Tree Care & Landscaping Success Stories
in San Jose, CA
Real experiences from homeowners across San Jose, Los Gatos, Saratoga, and Campbell who trusted San Jose Tree Service & Landscaping with their trees, yards, and properties.
Arborist-Led Tree Care and Landscaping — Serving San Jose and the South Bay
San Jose Tree Service & Landscaping is a licensed, BBB-accredited tree care and landscaping contractor serving homeowners throughout San Jose, Los Gatos, Saratoga, Campbell, Cupertino, and Santa Clara. Led by owner Robert Apolinar — a Board-Certified Master Arborist — the company holds active CSLB licenses in both Tree Service (C-61/D-49) and Landscaping (C-27). Every assessment starts with the tree: its species, structure, health, and long-term risk. Work is only recommended when it is genuinely needed.
The success stories below come from real Google reviews submitted by San Jose-area homeowners, property managers, and real estate professionals. They represent the full range of services the team provides: tree trimming and structural pruning, tree removal and stump grinding, emergency tree services, certified arborist consultations, arborist reports for permits, tree health treatment, landscape design, landscape installation, irrigation systems, and outdoor living spaces. If you recognize your situation in one of these stories, the next step is a simple assessment conversation.
Tree Pruning & Trimming
View Tree Pruning & Trimming →ProblemA San Jose homeowner needed reliable, ongoing annual tree trimming and poison oak removal from a company she could trust year after year without being oversold.
ApproachSan Jose Tree Service provided annual tree trimming and poison oak removal, working carefully around surrounding landscaping and only recommending what was genuinely needed each visit.
ResultSix consecutive years of trusted annual service — no unnecessary upsells and no damage to surrounding plants.
"They're super knowledgeable and never push work that doesn't need to be done. And they're very careful not to damage any of the landscaping in the areas they work. It's a pleasure to work with these guys!"
ProblemA homeowner needed a major thinning of three nearly century-old fir trees — requiring real skill to reduce crown weight without destroying the trees' natural form.
ApproachThe crew performed thorough structural thinning across all three trees, preserving their natural silhouette while reducing density and end-weight.
ResultAll three trees thinned effectively and the job finished with a spotless cleanup.
"Did a great job of doing a major trim of our 3 nearly 100 year old fir trees. Really thinned them out while still keeping a really natural shape. Very happy with their work."
ProblemA homeowner feared trees near her home were a safety risk, but expected high-pressure salesmanship pushing removal of all three.
ApproachA consultant assessed each tree individually, confirmed their species, and honestly recommended removing only the one with the closest proximity to the home. The formal estimate matched the spot quote exactly.
ResultA fair, transparent assessment — the homeowner kept two trees she would have otherwise lost to an oversell.
"As a woman I was prepared for a 'hard sell' approach and pressure to remove all of the trees in question. Refreshingly, the consultant looked at each of the trees… and only recommended that one of the 3 trees in question be removed."
ProblemAfter the March 2023 storms, a homeowner's 90-foot Redwood had broken limbs still hanging months later. After consulting four arborists, he needed the one who genuinely understood what the tree required.
ApproachRobert identified the root cause — prior over-trimming created the imbalance that led to storm damage — and the crew properly balanced and restored the Redwood's structure.
ResultThe Redwood was correctly restored. Robert was confirmed as the most knowledgeable of all four arborists consulted.
"Of all the 4 arborists I consulted, he was the most knowledgeable about what the Redwood needed… San Jose Tree Service is an arborist that I highly recommend and will definitely use again in the future."
ProblemA homeowner needed a large tree pruned and was specifically concerned about protecting the surrounding landscaping during the work.
ApproachThe crew pruned the tree while taking care to leave the surrounding landscaping completely undisturbed — a priority the homeowner had flagged upfront.
ResultThe tree was pruned beautifully and the surrounding landscaping was untouched. The homeowner confirmed they would return.
"The tree turned out beautiful and the landscaping around the tree was undisturbed. I would use them again."
