How to Start a Tree Service Business: 11 Steps to Success

1. Become a certified arborist

Becoming a qualified arborist will set you apart from other tree service professionals and help you book more work in this competitive industry. It will also help you stay safe in often-dangerous work environments.

To become an ISA-certified arborist, visit the International Society of Arboriculture (ISAs) website and apply for eligibility.

2. Write a business plan

Writing a business plan helps you start your tree service business on the right foot and make decisions in line with your goals.

A business plan will also help attract investors if you need financing to get up and running.

Your tree service business plan should include:

• Cover page with your business name, logo, and contact information
• Executive summary that gives a quick overview of your business, how much money you need to get up and running, and what sets you apart from the competition
• Business overview with a summary of your business history and structure
• Tree services list and pricing strategy showing what your business will offer customers
• Market analysis identifying who your potential customers are in your service area, what tree services they need, and how much they’re willing to pay for tree care services
• Competitive analysis that describes what makes your business different from competing arborist businesses in your service area
• Marketing plan that shows how you’ll attract potential customers to your tree care business
• Financial plan that details the money coming into and going out of your business for the first year (including a budget, sales forecast, and any staffing costs)

3. Get business financing

If you don’t have money already set aside, you’ll need business financing to buy insurance, purchase tools and equipment, and advertise your tree care services. Consider options like:

• Business loans: Apply for a small business loan or line of credit from your bank, or through an online lender like Fundera or OnDeck. 
• Government funding: Get a small business grant, loan, or find an investor through the Small Business Administration’s funding programs. You’ll also want to check with your local government to see what federal or state-level business grants are available to you. 
• Credit card: Pick a business credit card with a low interest rate to help with cash flow while you’re just starting out.
• Small business grants: The Jobber Grants program offers $150,000 in available funding to recognize excellence in small home services businesses.

4. Register your business

To legally operate your business, you’ll first need to register it. Here’s how:

• Choose your legal structure: In the US, you can choose between a limited liability company, sole proprietorship, or partnership. An LLC is often the go-to business structure because business owners have limited liability if sued. 
• Register your business name: If you live in the U.S., you’ll need to register your tree service business with local, state, and federal agencies. Run a trademark search to make sure your tree company name isn’t already taken.
• Apply for a business license and get the necessary permits. The requirements may vary depending on where you live, so contact your local municipality to clarify. (Here’s how to register your name in Canada, the UK, or Australia.)
• Register for taxes: Get your employer identification number (EIN) from the IRS so you can file taxes. You’ll also need your EIN to open a business bank account.

5. Purchase tree service insurance

The work you do is dangerous, and you’re regularly operating equipment that has huge risks attached. To protect you and your clients in the event of an accident, you’ll need to invest in tree service business insurance. 

Your small business insurance coverage should include:

• General liability insurance to cover an injury on the job or damage to your client’s property
• Commercial property insurance to cover any damage to your property or tree care equipment
• Business income insurance to keep your business up and running after an incident or disaster
• Workers’ compensation insurance to cover employee injuries on the job
• Professional liability insurance to cover claims and lawsuits over professional mistakes
• Commercial auto insurance to cover collision or damage claims to your company vehicle

You might find you need added types of coverage for different purposes. Work with your insurance provider to build a policy that’s right for your tree service business.

6. Choose a business name and design a logo

Your tree company name is the first impression a customer will have of your business. Pick a tree service name that describes your services, is easy to say and remember, and stands out from the competition.

Then design a logo to match your business name. You can choose to work with a designer or create one yourself using an online logo generator like Looka.

Apply your business name and logo to your business cards, uniform, truck, website, and social media so customers can easily recognize your business.

Here’s an example of what your tree service business branding could look like:

7. Price your services for profit

Create a tree service pricing strategy that takes into account what your competition is charging and how much you need to earn to be profitable.

Start by writing a list of the tree services you plan to offer, such as:

• Tree trimming
• Tree removal
• Tree inspection
• Tree pruning
• Deadwooding
• Stump grinding

Then use our service pricing calculator to add up labor costs, material costs, overhead expenses, and profit margin. Expenses should include gas, labor, and insurance premiums for your service area.

8. Set up your small business accounting

Invest in accounting software like QuickBooks Online to help you track expenses, run payroll, and view income at a glance. 

Using small business accounting software from the start will simplify your tax filing and help you keep detailed and accurate financial records.

READ MORE: 30 small business tax deductions to save money when filing

Then open a business bank account and get a business credit card. This will make accounting easier and keep your personal finances separate from your business finances.

10. Get your first customers

To get your business noticed and attract new customers, you’ll need to invest time and money into tree service marketing.

Here are a few ways to get your first customers:

• Build an arborist website that’s easy to navigate and lets customers request new work online.
• Claim your free Google Business Profile and add the tree services you offer, your service area, and your hours of operation.
• Create your Facebook Business page, share content regularly, and include before-and-after photos of every tree service.
• Set up a referral program and get more reviews from satisfied customers.
• Print and distribute tree service flyers, postcards, or door hangers in neighborhoods where you want to work.
• Ask customers to leave behind lawn signs with your business information once a job is done.
• Advertise your business on Google with Local Services ads to reach new customers in your service area.
• Join your local business association and attend community events to connect with potential customers and network with other business owners. (Make sure to bring along plenty of business cards.)

READ MORE: Stan Genadek’s top 7 small business hiring tips

11. Hire your first employees and grow your business

When you’re ready to add new tree service, expand your service area, and take on more work, you’ll know it’s time to hire your first employee. 

Follow these steps to hire a skilled arborist to join your business:

• Decide if you want to hire a subcontractor or employee and figure out how much you can afford to pay them.
• Write an arborist job description that includes the role and responsibilities, as well as the qualifications and personal traits the ideal candidate should have.
• Post your job description on online job boards like Indeed or LinkedIn, and make it clear how potential candidates can apply.
• Book interviews with the best candidates and ask them interview questions to find the right match for your arborist business.
• Make an offer to the top candidate and prepare for their first day, including onboarding and training.
• Join the Tree Care Industry Association to help build safety and training programs, establish policies that help employees perform better, and evaluate your business against industry standards.

READ MORE: Stan Genadek’s top 7 small business hiring tips