Start a Tree Service: Key Steps, Costs, and Equipment

Is a Tree Service the Right Business for You?

Before you look at chainsaws, trucks, or logos, you need a deeper question. Is owning and operating a business right for you, and is a tree service the right fit for your life?

Running a business means trading a steady paycheck for uncertainty. You take full responsibility, work long hours, and deal with problems that land on your desk first. It can be rewarding, but it is demanding. It helps to think this through before you commit.

If you want a broader checklist to reflect on, you can go through the points in this guide to business startup considerations. It walks you through the bigger picture of what it means to become a business owner.

Check Your Motivation and Passion

It is tough when you feel stuck in a job you do not like. It is easy to think, “I will start a business and everything will be better.” Sometimes that works. Sometimes it only trades one set of problems for another.

Ask yourself a simple question. Are you moving toward something you care about, or only running away from something you dislike? A tree service brings physical work, tough weather days, and high responsibility for safety. Passion for the work and the industry makes it easier to keep going when things get hard.

If you want help thinking about passion and motivation, you can read this article on how passion affects your business. Use it to be honest with yourself before you invest time and money.

Get an Inside Look Before You Commit

You can save months of trial and error by talking to people already in the tree service business. The key is to reach out to owners who are outside your future service area so you are not a direct competitor.

Ask what their days really look like. Ask what surprised them when they started. Ask what they wish they had known before spending money on equipment and trucks. You are looking for real-world details you will not find in marketing material.

For ideas on what to ask and how to approach these conversations, see this guide to getting an inside look at a business. A few good conversations can shape your plan and help you avoid expensive false starts.

Understand What a Tree Service Actually Does

Tree work can sound simple from the outside. In reality, you may mix technical climbing, rigging, heavy equipment, safety planning, and detailed clean-up on every job. Before you launch, it helps to be clear on what you will and will not offer at first.

Most new tree services do not offer every possible service right away. They start with what they can do safely and well, then add more as skills, staff, and equipment grow.

Common services in a tree service include:

• Tree pruning and trimming around homes, driveways, and buildings
• Complete tree removal, including tight or hazardous locations
• Stump grinding and root removal
• Chipping and hauling away branches and logs
• Emergency storm work, such as fallen trees on roofs or driveways
• Cabling and bracing for weak or split branches
• Tree planting and basic establishment work
• Plant health care, such as fertilizing or treating pests, if you are licensed to apply chemicals in your state
• Lot clearing for construction, often together with other contractors

Who Your Customers Are

It is easier to plan when you know who you will serve. A tree service is usually a local business, working within a defined radius around your base.

You can focus on one type of customer or serve a mix. The mix you choose will affect your pricing, scheduling, and staffing later.

Typical customers for a tree service include:

• Homeowners who need trees removed, trimmed, or cleaned up after storms
• Property managers and homeowner associations who manage shared areas
• Commercial sites such as offices, stores, and industrial yards
• Schools, hospitals, and other institutions with grounds to maintain
• Cities, counties, and public agencies for street and park trees
• Utility companies and contractors handling vegetation near lines

Pros and Cons of Running a Tree Service

Every business has good and bad sides. Looking at both helps you decide if this path fits your energy, risk comfort, and long-term goals.

Tree work is needed in almost every community, but the way it fits your life is personal. Use this list as a starting point for your own pros and cons.

Some common benefits include:

• Ongoing demand for tree work for safety, clearance, and property appearance
• The option to start on a small scale and grow over time
• Many ways to specialize, such as plant health, technical removals, or contract work
• Variety in sites and tasks, not the same desk every day

Some common challenges include:

• High physical effort and exposure to weather
• Work at height, near structures, and sometimes near power lines
• Need for strict safety habits, training, and suitable gear
• Significant cost for trucks, chippers, and maintenance
• Scheduling around storms, rain, heat, and cold

Decide on Your Scale and Business Model

A tree service can be a single truck and a small crew, or a larger operation with several crews and an office team. Most people start small, then grow as demand and confidence increase.

As a first-time owner, you can usually start as a small local service. You might launch as an owner-operator with one or two helpers, then add a second crew later if demand supports it. This type of business often starts with personal savings, small equipment financing, or a modest loan, not large outside investors.