ProblemA first-time client was anxious about having someone trim her tree and wasn't sure what to expect.
ApproachThe team communicated clearly throughout, explaining each step as they worked and ensuring the homeowner felt comfortable from start to finish.
ResultTree trimmed to the homeowner's satisfaction. She described the experience as easy, knowledgeable, and kind.
"I was super nervous to have someone trim my tree, they made the process easy and explained everything along the way. Very knowledgeable and kind."
ProblemAfter a wet winter left the backyard in rough shape, a returning client needed pruning and cleanup scheduled around her availability — minimal back-and-forth required.
ApproachThe team responded promptly to an online request and handled all scheduling by phone and email around the client's availability.
ResultOutstanding results for the second time, with a smooth process from first contact through completion.
"Outstanding company and employees and I highly recommend… They promptly communicated with me after requesting service via online, set up an appt working with my time line, everything done by phone & email."
ProblemA property management team needed all 13 trees on their site professionally pruned, plus one full removal, at a commercial quality standard.
ApproachThe full team handled all 13 prunings and the removal in a coordinated effort, leaving the site clean throughout.
ResultProfessional work at a fair price. The client committed to using San Jose Tree Service for all future tree work at the property.
"The whole Team from Start to finish were so Professional and the work they did here at San Jose Verde MH was not only a reasonable price it was of good Quality… I will call them for all our Tree Service."
Tree Removal & Stump Grinding
View Tree Removal & Stump Services →ProblemA homeowner needed a dead tree removed and replaced, and also wanted to understand how to properly care for all the remaining trees on the property.
ApproachRobert removed the dead tree, replanted a new species suited to the location, and took time to educate the homeowner on long-term care for the full property — at a price below the midpoint of competing quotes.
ResultTree removed and replaced successfully. The homeowner left with a new tree and a better understanding of how to care for everything else on the property.
"Robert, the arborist, who prepared the initial quote is very knowledgeable. He was helpful in training us how to care for all of the trees on our property and also with suggesting which type of tree we could replant in this location."
ProblemA homeowner needed two dead trees and their stumps fully removed and wanted the job completed on schedule without surprises.
ApproachThe team communicated clearly throughout, arrived on the scheduled date, and completed removal and full cleanup exactly as described in the estimate.
ResultBoth trees and stumps removed cleanly, on schedule, at the quoted price.
"Great communication, on schedule, fair pricing and finished the job/cleanup as promised. Very professional."
Storm & Emergency Tree Service
View Emergency Tree Services →ProblemDuring a fierce windstorm, a large tree limb cracked and was hanging precariously over the roof — immediate response required.
ApproachSan Jose Tree Service responded quickly despite active storm conditions and removed the dangerous limb before it could cause roof damage.
ResultLimb removed promptly. The homeowner described the response speed as impressive given the conditions.
"I was very impressed with the speedy service I received during a very windy storm. A very large tree limb cracked and was about to fall on my roof. They removed it promptly."
ProblemA massive rain and wind storm broke two large limbs from a giant mountain ash, requiring careful removal planning and full crown thinning.
ApproachA team of four arrived exactly on schedule, worked three days carefully lowering branches and thinning the crown, then raked every leaf and twig before leaving.
ResultTree restored safely, yard left immaculate. The homeowner described San Jose Tree Service as a "life saver."
"San Jose Tree Service was a life saver. They came promptly and told me what needed to be done… The yard was perfectly cleaned up — even raking up leaves and small twigs. I heartily recommend San Jose Tree Service."
ProblemAfter heavy March storms, a homeowner's live oak had its root system compromised, threatening the tree's structural integrity and survival.
ApproachSan Jose Tree Service assessed the situation quickly, proposed an effective course of action, and had a crew on-site the very next day.
ResultTree serviced within 24 hours and its health preserved.
"SJ Tree Service responded quickly, suggested an effective course of action to save the tree, and immediately serviced our tree the next day."
