How to Start a Tree Service Business: 5 Insider Tips

If you’ve ever wondered how to start a tree service business (or expand your existing lawn and landscape company into tree care), you’re in the right place. Adding tree services can boost revenue, increase client retention, and position your company as a one-stop outdoor service provider. 

In this guide, you’ll discover how to:

• Turn your existing client base into immediate tree service revenue
• Train and certify your crews for premium tree care work
• Invest wisely in equipment without straining cash flow
• Streamline operations with field service software
• Build long-term recurring revenue through maintenance contracts

No matter what stage of growth your company is at, this guide will provide you with the proven steps you need to set you up for lasting success and scalability.

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1. Tap into Existing Clients for Fast Revenue

Your current client base is the fastest way to launch your tree service business. They already know and trust you—why let them hire someone else?

Start With These Services:

• Seasonal pruning and trimming (complements regular maintenance visits)
• Tree health assessments (upsell during lawn care consults)
• Storm damage prevention and cleanup (emergency revenue during peak seasons)
• Diseased tree identification and treatment (positions you as the property care expert)

Proven Launch Strategy:

• Survey properties during routine service visits for obvious tree care needs
• Offer complimentary tree assessments as add-ons to current contracts
• Send targeted emails (or flyers) announcing your new services
• Bundle tree care with existing services to increase contract values

This approach allows you to generate revenue immediately without heavy upfront investment while building on your crew's existing skills (perfect for strategic scaling). As demand grows, you can scale equipment and expertise strategically instead of betting big before proving the market.

2. Get ISA Certified to Command Premium Rates

ISA certification (International Society of Arboriculture) is the industry gold standard, and it directly impacts your pricing power.

Benefits of Certification:

• Command up to 2-3x higher rates than uncertified competitors
• Qualify for high-paying commercial contracts and municipal bids
• Reduce liability through standardized safety protocols
• Build credibility with high-value clients immediately

Pro Tip! Start by certifying your most experienced crew leaders who already understand plant care and safety protocols. Once certified, they can train additional team members as your tree service division scales, creating a sustainable growth path without hiring externally.

3. Invest in Essential Equipment the Smart Way

Start with versatile equipment that serves multiple purposes across your service lines. Remember, tree service equipment can get expensive fast, so scale your purchases strategically.

Start Small Equipment List:

• Pruning tools and pole saws
• Safety gear and harnesses
• Basic chainsaws
• Ladders and hand tools that work for both landscaping and tree care

Expanded Equipment Investments:

• Stump grinders
• Specialized climbing gear for certified arborists
• Truck modifications for equipment transport

Avoid overspending before you’ve secured steady work. As always, protect your cash flow and scale sustainably.

4. Streamline Operations With Field Service Software

Running multiple service lines adds complexity. Field service software helps you manage it all without drowning in administrative tasks.

Service Autopilot Makes it Simple:

• Schedule mixed crews for tree and lawn jobs
• Optimize routes to reduce wasted time
• Automate invoicing and payments
• Track employee time and location in real-time
• Sync seamlessly with QuickBooks
• Effortlessly generate profitability reports

Service Autopilot's field service software helps established companies manage multiple service offerings efficiently. You can schedule mixed crews for combination jobs, automate invoicing, and offer bundled services seamlessly.

Stay organized, serve more clients, and scale faster without adding extra office staff—THAT is the power of Service Autopilot.

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5. Build Recurring Revenue With Tree Care Contracts

One-off projects generate income, but recurring contracts generate sustainability.

Maintenance Agreement Benefits:

• Consistent cash flow
• Seasonal pruning and preventive care
• Reduced emergencies and liability for clients
• More upselling opportunities (irrigation, plant health, landscaping)

Position tree care as part of long-term property management, not just one-off work.

Extra Step: Cover Legal and Insurance Basics (Don’t Skip This)

Before fully launching, make sure your business is protected:

• Secure the right licenses and permits (requirements vary by state)
• Carry liability and workers’ comp insurance
• Follow OSHA safety guidelines

This protects both your business and your clients while building trust.

Your Next Move: How to Start a Tree Service Business

You know how to start a tree service business and have everything you need to launch a profitable tree service division. Existing clients who trust you, experienced crews ready to learn, and operational systems already in place. Now, it's time to put that foundation to work.

Here's your roadmap for success:

1. Audit current properties for tree care opportunities
2. Train or certify key crew members
3. Start with basic equipment and scale as demand grows
4. Use Service Autopilot to manage operations, billing, and scheduling
5. Sell maintenance contracts to secure long-term scalability

With the right strategy and software, you can turn your tree service business into a profitable, recurring revenue powerhouse.

Ready to launch? Book a demo with Service Autopilot and see how easy it is to manage your new division.

Related: How to Become an Arborist: A Step-by-Step Guide

Originally published Aug 30, 2022 7:00 AM. Updated on Oct 3, 2025 at 10:45AM