Case Study
Complete Maple Tree Removal and Landscape Restoration in Pepper Pike, OH
When Jim Rathburn needed a large maple tree removed from his Pepper Pike property, he was looking for more than just tree removal—he needed a company that could handle the entire project from start to finish, including restoring his landscape. This case study demonstrates how Roubic Tree & Landscape LLC provided comprehensive A-Z tree service that few companies in Greater Cleveland offer.
Project at a Glance
- Location: Pepper Pike, OH
- Service Type: Complete Tree Removal & Landscape Restoration
- Tree Species: Large Mature Maple
- Services Provided: Tree Removal, Stump Grinding, Grinding Removal, Topsoil Application, Seeding
- Project Duration: Completed in one comprehensive visit
- Client Satisfaction: 5-star review
The Challenge: Safe Removal of a Large Mature Maple Tree
Large maple trees are beautiful landscape features that can grace a property for decades, providing shade, character, and environmental benefits. However, when they become hazardous, diseased, or interfere with property development plans, their removal requires significant expertise, specialized equipment, and careful planning.
The challenge for this Pepper Pike homeowner wasn't just removing the tree—it was finding a tree service company that could complete the entire project from initial removal through final landscape restoration. As many Northeast Ohio homeowners discover, most tree service companies handle only one or two aspects of the job, forcing property owners to coordinate multiple contractors, schedules, and invoices.
Client Background and Property Concerns
Jim Rathburn’s Pepper Pike property featured a large mature maple tree that needed removal. Like many homeowners in Pepper Pike, Chagrin Falls, and surrounding affluent Cleveland suburbs, Jim valued his property’s appearance and understood that professional tree care is an investment in both safety and property value.
His situation was common among Northeast Ohio homeowners: he needed comprehensive service but wanted to avoid the hassle and expense of hiring multiple contractors. His primary concerns included:
- Safe tree removal: Protection of surrounding structures, landscape features, and utilities during the removal process
- Complete stump elimination: Professional stump grinding to ground level, not just surface-level cutting
- Thorough debris removal: Complete removal of all wood chips, grindings, and organic debris—not left in piles for the homeowner to deal with
- Professional restoration: Application of quality topsoil to properly fill and grade the affected area
- Grass establishment: Professional seeding to establish new turf and blend seamlessly with existing lawn
- Fair pricing: Competitive rates for comprehensive service without sacrificing quality or cutting corners
- Single point of contact: One company, one crew, one streamlined process from start to finish
Jim’s experience reflects a common frustration in the tree service industry: finding a company capable of delivering true A-Z service. While many companies advertise “full service,” few actually provide the complete landscape restoration that discerning homeowners expect.
Our Comprehensive A-Z Tree Service Solution
Roubic Tree & Landscape LLC approached this project with our signature comprehensive service model. Unlike the majority of tree service companies that only handle removal and leave clients to coordinate stump grinding and restoration with other contractors, we managed every phase of this project with the same crew, maintaining quality control and accountability from first cut to final seeding.
Our approach saved Jim significant time, reduced costs by eliminating multiple contractor fees, and ensured consistent quality throughout the entire process. Here's how we executed each phase:
Phase 1: Safe Tree Removal
Every successful tree removal project begins with thorough assessment and planning. Our certified arborists and experienced crew, led by Aaron, began by conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the large maple tree and its surroundings. This assessment informed our removal strategy and ensured the safest possible approach.
Pre-Removal Assessment Included:
- Evaluation of tree structure, including lean direction and branch weight distribution
- Identification of potential hazards such as power lines, structures, and valuable landscape features
- Soil condition assessment to understand root stability
- Access route planning for equipment and debris removal
- Weather condition consideration for optimal working conditions
Using modern equipment and proven techniques developed over decades of experience, our team carefully dismantled the tree in controlled sections. This methodical approach—rather than simply felling the entire tree—is essential in residential settings where property protection is paramount.
Our Removal Process:
- Safety zone establishment: Clear demarcation of work areas to protect crew, property, and any bystanders
- Strategic rigging: Use of ropes and rigging equipment to control branch descent and prevent property damage
- Precision cutting: Systematic sectional removal starting from the top, working downward in manageable pieces
- Controlled lowering: Careful lowering of each section to designated drop zones
- Immediate debris management: Systematic processing and removal of wood to maintain clean, organized work area
- Property protection: Continuous monitoring to ensure no damage to lawn, gardens, structures, or utilities
The large maple was completely removed without incident, with all wood material efficiently processed and removed from the property. Unlike some companies that leave brush piles or wood rounds for homeowners to handle, our complete removal service means exactly that—nothing left behind except the stump, which was addressed immediately.