ProblemA homeowner expected the typical hassle associated with hiring tree service companies and wasn't sure what the experience would look like from estimate through completion.
ApproachRobert provided a fair estimate, Gonzalo's crew completed the work professionally with a thorough cleanup, and Karen handled scheduling and billing smoothly throughout.
ResultThe entire process exceeded expectations at every step. The homeowner highlighted how rare it is to have this level of consistency across a whole team.
"It's rare these days to have such a smooth, positive experience with a service that's often associated with stress and hassle, but San Jose Tree Service really stood out… the entire process exceeded expectations."
Arborist Consultations & Tree Health
View Arborist Consultations →ProblemA homeowner needed a certified arborist's written report quickly to submit an urgent tree removal permit application — no margin for delay.
ApproachRobert responded promptly, provided helpful insights on the permit process, and delivered the professional report exactly when promised.
ResultReport delivered on time. The permit application moved forward without delay.
"Robert was prompt in responding, provided some very helpful insights and provided exactly what I needed in order to get my project moving forward. He was knowledgeable, professional, and delivered the report right on time."
ProblemA homeowner had roughly ten trees on their property, including a large cedar with branches overhanging the street, and needed a thorough health and safety review.
ApproachA certified arborist arrived the day after the call, carefully assessed each tree for health and structural risk, and scheduled the work at a time that worked for the family.
ResultAll trees assessed promptly with a clear work plan in place. The homeowner confirmed ongoing use of San Jose Tree Service for future maintenance.
"A certified arborist came to our house the day after we called at a convenient time for us. He took his time to review the health and safety concerns for about ten trees… We highly recommend this company."
ProblemA homeowner's elm trees needed beetle treatment and she wanted ongoing guidance — not just the immediate fix.
ApproachThe team treated the elms precisely on schedule, then continued to send follow-up emails with care instructions and seasonal tips to support the trees' long-term recovery.
ResultTreatment completed on time. The homeowner cited the continued follow-up as a sign of genuine long-term care commitment.
"I appreciated their responsiveness and advice about our trees and the best time to treat… I also appreciate their continued advice to ensure that our tree remains healthy in the long run — they send follow up emails with tips and instructions that are valuable."
ProblemA homeowner noticed visible problems developing with their hedges and trees but didn't know the cause or what to do next.
ApproachRobert assessed the situation quickly, identified the cause, laid out a clear treatment plan, and began treatment without unnecessary delay.
ResultDiagnosis and an active treatment plan in place within the same visit — no ambiguity about next steps.
"Robert was quick to assess the issues we are having with our hedges and trees. Once he determined the cause of the problem, he laid out a treatment plan right away and the treatment began. Robert is extremely knowledgeable and professional."
ProblemA homeowner needed expert guidance on improving the health and productivity of fruit trees and wanted specific, honest recommendations — not a vague assessment.
ApproachRobert provided detailed, honest suggestions based on a thorough assessment, then returned the following week with a crew to trim, fertilize, mulch, and install drip irrigation.
ResultAll work completed professionally. The homeowner described the quality and follow-through as exceeding expectations.
"Robert arrived on time and gave detailed honest suggestions for tree improvement. He is very experienced and knowledgeable… Crew came next week and did tree trimming, fertilization, mulch and installed drip irrigation. Work is done professionally and good quality."
ProblemA homeowner wanted certified arborist oversight of her trees every year, plus a full backyard remodel handled by a team she could already trust.
ApproachSan Jose Tree Service provides annual arborist-led pruning visits and handled the complete backyard renovation — combining ongoing tree care with a larger landscape transformation.
ResultConsistently satisfied with both the annual tree care and the completed backyard remodel year after year.
"Very happy to have a certified arborist look at my trees every year! Also, the workers are helpful and friendly. I am so happy with my backyard remodel. I think they do a great job every year pruning my trees."
ProblemA long-term client wanted consistent, trusted tree and landscape care over many years — and a team they could rely on indefinitely.