As you think about your model, ask yourself:

• Will you start solo and do most of the field work yourself, or will you build a crew right away?
• Will you focus on residential work, commercial clients, or a mix?
• Will you offer emergency storm work at all hours, or keep work to standard daytime hours?
• Are you planning a simple local service, or are you aiming long term at larger contracts and multiple crews?

Research Demand, Competition, and Profit Potential

Before you buy equipment, you need to know if there is enough work and enough profit in the work. This is not about perfection. It is about reducing surprises.

Look at who is already active in your area, what they offer, and how busy they seem. Notice if there are gaps, such as slow response times, long wait lists, or parts of town that seem underserved.

If you want more structure for this step, see this guide on understanding supply and demand for a new business. It can help you decide if there is room for another tree service and whether you can charge enough to pay yourself, cover your expenses, and still have profit.

Choose Your Service Area and Location

Most of your work will be on customer sites but, you need a home base to park trucks, store equipment, and handle your office work.

Many owners start with a home office and store equipment on their own property, as long as local zoning allows it. Others rent a small yard or shared space for trucks, chippers, and logs. You do not need a fancy storefront, but you do need legal and practical storage.

If you plan to rent a yard or office, you can review this article on business location factors. It covers visibility, access, zoning, and other points to review with your local planning office.

Plan Your Skills and Support Team

You do not need every skill on day one, but some abilities are critical from the start. You must be able to recognize hazards, handle equipment safely, and communicate clearly with customers.

At the same time, you do not have to do everything yourself. You can learn new skills over time or bring in help for areas you do not enjoy. You can also use outside professionals for accounting, legal work, and specialized training.

Key skill areas to think about include:

• Climbing, rigging, and safe cutting practices
• Basic tree biology, structure, and common local species
• Reading job sites for hazards, including structures and utilities
• Customer communication and simple, clear explanations of work
• Basic estimating and record keeping

Build a Professional Support Network

It is normal to feel unsure about taxes, contracts, and financial planning when you are new. You can reduce stress by building a small team of advisors instead of trying to learn everything at once.

Many new owners work with an accountant, an insurance professional, and an attorney on an as-needed basis. This kind of team can explain your options and keep you away from costly mistakes in legal and financial areas.

If you want ideas on how to choose these advisors, you can refer to this guide on building a team of professional advisors. It helps you pick the right people for your situation.

Handle Legal Structure, Registration, and Tax Basics

Once you are sure you want to move ahead, you will need to make your business legal. The exact steps depend on your state, your city, and the structure you choose.

Many very small businesses begin as a sole proprietorship by default. As the business grows, owners often form a limited liability company to separate personal and business risk. The right choice depends on your plans and risk comfort, so it is wise to speak with an accountant or attorney.

For a simple overview of registration, you can read this article on how to register a business. It also reminds you that you can confirm details with your Secretary of State, state tax agency, and local licensing office. In general, you will:

• Choose a structure (for example, sole proprietorship or limited liability company) with professional guidance
• Register your entity with your state if required
• Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service if you need one
• Register for state tax accounts where needed
• Obtain any state or local licenses that apply to tree services, contractors, or pesticide applicators

Understand Insurance and Risk

Tree work carries higher risk than many other services. Proper insurance is not just a formality. It protects you, your customers, and your business future.

The specific policies and limits you need depend on your state rules, your contracts, and your scale. This is another area where a qualified insurance professional is very helpful.

For a general overview, see this guide to business insurance basics. Use it as a starting point, then get quotes for coverage such as general liability, commercial auto, coverage for equipment, and workers’ compensation when you have employees.

Choose Your Business Name and Brand Identity

Your name and image do more than look nice on a truck. They help people remember and trust you. For a local tree service, a clear, simple name that signals what you do works well.

Once you have a short list, check name availability with your state’s business registry and your county clerk if required. Also check domain names and social media handles so you can keep a consistent identity online.

