A legacy that started in 1976
The story of Tip Top Arborists did not begin with a grand strategic plan or a board of directors. It began in 1976 with James Lewandowski, a truck, and a simple, unshakeable commitment to doing things the right way.
Back then, the Antelope Valley looked different. The skylines were lower, the spaces between neighbors were wider, and the trees were younger. James saw a need for professional Antelope Valley tree care that went beyond simple cutting and chopping. He was building something durable, founded on the belief that if you treat people fairly and treat their property with respect, you build more than a client list. You build a reputation that can weather any storm.
What 50 years of high desert service really means
Over the last five decades, that reputation has been tested by the unique and often harsh elements of the high desert. Serving this community means understanding the temperament of the Santa Ana winds that can turn a healthy branch into a projectile in seconds. It means knowing how to help a thirsty pine survive a scorching July drought. It means answering the phone at 2:00 a.m. when a winter storm has dropped a heavy limb on a family’s roof.
Tip Top Arborists has been there for generations of the same families. We have cared for the saplings planted by parents that now shade the homes of their grandchildren. This is what real service looks like. It is not a transaction. It is a relationship that spans decades.
James Lewandowski reflects on this milestone with characteristic humility.
“Being nominated by our own community after 50 years means more to us than any award ever could. We didn’t build Tip Top Arborists to win contests. We built it to show up for our neighbors, every single time. The fact that the Antelope Valley is recognizing that means the world to me and my entire team.”
Moments like Best of Antelope Valley 2026 remind us that consistency still matters, especially in the places where storms and summers test everything.
The standards behind the trust
While the heart of Tip Top Arborists is local, the standards we uphold are world-class. The community’s trust is backed by credentials that set us apart in an industry where not every provider operates at the same level of accountability.
We are proud to be a TCIA accredited tree care company, a distinction held by fewer than 300 companies nationwide. Our team includes ISA certified arborists who bring scientific knowledge to every diagnosis, ensuring that trees are not just removed, but cared for with long-term health in mind.
With a 4.9-star rating and true 24/7 emergency service with real human dispatchers, we have worked to be the obvious choice for homeowners who value expertise. These are not just badges. They are part of why our neighbors feel more secure when the winds pick up.
That is why Best of Antelope Valley 2026 matters to us. It reflects both the work in the field and the trust built over time.
Looking ahead, James sees this nomination not as a finish line, but as fuel for the next chapter.
“When my team and I look back at 50 years of service in this valley, the storms we’ve responded to, the trees we’ve saved, the families we’ve helped, I’m just incredibly proud. And we’re just getting started. This community deserves the best, and that’s exactly what we’ll keep delivering.”
Thank you, Antelope Valley
As the Antelope Valley continues to grow and evolve, some things remain constant. The wind will blow, the summer sun will shine, and Tip Top Arborists will be here, ready to answer the call.
To be nominated for Best of Antelope Valley 2026 is a profound honor, one that belongs as much to our loyal customers as it does to us. Thank you for fifty years of trust, for welcoming us into your yards, and for making us a part of your history.
Voting for the Reader’s Choice Awards is open through March 3rd at the Antelope Valley Press website: https://avpress.com/bestof2026
If you want to reach our team, contact Tip Top Arborists here: https://tiptoparborists.com/contact/