Phase 2: Complete Stump Grinding
After tree removal, our crew transitioned seamlessly to stump grinding—one of the most critical steps for complete landscape restoration and one of the most commonly overlooked or inadequately performed services in the tree care industry.
Many homeowners are surprised to learn that basic stump removal only cuts the stump at ground level, leaving massive root systems and the potential for regrowth. Others discover that budget stump grinding services grind only a few inches below the surface, which is insufficient for proper landscape restoration. Roubic Tree takes a different approach.
Professional Stump Grinding Process:
- Deep grinding: We ground the maple stump 6-12 inches below grade, ensuring no visible remnants and eliminating regrowth potential
- Root system addressing: Major surface roots extending from the stump were ground down to eliminate trip hazards and future settling issues
- Level surface creation: The grinding process created a uniform, level base perfect for topsoil application
- Width consideration: Grinding extended beyond the stump diameter to ensure complete coverage during restoration
But here’s where Roubic Tree truly differentiates from competitors: we didn’t stop at grinding. The next step—complete removal of wood chips and grindings—is where many tree service companies end their involvement, leaving homeowners with a pile of decomposing wood chips and the task of hauling them away or attempting restoration themselves.
Phase 3: Landscape Restoration and Seeding
What truly sets Roubic Tree apart in the Greater Cleveland tree service market is our commitment to complete restoration. Rather than leaving clients with a pile of wood chips, a depression in their lawn, and questions about next steps, we completed the project with professional landscaping services that restored Jim’s property to pristine condition.
Complete Grinding Removal:
All wood chips and grindings—often totaling several cubic yards from a large maple—were completely removed from the site. This step is crucial because:
- Wood chips rob nitrogen from soil as they decompose, creating poor growing conditions
- Decomposing wood creates uneven settling over time
- Excessive organic matter prevents proper grass establishment
- Wood chip piles are unsightly and create a lengthy restoration timeline if left to decompose naturally
Quality Topsoil Application:
With the area properly prepared, we filled the former stump location with premium topsoil. This wasn’t basic fill dirt—we used quality topsoil that matches the composition of surrounding lawn areas, ensuring proper drainage, nutrient availability, and grass establishment. The soil was:
- Applied in layers and lightly compacted to prevent excessive settling
- Slightly mounded to account for natural settling over the first few months
- Graded to match surrounding terrain and ensure proper water drainage
- Prepared with appropriate texture for seed germination
Professional Seeding:
The final step in our comprehensive service was professional grass seeding. We selected seed appropriate for:
- The site’s light conditions (the area was previously shaded but would now receive more sun)
- Northeast Ohio’s climate and growing season
- The existing lawn type to ensure seamless blending
- Durability and establishment speed
Seed was evenly distributed, lightly raked for soil contact, and the homeowner was provided with establishment care instructions including watering recommendations and timeline expectations for grass emergence.
Complete Site Cleanup:
Before departing, our crew conducted a thorough final cleanup:
- All equipment removed and staging areas restored
- Surrounding landscape inspected for any debris
- Driveway and street cleaned of any tracked soil or wood chips
- Final inspection with the homeowner to ensure complete satisfaction
The entire area was left clean, professionally restored, and ready for new grass establishment—a true turnkey solution from initial tree removal through final restoration.
Why Full-Service Tree Care Matters
The difference between Roubic Tree’s approach and typical tree service companies becomes clear when you consider the alternative path many homeowners face:
Typical Multi-Contractor Approach:
- Week 1: Tree removal company cuts down tree, leaves stump
- Week 2-3: Wait for stump grinding company availability
- Week 3: Stump grinding company grinds stump, leaves pile of wood chips
- Week 4-5: Homeowner hauls away wood chips or waits for landscaper
- Week 6: Landscaper adds topsoil and seed
- Result: 6+ weeks, 3+ contractors, 3+ invoices, coordination headaches
Roubic Tree A-Z Approach:
- Day 1: Complete assessment and preparation
- Day 1: Safe tree removal
- Day 1: Complete stump grinding
- Day 1: Grinding removal and cleanup
- Day 1: Topsoil application and seeding
- Result: Project complete in one day, one crew, one invoice, zero hassle
The problems with the multi-contractor approach extend beyond mere inconvenience:
- Coordination Headaches: Scheduling multiple contractors wastes hours of your time making phone calls, getting quotes, and coordinating arrival times. If one contractor is delayed, it pushes back the entire timeline.