To bring your brand together, you can:

• Use this guide to corporate identity to plan your logo, truck lettering, and paperwork style
• Review this article on business cards so your cards look professional and useful
• Check these business sign considerations if you will have visible signage at a yard or office
• Plan your website with this website planning guide so you do not waste money on a site that does not fit your needs

Plan Your Equipment, Tools, and Software

Equipment is a major part of a tree service startup. You do not need every piece of machinery on day one, but you need enough to do your planned work safely and efficiently.

Start with a clear list. Then you can collect prices, choose what to buy now, what to finance, and what to add later as revenue grows.

Here is a general equipment outline for a small tree service:

• Vehicles and main machinery
  • Work truck with load space for brush and wood
  • Trailer for equipment and debris
  • Brush chipper sized for the work you plan to do
  • Stump grinder
  • Aerial lift or bucket truck, if you will offer aerial work from the start
  • Compact loader or mini skid steer to move logs and brush, if your work justifies it
• Cutting and pruning tools
  • Professional chainsaws in different sizes for ground and in-tree work
  • Pole saws and pole pruners
  • Hand saws, loppers, and hand pruners
  • Chain sharpening tools and files
• Climbing and rigging gear
  • Climbing saddles or harnesses
  • Climbing ropes designed for tree work
  • Rigging ropes for lowering branches and logs
  • Climbing spurs for removals
  • Ascenders, descenders, and friction devices intended for arborist systems
  • Pulleys, blocks, slings, and anchor straps
  • Approved carabiners and connectors
  • Throw lines and throw bags
• Personal protective equipment
  • Helmets suited for tree work, with chin straps
  • Eye and face protection
  • Hearing protection
  • Chainsaw leg protection, such as chaps or pants
  • Strong work gloves
  • High visibility vests or clothing
  • Sturdy safety boots with good traction
• Traffic control and safety items
  • Traffic cones and warning signs for work near roads
  • Caution tape or temporary barriers
  • Two-way radios or similar communication devices
  • First-aid kits for each vehicle
  • Portable fire extinguishers
• Debris handling and clean-up tools
  • Rakes, shovels, and brooms
  • Leaf blowers
  • Log handling tools such as log tongs and cant hooks
  • Hand trucks or dollies
  • Tarps for protecting lawns and collecting debris
  • Approved fuel containers and storage for oils and lubricants
• Measuring and diagnostic tools
  • Diameter tape and measuring tape
  • Basic height measurement tools
  • Simple soil and tree condition tools if you plan plant health work
• Office and software tools
  • Computer or tablet with internet access
  • Business phone or dedicated line
  • Accounting software or a simple cloud system
  • Scheduling and customer management tools
  • Invoicing and payment processing system
  • Backup system for records and photos

Estimate Your Startup Costs and Plan Funding

Once you have your equipment and setup list, you can research prices and build a first draft of your startup budget. This helps you decide what you can afford now and what will wait until the business is stable.

Do not worry about making a perfect budget. Focus on being realistic. Include registration fees, deposits, safety gear, early marketing costs, and some reserve for repairs.

If you want a guide for this step, you can use this article on estimating startup costs. For funding ideas, you can read this guide to getting a business loan. Many new owners use a mix of savings, small loans, and equipment financing. Choose the approach that keeps you safe and steady.

Write a Simple, Useful Business Plan

A business plan is not just for banks. It helps you think through your decisions before you spend money. It does not need to be fancy. It needs to be clear enough that you can follow it.

Your plan can cover your services, target customers, pricing approach, equipment list, marketing ideas, and basic financial projections. You can keep it as a living document that you adjust as you learn.

If you want help with structure, see this guide on writing a business plan. It will help you organize your thoughts, even if no one else ever reads the plan.

Set Your Pricing and Policies

Pricing can feel confusing at first. You need to cover labor, equipment, fuel, disposal, insurance, and your own pay. You also need to stay competitive for your area and service level.

A good early step is to write down how you will estimate jobs. Think about travel time, complexity, risk, clean-up, and disposal. Decide how you will charge for emergency work, weekend work, and work near hazards.

For extra help with this step, you can review this article on pricing products and services. Use it to avoid guessing and to build a simple, logical method you can refine later.

