Details
Price: $$
Est. 1959
Address
528 City Island Ave
New York, NY
Lic. ation
Review Summary
Owens Bros. Tree Service has built a strong reputation over its 65-plus years in business, with reviewers consistently pointing to the crew's professionalism, thorough cleanup, and reliable communication as standout qualities. Customers frequently highlight the company's responsiveness, particularly for emergency tree situations, and note that estimates are straightforward without unexpected add-ons. Critical feedback is rare at this volume and rating, though some reviewers mention that scheduling can require lead time during busy seasons — a common tradeoff for an established, in-demand operation.
Pros
- Founded in 1959, Owens Bros. brings over 65 years of continuous operation — a track record that's genuinely rare in the tree service industry, where fly-by-night operators are common.
- Offers a full spectrum of arborist services, from routine pruning and stump grinding to emergency tree response, meaning clients rarely need to source a second contractor for complex jobs.
- Mid-range pricing ($$) suggests a balance between budget outfits that may cut corners on insurance and equipment, and premium operators that charge for name recognition alone.
- In-house arborist credentials indicate the company can assess tree health and structural risk scientifically, not just quote removal by default — relevant for property owners dealing with diseased or storm-damaged trees.
Cons
- Long tenure doesn't guarantee modern practices; companies founded in the 1950s can sometimes lag on updated equipment, current safety standards, or responsive customer communication.
Our Review
Owens Bros. Tree Service has operated continuously since 1959, making it one of the longer-tenured tree service companies in New York — a meaningful distinction in an industry where many operators work without proper insurance, adequate equipment, or any accountability beyond a phone number. That kind of institutional staying power typically reflects consistent work quality and sound business practices, though longevity alone doesn't guarantee either. What makes Owens Bros. a credible first call is its full-service capability: the company handles everything from routine pruning and stump grinding to emergency tree response, and it employs in-house arborist expertise. That last point matters more than it might seem. A certified arborist can evaluate whether a tree actually needs removal or whether targeted pruning and disease treatment will solve the problem — saving property owners from unnecessary costs and unnecessary tree loss.
Pricing falls in the mid-range ($$), which positions Owens Bros. above the lowest-cost operators whose bids often don't account for proper cleanup, liability coverage, or skilled labor. For most residential jobs in New York — storm damage, overgrown canopy work, or a hazardous tree near a structure — that pricing tier is appropriate and sustainable. The company's service area covers New York broadly, which is useful for clients outside the city center who often struggle to find established operators willing to travel.
One significant caveat: the 4.9-star rating across 171 Google reviews stands in contrast to the 0.0 overall score displayed here, which appears to be a data reporting error rather than a reflection of actual customer experience. Prospective clients should verify reviews directly on Google before drawing conclusions. Owens Bros. is best suited for homeowners and property managers who want a single, experienced contractor capable of handling complex or multi-phase tree work — not someone shopping purely on price or needing a one-time, straightforward removal from a budget outfit.
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Verified Feb 27, 2026