Tree Removal Services in La Crosse, Onalaska, and Surrounding Areas
When a Tree Becomes a Problem, Waiting Can Cost You
Trees add beauty and value to your property—until they don’t. A dead, diseased, or dangerously positioned tree isn’t just an eyesore. It’s a real risk to your home, family, and finances.
Whether the tree is leaning toward your house, showing signs of decay, or shedding limbs every time the wind picks up, you know it’s time to do something. But tree removal isn’t a DIY project—and hiring the wrong crew can lead to more damage than the tree itself ever caused.
The Real Risks of Delaying Tree Removal
Homeowners and property managers often wait too long to deal with problem trees. The signs are easy to ignore—until something breaks.
Here’s what can happen if you delay:
- Storm Damage – One strong gust and that leaning trunk can come crashing down.
- Injury Liability – If someone gets hurt on your property because of a failing tree, you could be on the hook.
- Property Damage – Falling limbs can wreck roofs, cars, fences, and power lines.
- Pest Infestation – Dead trees attract insects and fungi that can spread to healthy trees or structures.
- Increased Removal Costs – The longer you wait, the more complex—and expensive—the job becomes.
It’s not just about getting rid of a tree. It’s about protecting everything around it.
Our Safe, Efficient Tree Removal Process
At Johnson Ops Tree Care, we treat every removal like a technical operation—not just a job. Our team is trained, certified, and equipped to handle removals of all sizes, from simple backyard trees to challenging urban takedowns.
Inspection and Risk Assessment
We start with a site visit to determine the tree’s condition, surroundings, and best removal method. We’ll check for disease, internal decay, root instability, and proximity to structures.
Controlled Takedown
Depending on the location and hazards, we use one of several removal methods:
- Felling (for open areas)
- Sectional Removal using ropes and rigging
- Crane-Assisted Removal for large or hazardous trees
We always choose the safest, cleanest, and least disruptive approach.
Cleanup and Debris Removal
We won’t leave a mess behind. We’ll remove limbs, trunk sections, and debris. Stump removal is also available if you want the site fully cleared.
Technical Tree Removals in Tight Urban Areas
Urban tree removal is a different animal. In rural or open spaces, you’ve got options. But when you’re dealing with trees boxed in by homes, garages, fences, power lines, or narrow streets, everything gets more complicated—and dangerous.
Whether it’s an old maple growing too close to your house or a declining oak between two downtown buildings, you can’t afford a slip-up. Tree removal in tight spaces requires advanced planning, specialized gear, and an experienced team that knows how to navigate risk.
The Problem: Limited Access and High Stakes
Urban properties come with tight constraints. You’ve got:
- No room to fell a tree safely
- Overhead lines and underground utilities to avoid
- Limited vehicle access for cranes or chipper trucks
- Nearby homes, sidewalks, or traffic zones that increase liability
- Unforgiving terrain—like steep slopes or retaining walls
Add to that the fact that many of these trees are mature, overgrown, or in decline. The risk of falling limbs, trunk collapse, or structural failure goes way up.
Trying to cut corners—literally or financially—on these removals is where people get hurt or property gets damaged.
The Solution: Precision Removals by Skilled Arborists
At Johnson Ops Tree Care, we specialize in what other companies avoid. Our technical removal services are designed for high-risk, limited-access environments. We combine years of field experience with modern rigging systems and advanced equipment to make safe work out of dangerous situations.
What Types of Trees Do We Remove?
- Dead or dying trees
- Trees damaged by storms, lightning, or construction
- Trees infested with pests or disease
- Trees with poor structure or unsafe lean
- Trees growing too close to homes, sidewalks, or power lines
- Invasive species impacting native ecosystems
Whether you’ve got one problematic maple or a yard full of ash trees affected by Emerald Ash Borer, we’ve seen it—and we’ve handled it.
Where We Do Technical Removals
We’re proud to serve La Crosse, Onalaska, West Salem, Holmen, and other parts of the Coulee Region where urban density makes tree removal a challenge. We’ve handled jobs in:
- Downtown alleys and narrow driveways
- Apartment and condo complexes
- Schools, churches, and city parks
- Commercial properties and municipal streetscapes
Whether you’re a homeowner or facility manager, we bring the same level of detail and care to every job.
Why Choose Johnson Ops Tree Care?
- ISA Certified Arborists on staff
- Full insurance coverage to protect your property and our team
- Modern equipment including cranes, bucket trucks, and rigging gear
- Experience in both residential and municipal tree removal
- Based in La Crosse, serving Onalaska, West Salem, and beyond
We’ll never pressure you into unnecessary work. If a tree can be saved, we’ll tell you. If it needs to go, we’ll make sure it’s done right.
Need a Tree Removed? Get a Free Estimate
Don’t wait for the next windstorm to make the decision for you. If a tree looks questionable—or you just want an expert opinion—we’re here to help.
We’ll assess the situation and walk you through your options with no obligation.
FAQs About Tree Removal
How do I know if a tree needs to be removed?
Watch for signs like large dead limbs, decay near the base, fungal growth, severe lean, or root damage. If you’re unsure, get an arborist to take a look.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in La Crosse?
Sometimes. City regulations vary depending on the tree’s location and size. We’ll help you figure out what’s needed and handle it if required.
How much does tree removal cost?
Prices vary depending on size, location, complexity, and cleanup. Most jobs fall in the $300–$2,000 range. Crane or technical removals can be more.
What happens to the wood and branches?
We offer full cleanup and disposal. If you want the wood for firewood or mulch, let us know during your estimate.
Watch for signs like large dead limbs, decay near the base, fungal growth, severe lean, or root damage. If you’re unsure, get an arborist to take a look.