Set Up Your Financial Accounts and Office Systems

Separating your business money from your personal money from day one makes life easier. A basic setup is usually enough when you are starting out.

You can open a business checking account once your business is registered and you have any needed tax numbers. You can also speak with an accountant about bookkeeping tools and simple systems for tracking income and expenses.

At this stage, consider:

• Business bank account and possibly a small business credit card
• Bookkeeping software or a cloud system your accountant supports
• Secure ways to accept payments, such as cards and electronic payments
• Standard templates for estimates, work orders, and invoices

Plan Your Physical Setup and Storage

Even if customers never visit your site, you still need a safe, organized base. This is where you park trucks, store fuel, and keep high-value gear when it is not in use.

If you use a home base, check local zoning rules before you invest in sheds or parking. If you rent a yard or small shop, confirm that the landlord and local codes allow your type of use.

For a small tree service, your physical setup usually includes:

• Parking for trucks, trailers, and chippers
• Secure storage for saws, climbing gear, and small tools
• An office corner or small room for your computer, files, and phone
• A safe fuel storage area that meets local fire and safety rules

Preview a Day in the Life of an Owner

Before you launch, it helps to picture a normal workday. This can show you if the lifestyle fits the way you want to live and work.

A typical day for a small tree service owner might start early, with a weather check and a quick look at the schedule. Then there is equipment inspection, loading trucks, and driving to the first job. During the day, the owner may lead the crew, talk with customers, and take calls for new work.

In the evening, there is often paperwork. You might review completed jobs, send invoices, order fuel or parts, and plan the next day’s work. When storms hit, the days can be longer and less predictable. This rhythm is important to understand before you commit.

What to Look Out for Before You Start

Tree work can be rewarding, but it also has risks that are easy to underestimate when you are just getting started. Looking out for these early helps you plan safer and smarter.

Here are some areas to pay close attention to:

• Safety culture: Tree work involves height, heavy wood, and sharp tools. Build a habit of safety from the first day with training, proper gear, and clear procedures.
• Licensing and rules: Your area may have specific rules for tree removal, tree preservation, or pesticide use. Check with your city, county, and state agencies before offering those services.
• Disposal and environmental rules: Learn where you can legally dump or recycle wood and brush. Some areas limit burning or dumping of yard debris.
• Insurance expectations: Many commercial customers will expect proof of coverage before they hire you. Plan ahead so you can meet these requirements.
• Weather and health: Hot days, cold days, rain, and storm work can be hard on your body. Build routines that protect your health and energy.

Prepare Your Marketing and First Customer Experience

You do not have to launch with a huge advertising campaign. Simple, clear information that helps people trust you is often enough to begin.

A basic setup is usually a small website, a few clear photos of your work, and accurate contact information on major search and map services. Add simple truck lettering and business cards you can hand out on site and in your community.

To shape your customer experience, you can:

• Use this guide on winning first-time customers to think through your first impressions
• Review these grand opening ideas if you plan a public event or local promotion
• Align your website with your brand using the website planning guide mentioned earlier

Pre-Launch Checklist for Your Tree Service

By the time you reach this point, you have made many decisions. A short checklist makes sure you cover the essentials before you take on your first paying job.

You can adjust this list to fit your situation, but it gives you a clear starting point. Use it to spot anything you still need to handle.

Before launch, confirm that you have:

• Decided that business ownership fits you and that a tree service supports your goals
• Spoken with at least a couple of experienced owners outside your future service area
• Chosen your services, customers, and basic business model
• Checked demand, competition, and basic profit potential in your area
• Selected a legal structure with help from a qualified professional
• Registered your business and obtained required numbers and licenses
• Arranged suitable insurance for your level of risk
• Chosen a business name, domain, and basic brand identity
• Secured a place to park and store your vehicles and equipment
• Acquired essential equipment, safety gear, and software to handle jobs and billing
• Estimated startup costs and arranged funding or savings
• Written a simple business plan you can follow and update
• Set a basic pricing structure and clear work policies
• Opened a business bank account and set up bookkeeping
• Created a simple website and basic marketing materials
• Tested your equipment and safety routines on practice jobs

From here, your learning will come from real jobs and real customers. You do not have to be perfect when you start. You only need to be prepared, safe, and ready to improve as you go.

