Tree Trimming Services in Charlotte, Hickory, Gastonia & Surrounding Areas

Trees are living assets—but without proper care, they can quickly become liabilities. At Aforst Tree Service, we offer expert tree trimming services that keep your trees healthy, beautiful, and safe. Whether you're looking to improve your property's curb appeal, prevent storm damage, or extend the life of your trees, our trained professionals have the tools and expertise to get the job done right.

Types of Tree Trimming We Offer

  • Close-up of a weathered tree branch with peeling bark and holes, surrounded by fresh green leaves.

    Crown Cleaning

    Crown cleaning is the foundation of healthy tree care. This process involves the careful removal of dead, dying, diseased, or broken branches from the canopy. Left unattended, these limbs can attract pests, spread decay, and fall unexpectedly—posing a serious risk to your home or family. By cleaning out unhealthy growth, we improve air flow, reduce weight stress, and help the tree thrive year-round.

  • Tree trimming in progress with workers, a large tree, and a truck on a grassy roadside area.

    Crown Thinning

    When a tree’s canopy becomes too dense, it can block light from reaching the ground and restrict airflow through the branches—creating the perfect environment for mold, mildew, and pests. With crown thinning, we selectively remove smaller interior branches to allow sunlight and air to pass through the tree. This improves tree health, reduces wind resistance during storms, and adds beauty by revealing the tree’s natural shape. It’s especially popular in shaded properties across Charlotte, Gastonia, and Hickory.

  • Large tree in residential neighborhood with houses and person walking

    Crown Raising

    If low-hanging branches are obstructing your driveway, walkway, roofline, or fence line, crown raising is the solution. This technique involves trimming the lower limbs of a tree to elevate the canopy. It’s ideal for increasing headroom around sidewalks, preventing damage to parked vehicles or outdoor structures, and improving visibility on your property. For homeowners and businesses alike, it offers an instant boost in safety and aesthetics.

  • Pruned tree branches with new growth against a blue sky.

    Crown Reduction

    When a tree has grown too tall or wide for its location, it can start interfering with power lines, encroach on neighboring property, or become top-heavy and unstable. In these cases, crown reduction helps by carefully cutting back the outer edges of the canopy. Unlike topping (which we never recommend), crown reduction maintains the tree’s natural form and long-term health while reducing size. It’s a great option for larger trees in urban spaces, especially in tight neighborhoods throughout Charlotte and Gastonia.

Forest path with tall trees, green foliage, and sunlight filtering through branches.

Our Tree Trimming Process

  • Every trimming job starts with a walk-through of your property. Our certified arborists inspect each tree’s health, size, and growth pattern, while also considering nearby structures, utility lines, and your long-term landscaping goals. Whether you need clearance for your roofline in Charlotte, storm prep trimming in Gastonia, or aesthetic shaping in Hickory, we’ll listen to your concerns and give you a clear, no-obligation estimate based on what your trees truly need.

  • Tree trimming isn’t one-size-fits-all. That’s why we create a custom plan for each tree, based on its species, age, seasonal growth cycles, and structural integrity. For example, maples and oaks require different pruning techniques and timing than pines or crepe myrtles. We also consider the surrounding environment—tight spaces, sloped yards, or HOA guidelines—so your trees get expert care that works for your property.

  • Using commercial-grade pruning tools, pole saws, climbing gear, and protective equipment, our skilled crew performs precise cuts that improve tree health and appearance. We target dead, damaged, or overcrowded branches while shaping the canopy for balance, air flow, and sunlight penetration. Our trimming reduces storm risk, improves structure, and keeps your trees thriving year after year—with minimal stress to the plant.


  • Once the trimming is complete, we don’t leave a single twig behind. Our team carefully gathers all limbs, leaves, and wood debris, then hauls it off your property unless you’d prefer to repurpose the mulch or firewood. From front lawns in Hickory to tight alleyways in Charlotte, we treat your property with care and leave it cleaner than we found it. Your yard stays beautiful—and your trees healthier than ever.