Running a tree service business is more than just cutting down trees---it's about finding the right customers and keeping them coming back. You might be the best arborist in town, but if people don't know about you, your phone won't ring.
Marketing doesn't have to be complicated. It's about showing up where your customers are, building trust, and making it easy for them to choose you. Whether you've searched for a marketing agency near me or tried running ads yourself, the key is consistency. A solid strategy brings in steady work, not just one-time jobs.
Let's break down the best ways to market your tree service---no fluff, just what actually works.
1. Know Exactly Who You're Trying to Reach
Not everyone needs a tree service. Your best customers are:
- Homeowners with large, old trees that need trimming or removal.
- Property managers responsible for maintaining apartment complexes or commercial lots.
- Construction companies clearing land for new developments.
- Municipalities handling public parks or roadside trees.
Why this matters: If you try to market to everyone, you'll waste money. Focus on the people who actually hire you.
Story Suggestion: Think about your last five jobs. What did those customers have in common? Was it the type of tree, the neighborhood, or something else?
2. Build a Website That Works for You (Not Against You)
Most customers will check your website before calling. If it looks outdated or confusing, they'll move on to the next tree service.
What Your Website Needs:
- ✔ Clear service descriptions (tree removal, stump grinding, emergency storm cleanup)
- ✔ Before-and-after photos (show your work, don't just describe it)
- ✔ Customer reviews (real quotes build trust)
- ✔ A big, easy-to-find phone number (don't make people search for it)
Example: A tree service owner in Texas redesigned his website with better photos and a simple contact form. His leads doubled in three months.
Story Suggestion: Have you ever lost a job because your website didn't look professional? Or landed one because it did?
3. Get Found on Google (Local SEO)
When someone searches "tree removal near me," you want to be at the top. Here's how:
Google My Business (GMB) Optimization
- Claim your listing (free and essential).
- Add high-quality photos of your team, equipment, and past jobs.
- Ask happy customers to leave reviews (respond to every one).
Local Keywords
Use phrases like:
- "Emergency tree service [Your City]"
- "Affordable stump grinding near me"
- "Best arborist in [Your Town]"
Example: A small tree care company in Ohio started optimizing their GMB profile and saw a 40% increase in calls within two months.
Story Suggestion: Has a customer ever mentioned finding you on Google? What made them pick you over competitors?
4. Use Social Media to Show Your Work
Facebook and Instagram aren't just for personal use---they're powerful marketing tools for tree services.
What to Post:
- ✅ Before-and-after job photos (people love transformations)
- ✅ Short videos of tricky removals (show your expertise)
- ✅ Customer testimonials (video reviews work best)
- ✅ Storm response updates (if you offer emergency services)
Pro Tip: Run small, targeted Facebook ads to homeowners in your area. Even $5/day can bring in leads.
Story Suggestion: What's the most engagement you've ever gotten on a social media post? Did it lead to any jobs?
5. Keep Past Customers Coming Back
Repeat business is easier than finding new customers. Stay in touch with:
- Email check-ins ("It's been a year since we trimmed your oak---need a touch-up?")
- Seasonal promotions (discounts on stump grinding in the off-season)
- Loyalty discounts ("Refer a friend and get $50 off your next service")
Example: One tree service sends a simple postcard twice a year to past clients. They get 3-5 repeat jobs from each mailing.
Story Suggestion: Has a past customer ever called you back years later? What made them remember you?
6. Partner with Related Businesses (Networking That Works)
You're not the only one homeowners call for property work. Build relationships with:
- Landscapers (they often get asked about tree removal)
- Roofing companies (trees damage roofs---they need reliable referrals)
- Real estate agents (home inspections often flag tree hazards)
How to Start: Drop off business cards at local landscaping companies. Offer them a small referral fee for sending clients your way.
Story Suggestion: Have you ever gotten a big job through a referral? How did that partnership start?
7. Track What's Working (So You Can Do More of It)
Not every marketing tactic will bring in jobs. Track:
- Where your calls are coming from (Google, Facebook, word-of-mouth?)
- Which services get the most interest (removal vs. trimming vs. stump grinding)
- What time of year is busiest (so you can plan ahead)
Example: A tree service owner noticed most of his calls came from Google My Business, so he focused more on SEO and less on flyers. His cost per lead dropped by 30%.
Story Suggestion: Have you ever stopped a marketing tactic because it wasn't working? What did you switch to instead?
Final Thought: Be the Go-To Tree Expert in Your Area
Marketing isn't about gimmicks---it's about being visible, trustworthy, and easy to hire. Focus on the strategies that actually bring in jobs, and drop what doesn't work.
The Designocracy, a branding agency, helped a tree service owner rebrand his business with a professional logo and truck wraps. Within months, he stood out in his market and landed bigger contracts.
Story Suggestion: What's one thing you wish customers knew about your business before they hire you?