ApproachSan Jose Tree Service has been part of this homeowner's care team since Robert started the business, consistently delivering quality work and making things right whenever needed.
ResultOngoing property improvement over multiple years. The homeowner describes the investment as worthwhile dollar for dollar.
"Dollar for dollar the investment in our property has been worth it. We continue to enhance the value of our property because we have SJTS as part of our care team."
ProblemA real estate agent needed a reliable arborist to trim and clean up trees at a property being prepared for sale — no margin for poor results or missed communication.
ApproachThe team was responsive throughout, completed the trimming professionally, and left the property completely cleaned up — exactly what a pre-sale job requires.
ResultThe agent made San Jose Tree Service her standing go-to arborist for all future real estate projects.
"These folks were responsive, professional, did a great job, and cleaned everything up afterwards. San Jose Tree Service is now my Go-To arborist for my real estate projects!"
Landscaping & Backyard Renovation
View Landscape Installation →ProblemA homeowner needed to landscape tiered backyard levels — plant selection, delivery, irrigation connection, and mulch application — all as one cohesive project.
ApproachRobert personally selected and delivered over 20 trees and plants, the crew connected new drip irrigation to the existing system, spread 10 cubic yards of mulch, and Robert returned at completion to confirm the homeowner's satisfaction.
ResultFull backyard transformation completed. The homeowner praised how rare it is to find a company that genuinely cares about both the work and the customer.
"Can't say enough about how happy we were with Robert and the team… Rare to find a company that really cares about their work and their customers. Highly recommend them for all your landscaping needs."
ProblemA homeowner wanted a front yard landscaping project completed professionally, including the ability to make on-the-fly changes without disrupting the crew or the relationship.
ApproachUnder Noe's direction, Miguel and Rafa executed the full plan while adapting to real-time changes with a positive attitude, treating the homeowner, neighbors, and surrounding properties with care throughout.
ResultProject completed to the homeowner's satisfaction with every adjustment handled professionally.
"Under Noe's direction, Miguel and Rafa executed the plan and my on-the-fly changes with a pleasant and positive attitude. Most important of all, they treated me, my neighbors and our properties with respect."
ProblemA homeowner's back patio needed several issues resolved at once — two camphor trees needed reshaping, a root was lifting pavers, shrubs were overgrown, and moisture management was needed ahead of dry months.
ApproachThe crew reshaped both camphor trees, removed the damaging root, laid decorative rock for moisture retention, replanted succulents, and did a full sweep and cleanup before leaving.
ResultAll issues resolved in a single visit. The homeowner noted the workers listened carefully to every request and left everything clean and watered.
"They trimmed two camphor trees, reshaping them… removed a root that was lifting up some of the pavers in the patio… When finished, they watered everything and swept up all the debris. The workers were all very nice and listened carefully to any requests we had."
ProblemA homeowner wanted to replace their existing lawn with drought-tolerant plants, rocks, bark, a weed barrier, and a drip system — a full conversion with many coordinated components.
ApproachThe crew completed the entire transformation in just six days, working professionally throughout and delivering a finished yard that drew immediate attention from the neighborhood.
ResultFull lawn conversion completed in under a week. Multiple neighbors asked for the company's contact information after seeing the result.
"The workers managed to do this in 6 days and they were very professional. We highly recommend this company. A few of our neighbors have complimented on this landscaping and we have given out the company information to them."
ProblemA homeowner wanted her entire backyard redesigned — artificial grass, quartz pebbles, a stone walkway, a paver path, base rock, and a concrete retaining wall — over a two-week project.
ApproachRobert handled the estimate, Noe provided design consultation, and Jose's crew executed daily. Every question was answered and every change was accommodated throughout.
ResultComplete backyard transformation. The homeowner described the space as clean, beautiful, and much more pleasant for her family.
"I was very impressed and happy with how clean and beautiful they made my backyard look. It's now a much more pleasant area for my family and my dogs to hang out in. I am grateful to Robert and his team."