101 Tips for Running Your Tree Service

Running a tree service is demanding, hands-on work that combines physical labor, safety, and business decisions every day.

These tips are designed to help you build a safer, more profitable company while you learn how to lead crews, serve customers, and manage the numbers behind the scenes.

What to Do Before Starting

1. Clarify why you want a tree service business and what kind of work you actually enjoy, so your daily reality matches your long-term motivation.
2. Shadow or work for an established tree service for a season before starting your own, so you see the physical demands, safety routines, and job pace up close.
3. Decide which services you will offer at the start, such as removals, pruning, and stump grinding, based on the skills and equipment you already have or can realistically add.
4. Research demand and competition in your service area using public data, storm history, and neighborhood observation so you know there is enough profitable work before you commit.
5. Check your state and local rules on licensing, pesticide use, and work near roads or utilities so you know exactly which approvals you need before opening.
6. Build a realistic startup budget that includes equipment, safety gear, insurance, fuel, maintenance, registration fees, and a cash cushion for slow months.
7. Choose a legal structure with help from an accountant or attorney so you understand how liability and taxes will work from day one.
8. Talk with an insurance professional early to learn what coverage customers and contracts will expect from a tree service in your area.
9. Line up disposal and recycling options for logs, chips, and brush so you are not scrambling to find a dump site the week you start taking jobs.
10. Decide how far you are willing to travel for jobs and define a core service radius that keeps fuel and drive time under control.
11. Draft a basic written safety policy and training plan so you buy equipment that supports safe work instead of trying to fit safety around what you already own.
12. Build relationships with a mechanic, equipment dealer, sharpening service, and rental yard so you have support in place when something breaks or you need extra capacity.

What Successful Tree Service Owners Do

13. Successful tree service owners treat safety as non-negotiable by holding regular safety talks, enforcing personal protective equipment, and stopping work when conditions are unsafe.
14. They track job profitability by comparing the time, crew size, and equipment used on each job to the price they charged, then adjust pricing based on real numbers.
15. They schedule regular maintenance for chippers, stump grinders, trucks, and saws instead of waiting until a breakdown takes a crew out of service.
16. They invest in training and credentials over time so the company can handle more complex work and stand out when customers compare providers.
17. They build recurring work such as annual pruning or inspection plans so revenue is not based only on emergency calls and large removals.
18. They document their procedures for estimating, job setup, cutting, rigging, and cleanup so crews work consistently even when the owner is not on site.
19. They delegate tasks like bookkeeping, payroll, or advanced climbing to the people best suited for them so the owner can focus on planning and direction.
20. They participate in trade associations, training events, and peer groups to stay current on safety, equipment, and business practices.
21. They maintain a cash reserve and manage debt carefully so a slow season or major repair does not put the company at risk.
22. They use structured estimating methods instead of guessing, so prices reflect labor, equipment, disposal, and overhead on every job.

Running the Business (Operations, Staffing, SOPs)

23. Use a central calendar or scheduling system so everyone knows which crew, truck, and chipper are assigned to each job.
24. Create a standard workflow from first call to final invoice that includes steps for estimating, scheduling, job completion, and payment.
25. Use a pre-job checklist each morning to confirm fuel, chains, ropes, personal protective gear, and tools are on the truck before it leaves the yard.
26. Hold a short job briefing at every site to review the plan, hazards, escape routes, and communication signals before the first cut.
27. Plan your routes so crews work in clusters of nearby jobs whenever possible to reduce drive time and fuel use.
28. Take clear before-and-after photos of each job to document work, support invoices, and help with future estimates on similar trees.
29. Track how long each type of job actually takes by tree size and difficulty so your estimates become more accurate over time.
30. Set written procedures for storing, transporting, and dispensing fuel so you meet local fire rules and reduce spills.
31. Inspect ropes, saddles, helmets, and other safety gear on a regular schedule and remove damaged items from service immediately.
32. Write down how to safely shut down and secure equipment such as chippers and stump grinders so every crew can follow the same process.
33. Define crew roles for each job, such as lead climber, ground support, and traffic control, so everyone knows their responsibilities.
34. Use a structured hiring process that checks references and confirms basic physical ability and safety awareness before bringing someone onto a crew.
35. Provide clear written job descriptions that explain tasks, work hours, pay structure, and safety expectations during onboarding.
36. Track labor hours, equipment use, disposal costs, and fuel on each job so you can see which services and job types are most profitable.
37. Set specific weather rules for stopping work, such as high winds, lightning in the area, or extreme heat, and follow them even when you are busy.
38. Keep a backup communication plan such as simple radio channels in case phones or network-based apps are unavailable on a site.