- Inconsistent Quality: Different contractors have varying standards, equipment quality, and attention to detail. One company’s “thorough cleanup” might be another’s “good enough.”
- Higher Total Costs: Multiple companies mean multiple service call fees, multiple equipment mobilization charges, and lost efficiency. Each contractor prices their service independently without incentive to coordinate savings.
- Extended Project Timelines: Waiting for multiple contractors to become available can stretch what should be a one-day project into weeks or even months. During this time, your property looks incomplete and the stump area may become a hazard.
- Accountability Gaps: When problems arise—settling occurs, grass doesn’t establish, or damage is discovered—determining which contractor is responsible becomes a finger-pointing exercise. Was it the tree removal company’s fault, the stump grinder’s, or the landscaper’s?
- Knowledge Gaps: Tree removal specialists may know nothing about proper landscape restoration. Landscapers may not understand the unique challenges of planting grass in areas with decomposing wood chips. These knowledge gaps lead to suboptimal results.
- Property Disruption: Your property endures repeated equipment staging, multiple periods of noise and activity, and extended exposure to incomplete work areas.
Roubic Tree’s A-Z service eliminates every one of these issues by providing one expert team, one point of contact, one quality standard, and one comprehensive solution from initial tree removal through final landscape restoration. This isn’t just more convenient—it’s smarter project management that delivers better results at lower total cost.
The Results: From Tree Removal to Beautiful Lawn
The project was completed efficiently with outstanding results that exceeded the homeowner's expectations. The large maple tree was safely removed without any damage to surrounding landscape features, structures, or utilities. The stump was completely ground and cleared, eliminating any visible evidence of the former tree. And most importantly, the landscape was professionally restored with topsoil and seed, setting the stage for complete aesthetic recovery.
Post-Project Timeline:
- Week 1-2: Grass seed germination began with proper watering
- Week 3-4: New grass growth became visible, beginning to fill the restored area
- Week 6-8: Established grass blended seamlessly with surrounding lawn
- Month 3+: Complete aesthetic integration—no evidence of former tree location except improved sunlight and space
Jim’s property transformation demonstrated what’s possible when tree removal is approached as a complete restoration project rather than just a removal service. The formerly tree-covered area became a functional, attractive lawn space that added value and usability to his property.
Client Testimonial
★★★★★
“My new go-to Tree Service. Aaron and crew took down a large Maple, stump grind, remove grindings, put topsoil down and seeded. Very competitive pricing. Very hard to find an A-Z tree company that restores landscaping. Thank You Roubic Tree!”
— Jim Rathburn, Pepper Pike, OH
Jim’s review highlights three critical elements that define Roubic Tree’s service:
- “My new go-to Tree Service” — When customers experience true comprehensive service, they become loyal clients who know they’ve found something rare in the tree care industry.
- “Very competitive pricing” — A-Z service doesn’t mean premium pricing. Our efficient operations and elimination of contractor markup actually makes comprehensive service more affordable than coordinating multiple companies.
“Very hard to find an A-Z tree company that restores landscaping” — This observation is accurate. Most tree service companies in Greater Cleveland and throughout Northeast Ohio simply don’t offer landscape restoration. It’s a gap in the market that Roubic Tree was specifically built to fill.
What Makes Roubic Tree Different
Competitive Pricing Without Compromising Quality
Jim specifically mentioned our competitive pricing—a point worth exploring because many homeowners assume comprehensive service must cost more. The reality is often the opposite. Our competitive pricing reflects several operational advantages:
- Elimination of Contractor Markup: When you hire multiple contractors, each adds their own markup for profit, overhead, and travel time. Our in-house comprehensive service eliminates these redundant costs.
- Single Mobilization: Equipment transport and crew mobilization represents significant cost. One trip means one mobilization fee instead of three or four separate charges.
- Efficient Material Handling: Our crew handles materials once—wood chips go directly to our disposal facility rather than being handled multiple times by different contractors.
- Streamlined Operations: Decades of experience have taught us the most efficient methods for complete project execution. This efficiency translates to faster completion and lower labor costs.
- Volume Purchasing: Our comprehensive service model means we purchase topsoil, seed, and materials in bulk at better rates than individual contractors, savings we pass to our clients.