ProblemA homeowner undertook a large multi-component backyard renovation and needed a team that could deliver quality across all elements without raising the original price.
ApproachJose and the crew arrived at 8 AM every day, worked through the evening, cleaned up nightly, and completed the entire project in three weeks at the quoted price.
ResultFull project completed on time at the original price. Multiple neighbors asked for the company's contact information based on the visible quality.
"The quote was fair and they never raised the initial price… Jose and the team were absolute pros… Multiple neighbors got their business cards because of the quality and how diligent they were."
ProblemA homeowner had previously needed to call multiple vendors for different yard services, creating inconsistency and coordination overhead.
ApproachSan Jose Tree Service handled design, plant installation, sprinkler systems, and ongoing tree maintenance — all through one team, eliminating the need for multiple contractors.
ResultOne company for all yard needs. The homeowner describes Robert and the team as enthusiastically recommended for everything they do.
"Before I found them, I had to call multiple vendors who specialized in limited services. Their name does not accurately describe what they do because San Jose Tree does it all… I can enthusiastically recommend Robert and his team."
ProblemA homeowner managing multiple ongoing yard improvement projects needed a single company that could reliably handle different types of work across multiple visits over time.
ApproachSan Jose Tree Service has handled tree trimming, new planting, drip system updates, and ground cover work for this client — delivering consistent results each time.
ResultThe homeowner continues to use the company for a variety of services and confirmed they have always done great work.
"I have used San Jose Tree Service & Landscaping for tree trimming, planting, updating the drip system and ground cover. They have always done great."
Frequently Asked Questions
Does San Jose Tree Service & Landscaping serve San Jose and surrounding cities?
Yes. San Jose Tree Service & Landscaping serves homeowners and property managers throughout San Jose and the surrounding South Bay, including Los Gatos, Saratoga, Campbell, Cupertino, Santa Clara, Monte Sereno, Sunnyvale, and Mountain View. If you're unsure whether your location is covered, the best first step is to schedule an assessment.
What types of tree and landscaping problems does San Jose Tree Service handle?
The team handles a wide range — from tree trimming and structural pruning to storm damage and emergency response, tree removal and stump grinding, arborist consultations, insect and disease treatment, arborist reports for permits, landscape design, landscape installation, drip irrigation, and full backyard renovations.
Does San Jose Tree Service recommend removal when it isn't necessary?
No. Every assessment is led by a Board-Certified Master Arborist whose approach is preservation-first. Work is only recommended when genuinely warranted. Multiple customers in these stories specifically noted that the team assessed honestly and did not push unnecessary services — including removal.
Can San Jose Tree Service respond to storm damage or urgent tree situations?
Yes. Emergency tree services are available for storm damage, fallen limbs, cracked trees, and situations requiring a fast response. Several customer stories on this page describe same-day and next-day service during active storm events.
Can San Jose Tree Service provide a certified arborist report for a tree removal permit?
Yes. Robert Apolinar is a Board-Certified Master Arborist and provides professional arborist and preservation reports required by the City of San Jose and other South Bay municipalities for permit applications, development projects, and property transactions.
Does the company handle full landscaping projects, not just tree work?
Yes. San Jose Tree Service & Landscaping holds both a tree service license (C-61/D-49) and a landscaping contractor license (C-27). The team handles landscape design, installation, irrigation systems, drought-tolerant conversions, hardscape, and outdoor living spaces. Several customers on this page noted the company's name undersells its full capabilities.
How do I request a tree or landscaping assessment?
You can request an assessment at sanjosetreemaintenance.com/schedule-assessment or call (408) 422-1313. Robert or a team member will review your situation and recommend the right next step — whether that is a quick consultation or a full on-site assessment.
Ready to work with San Jose's arborist-led tree and landscaping team?
Whether you have a tree concern, storm aftermath, or a full backyard project in mind — it starts with a simple conversation. Schedule an assessment and we'll take it from there.
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