What to Know About the Industry (Rules, Seasons, Supply, Risks)

39. Understand that tree care is a high-risk industry where falls, struck-by incidents, and electrical contact are common hazards, and plan your training around those risks.
40. Learn how general industry safety standards apply to tree work so you know what regulators expect when they inspect your operation.
41. Study best management practices and recognized standards for pruning and tree care so your techniques protect tree health as well as safety.
42. Know which local or federal wildlife rules apply to nesting birds or protected habitats in your area so you schedule work outside sensitive periods when required.
43. Recognize that storms can create sudden waves of emergency work, and prepare plans for staffing, pricing, and scheduling before severe weather season arrives.
44. Learn the seasonal growth patterns and pest cycles for common trees in your region so you can recommend pruning and treatments at the best times.
45. Stay aware of supply chain lead times for critical parts and equipment so you can keep essential items in stock rather than waiting weeks for repairs.
46. Understand your state and local rules for working near roads, including when you must use cones, signs, and lane closures, so crews stay within the law.
47. Learn local tree preservation and heritage tree rules so you do not remove or heavily prune regulated trees without the required permits.
48. If you offer treatments, keep up with pesticide licensing and recordkeeping rules in your state so your applications stay compliant during audits.

Marketing (Local, Digital, Offers, Community)

49. Claim your listings on online search platforms and keep your contact information, service area, and hours consistent everywhere.
50. Show real photos of your crews and equipment at work so prospective customers can see the scale and style of jobs you handle.
51. Ask satisfied customers for honest online reviews soon after you complete work and make it easy for them with clear instructions.
52. Keep your website focused on your services, locations served, and ways to contact you, rather than cluttering it with distractions that confuse visitors.
53. Mention your training, credentials, and insurance clearly in your marketing so customers understand you take safety and responsibility seriously.
54. Use vehicle lettering and, where allowed, yard signs near completed jobs to quietly show neighbors who handled the work.
55. Track how many calls, estimates, and paid jobs come from each marketing channel so you can stop spending on methods that do not pay off.
56. Build referral relationships with roofers, gutter cleaners, landscapers, and property managers who often see tree problems before the owner calls a tree service.
57. Send friendly seasonal reminders to past customers about storm preparation, dead limb removal, or clearance work so you stay top of mind.
58. Support local events, youth teams, or community programs that match your values and service area so your name becomes familiar in a positive way.
59. Use simple before-and-after job stories in your marketing to help people understand what you did and why it solved a problem.
60. Offer more than one way to request an estimate, such as phone, text, or a short online form, so people with different preferences can reach you easily.
61. Reply quickly to inquiries, even if you are booked, and give people clear timeframes so they are not left wondering if you will show up.
62. Keep your company name, colors, and logo the same on trucks, uniforms, documents, and online profiles so customers recognize you at a glance.

Dealing with Customers (Trust, Education, Retention)

63. Walk the site with each customer, listen to their concerns, and repeat back what you heard before you suggest work.
64. Explain technical tree issues in everyday language so customers understand the risks and benefits of pruning, cabling, or removal.
65. When possible, present options such as immediate removal, staged work over time, or monitoring, and explain the pros and cons of each path.
66. Put every estimate in writing with clear language about what is included, what is excluded, and how debris will be handled.
67. Be upfront when a job is beyond your equipment or experience and refer the customer to a qualified specialist instead of trying to do it anyway.
68. Set realistic start dates and time windows and update customers promptly if weather, access, or emergencies change the schedule.
69. At the end of each job, walk the property with the customer when possible and confirm that work and cleanup match what was agreed.
70. Keep simple notes on each customer, such as tree species, past work, and preferences, so you can tailor your recommendations during future visits.
71. After major storms, check in with regular customers whose properties are at higher risk and offer assessments when you can safely do so.
72. Treat every estimate visit as a chance to teach customers how to spot hazards and plan long-term care for their trees, even if they postpone work.

