Brothers Leiva Landscaping in Baltimore: Tree removal and trimming with same-day estimates

Brothers Leiva Landscaping handles tree removal, trimming, stump grinding, and land clearing across Baltimore and surrounding counties. The operation is a two-person crew run by owner Luis Leiva, suited to residential jobs and small commercial properties rather than large-scale development work. They work year-round and respond to storm damage calls.

What they actually do

The business focuses on tree work as its primary service, with stump grinding and brush removal as secondary offerings. They do not design landscapes or install plantings. Tree removals run the full spectrum: dead trees, hazard trees leaning toward structures, trees too large for the property, and clearing for new construction. Trimming includes crown reduction (making trees smaller without removal), dead-wood pruning, and routine maintenance cuts. They operate a bucket truck for high canopy work and a stump grinder for below-ground removal. Storm cleanup after ice or wind is a steady part of their schedule, particularly in winter months.

Pricing and what to expect on the phone

Estimates are free and typically completed the same day if you call before early afternoon. A small removal (under 30 feet, accessible from street or driveway) runs $500 to $1,200 depending on proximity to structures and whether the stump is ground. Mid-size removals (30 to 60 feet) fall between $1,200 and $3,000. Large removals exceeding 60 feet or requiring crane work push into $3,500 to $8,000 territory; these jobs are less common for a two-person crew and may be declined if risk or setup exceeds their capacity. Stump grinding alone (for existing stumps) costs $150 to $400 per stump, based on diameter and root spread. Trimming jobs are quoted per tree or by the hour at $95 per hour for routine work. Payment is due upon completion; they do not invoice. Verify current rates by calling, as labor costs and fuel expenses shift seasonally.

How it compares to other Baltimore tree services

Baltimore has several tree companies operating at different scales. Bartlett Tree Experts (also serving Baltimore) runs a larger operation with certified arborists on staff and specializes in complex diagnostics and preservation; their estimates typically run higher, and they focus on high-value residential properties and commercial maintenance contracts. Davey Tree, a national chain with a Baltimore presence, offers similar scale to Bartlett with comparable pricing and corporate structure. Brothers Leiva occupies the middle ground: cheaper than the certified-heavy firms, faster on same-day estimates, but smaller and less equipped for jobs requiring cranes or multi-day crews. Choose Bartlett or Davey if your tree is near a power line, historic structure, or if you need an arborist's written assessment for insurance or legal purposes. Choose Brothers Leiva if you have a straightforward removal or trimming job, live in a neighborhood where crews operate easily, and want a direct conversation with the person doing the work. Local handyman networks and property managers often recommend them for speed and price on routine work.

Who this suits and who it does not

This service works well for homeowners in Baltimore proper and the inner suburbs with one to three trees needing removal or maintenance. Storm-damage calls are handled quickly. Single-property landlords and small rental companies use them for routine trimming and hazard removals. It is less ideal if your tree is touching power lines (they will refuse or refer out), if the job requires complex rigging around a deck or pool, or if you need documentation for insurance claims and want a certified arborist report. Customers who prefer scheduling weeks in advance should look elsewhere; Brothers Leiva works on a tighter availability window. Customers in Pikesville, Catonsville, or further out still benefit from their service area, but travel time may affect the quote or timing.

What the first visit involves

Call with a description of the tree (height estimate, location relative to house or other structures, health condition if visible). Luis will ask whether it is dead, diseased, or just unwanted, and whether the stump needs grinding. He typically provides an estimate over the phone for routine jobs; for complicated removals, he schedules a site visit within one to two business days. The estimate is binding if conditions match your description. Once approved, he schedules the crew, often within three to seven days depending on weather and backlog. They arrive in the morning, do the work, haul debris (brush goes to mulch, logs can stay or be chipped), and grind the stump if included. The job is done by end of day for most removals under 40 feet.

Hours, location, and how to reach them

They operate Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and take emergency calls for storm damage year-round. They are based in Baltimore City and service Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Howard County, and Anne Arundel County. Contact them by phone; they do not maintain a website or social media presence. Response time to calls is typically within an hour during business hours.

Brothers Leiva fills a specific gap in Baltimore's tree-service market: fast, reasonably priced removal and trimming without the overhead of corporate arborists or the waiting lists of established firms. For straightforward residential work, they deliver.