The result is straightforward pricing that reflects actual work performed, not inflated rates padded with contractor fees and coordination inefficiencies.
Complete Service from Start to Finish
As Jim noted in his review, finding an “A-Z tree company that restores landscaping” is remarkably difficult in the Greater Cleveland area. We hear this regularly from new clients who have spent hours calling tree service companies only to discover that most offer just one or two services, not comprehensive solutions.
Roubic Tree & Landscape LLC was intentionally built to fill this gap. Since our founding in 1982, we’ve focused on providing Northeast Ohio homeowners with the comprehensive service they deserve—service that considers the entire project lifecycle from initial consultation through final restoration.
Our Full-Service Approach Includes:
- Professional Assessment: Certified arborists evaluate your trees, identify hazards, and recommend appropriate solutions based on safety, aesthetics, and property goals.
- Detailed Project Planning: We develop removal strategies that protect your property, considering access points, equipment requirements, and potential challenges before work begins.
- Safe Tree Removal: Modern equipment, experienced crews, and proven techniques ensure safe, efficient removal regardless of tree size, location, or complexity.
- Complete Stump Grinding: Professional grinding 6-12 inches below grade eliminates stumps completely, not just to surface level.
- Thorough Debris Removal: All wood chips, grindings, and organic material removed from your property—no piles left for you to handle.
- Professional Topsoil Application: Quality topsoil properly graded and prepared for optimal grass establishment.
- Grass Seeding: Appropriate seed selection and professional application for successful turf establishment.
- Establishment Guidance: Clear instructions for watering, care, and timeline expectations for new grass growth.
- Licensed and Insured Protection: Full insurance coverage protects your property and provides peace of mind throughout the project.
Quality Guarantee: We stand behind our work with commitment to your complete satisfaction.
Experience and Expertise Since 1982
Four decades of tree care experience in Northeast Ohio have taught us invaluable lessons about what works, what doesn’t, and what homeowners truly need. This experience informs every aspect of our service:
- We understand Northeast Ohio’s unique climate, soil conditions, and tree species
- We’ve developed efficient methods that reduce costs while maintaining quality
- We know which restoration approaches work best in different site conditions
- We’ve built relationships with material suppliers that ensure quality at fair prices
- We’ve trained crews in comprehensive project management, not just individual tasks
This experience means fewer surprises, better results, and the confidence that comes from working with true tree care professionals.
Similar Projects We've Completed Throughout Greater Cleveland
This Pepper Pike maple removal and restoration represents just one of hundreds of comprehensive tree service projects we’ve completed throughout Greater Cleveland. Our A-Z approach has helped homeowners across Northeast Ohio’s most prestigious communities achieve their property goals with minimal hassle and maximum results.
Recent Comprehensive Projects:
- Chagrin Falls: Removed multiple hazardous ash trees damaged by emerald ash borer, complete stump grinding, and full landscape restoration across half-acre property. All work completed in two days with seamless grass establishment.
- Solon: Eliminated row of overgrown pine trees blocking sunlight, ground stumps below grade, removed all debris, and restored 1,200 square feet of new lawn area. Property transformation opened garden space and improved curb appeal.
- Beachwood: Cleared wooded lot for new construction, ground 15+ stumps, graded site, and established erosion control with seed and straw. Prepared site exceeded builder specifications and timeline requirements.
- Moreland Hills: Provided emergency storm damage response after severe winds, removed three damaged oaks, ground stumps, and completed landscape restoration within one week of initial call. Rapid response prevented further property damage.
- Orange: Removed aging Norway maples compromising foundation, ground root systems, restored landscape with premium topsoil and shade-appropriate seed blend. Six months post-project, no evidence of former tree locations.
- Gates Mills: Cleared selective trees for estate view enhancement, precision stump grinding to preserve surrounding landscape, complete restoration maintaining property’s pristine aesthetic standards.
Each of these projects benefited from our comprehensive approach—one team, one timeline, one standard of excellence from initial removal through final restoration. Homeowners avoided the coordination headaches and hidden costs of multiple contractors while receiving superior results that enhanced their property value and enjoyment.
Get Your Free Consultation Today
Our experienced team will assess your property, provide detailed recommendations, and deliver a comprehensive quote covering all aspects of your project—from initial tree removal through final landscape restoration.
First-time customer discount available. Licensed and insured for your protection. Serving Greater Cleveland since 1982.