- Lot Clearing: Complete clearing for new construction, driveways, or property improvements. We remove trees, brush, and debris so your site is ready to build.
Why Poughkeepsie Homeowners Call Us
David Hughes Sr. founded Expert Tree Service in 1936, and the business has stayed in the family through four generations. That kind of continuity means something; you’re not getting a crew that showed up last season with a rented chipper. Our founder’s rule still holds: give the best price first, not last.
We carry full liability insurance and workers’ compensation in the State of New York. Every job gets a written estimate before we start, and we don’t ask for payment until the work is done and you’re satisfied. That’s how we’ve stayed in business for 90 years.
Poughkeepsie, NY’s Tree Removal Laws
Poughkeepsie’s tree canopy is heavily stocked with Norway maples, with over 1,700 according to the city’s Tree Inventory and Community Forest Management Plan. Norways are tough trees but they’re reaching the end of their lifespan in many neighborhoods, developing structural failures and heaving sidewalks. We remove aging Norway maples regularly across the city, along with declining green ash hit by the emerald ash borer.
The City of Poughkeepsie’s tree removal law reads as follows:
“It shall be the duty of any person or person owning or occupying real property abutting on any street upon which property there are trees to trim or remove such trees so that they will not obscure or interfere with the view of motorists entering any intersection of the city, obstruct the passage of pedestrians on sidewalks or obstruct the streetlights or traffic signs.”
According to the city’s Tree Inventory and Community Forest Management Plan, the most common tree species in Poughkeepsie include Norway maple, crabapple, Japanese flowering cherry, green ash, ornamental pear, honey locust, pin oak, littleleaf linden, red maple, sugar maple, eastern hemlock, and red oak.
While Poughkeepsie does not require a permit for most private tree removals, city law requires property owners to trim or remove trees on their land if they interfere with streetlights, traffic signs, sidewalks, or the visibility of motorists at intersections.
Property owners are responsible for trimming or removing trees on their land that abut public streets—especially when they impact public safety or visibility. It’s important to keep trees properly maintained to avoid fines or violations.
Yes, we offer 24/7 emergency tree removal and storm damage cleanup in Poughkeepsie. Whether it’s a fallen branch or a dangerous tree threatening your home, we respond quickly and safely.
Absolutely. We have experience caring for older or declining tree species like Norway maples, pin oaks, and ash trees. We offer assessments, feeding, pruning, cabling, and—if necessary—safe removal.
Call us at 845-331-6782 or fill out the contact form on our website. One of our licensed experts will evaluate your needs and provide a customized estimate.
Serving Poughkeepsie and Surrounding Areas
Expert Tree Service provides tree removal, trimming, and 24/7 emergency service throughout Dutchess County and the surrounding Hudson Valley. In addition to Poughkeepsie, we serve homeowners and businesses in:
New Paltz
Pawling
Red Hook
Rhinebeck
Serving Poughkeepsie and Surrounding Areas
Call 845-331-6782 or fill out the form below. We’ll come out, look at the tree, and give you an honest price. No pressure, no upsells… just a straight answer from a family business that’s been doing this since 1936.