Customer Service (Policies, Guarantees, Feedback)

73. Set clear phone and message response times in your outgoing message so customers know when they will hear back from you.
74. Define a standard for cleanup, including raking, blowing, and where logs or chips can be left, so every crew leaves properties in similar condition.
75. Decide what type of satisfaction or workmanship guarantee you can sustain and describe it in your written estimates and invoices.
76. Record every complaint or callback in a simple log and review them regularly to see patterns that training or new procedures could fix.
77. Encourage customers to bring problems to you directly and respond calmly so they feel heard rather than pushed toward public complaints.
78. Follow up after large or complex jobs to confirm that there are no lingering concerns and to answer any new questions that came up afterward.
79. During disputes, focus on facts, contracts, and safety rather than emotion, and propose specific steps to resolve the situation when possible.
80. Keep a record of positive comments, thank-you notes, and good reviews and share them with your crew so they see how their work affects real people.

Sustainability (Waste, Sourcing, Long-Term)

81. Work with mulch producers, compost facilities, or biomass plants to send chips and smaller material into productive uses instead of landfills.
82. Develop regular outlets for logs such as firewood processors, small mills, or woodworkers so large pieces do not pile up in your yard.
83. Plan routes that combine nearby jobs and reduce backtracking so you burn less fuel while still serving your full market area.
84. Service engines, sharpen chains, and maintain hydraulics on schedule so equipment runs efficiently and lasts longer.
85. Train crews to protect lawns, garden beds, and desirable trees during set up and removal so your work leaves the property in better condition overall.
86. Consider gradually adding lower-noise or more efficient tools in dense neighborhoods where sound and emissions matter to customers.

Staying Informed (Trends, Sources, Cadence)

87. Join at least one tree care or arborist association so you have access to training, standards, and peer advice beyond what you can learn alone.
88. Set aside time each month to read articles, standards updates, or case studies about pruning, risk assessment, and safety in tree care.
89. Subscribe to safety bulletins and incident reports from trusted sources so you can learn from accidents that happened elsewhere instead of repeating them.
90. Attend in-person or online workshops regularly to maintain required licenses and keep your techniques current.
91. Network with other owners and managers at events so you can compare notes on pricing, staffing, and changing regulations in your region.

Adapting to Change (Seasonality, Shocks, Competition, Tech)

92. Build a yearly work calendar that highlights peak seasons for removals, pruning, pest issues, and storm preparation so your marketing and staffing match demand.
93. Keep a dedicated emergency fund so slow seasons, delayed payments, or big repairs do not force you into rushed decisions.
94. After major storms, review how your company handled call volume, scheduling, and safety, and adjust your procedures before the next event.
95. When new competitors enter your area, focus on sharpening your service quality and customer experience rather than reacting with deep discounts.
96. Test new tools, software, or work methods with one crew or a short trial before changing how the entire company operates.

What Not to Do

97. Do not allow anyone to climb, run a saw aloft, or work near energized lines unless they have the training, gear, and supervision appropriate for that level of risk.
98. Do not skip hazard assessments or job briefings because a property feels familiar; conditions can change between visits.
99. Do not operate without appropriate business and liability insurance because a single serious incident could close your doors.
100. Do not ignore permit requirements, tree protection ordinances, or right-of-way rules, even when customers pressure you to cut corners.
101. Do not chase every possible service or distant job; instead, focus on the work and areas where you can consistently perform safe, profitable, high-quality work.

 

Sources: OSHA, Tree Care Industry Association, International Society of Arboriculture, TreesAreGood, Arbor Day Foundation, U.S. Small Business Administration, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Association of Landscape Professionals, Internal Revenue Service