How to Start a Tree Service Business
Setting up a tree care company: credentials, the rules to check in your state, cover for risky work, and billing the first removal.
Tree work combines climbing, cutting and heavy equipment, so credentials and insurance come up before the first job. This page sets out the order. Billing removals, stump grinding and storm work is on the tree service invoicing guide linked below.
The BLS profile of grounds maintenance workers (In the US, last modified September 14, 2026) says of certification: "Although professional certification is not required, it demonstrates competency and reliability for prospective clients and employers." It also says: "Tree trimmers and pruners have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations." Ask your state and city whether tree work needs a license or permit where you operate.
First job invoice, sample figures only: one tree removal at 1 × $650.00, stump grinding at 1 × $150.00 and haul-away at 1 × $90.00 total $650.00 + $150.00 + $90.00 = $890.00.
Step-by-step startup guide
Follow these steps to launch your tree service business on solid footing.
- 1
Choose the work you'll take on
Decide whether you'll offer pruning, removals, stump grinding or storm cleanup, and which jobs need equipment you don't own yet.
- 2
Weigh arborist certification
The BLS grounds maintenance profile (In the US, last modified September 14, 2026) says: "Although professional certification is not required, it demonstrates competency and reliability for prospective clients and employers."
- 3
Check state and local rules
Ask your state and city whether tree work needs a license or permit. For treatments, the BLS profile (In the US, last modified September 14, 2026) says: "For information about becoming a licensed pesticide applicator, contact your state’s licensing official."
- 4
Form the company and get an EIN
Choose a structure with professional advice and complete your state's registration. The SBA (In the US, SBA, checked October 31, 2026) says: "Your Employer Identification Number (EIN) is your business’s federal tax ID number."
- 5
Line up insurance
The SBA (In the US, SBA, checked October 31, 2026) says: "You also may be legally required to purchase certain types of business insurance." Talk with an insurance agent who covers tree care work.
- 6
Quote, then bill the first job
Send a written quote for each tree, and after the work is done invoice the same lines with a due date.
Tips for starting your tree service business
- Photograph each tree before and after the job and keep the photos with the invoice.
- Put cleanup and haul-away on their own quote lines, so clients see what's included.
- Keep equipment repair receipts together, sorted by machine.
- The IRS self-employment tax page (In the US, IRS, last reviewed or updated October 30, 2026) says: "The self-employment tax rate is 15.3%." Set some of each job's payment aside.
How Billed helps you get started
Features to look at as you set up your business.
Estimate Templates
Billed's features page says: "Create professional estimates with Billed App estimate templates."
Get Estimate Approval
Billed's features page says: "Get estimate approval from your customer twice as fast by sending them online."
Accept Credit Cards
Billed's features page says: "Accept credit card payments on your invoices with Billed App."
Attach Receipts
Billed's features page says: "Never lose a single receipt again. Keep all of your receipts in Billed App."
Frequently asked questions
More Startup Guides
Send Your First Invoice
Create invoices, track payments and keep your clients' details in one place with Billed.
At a glance
| Topic | Where to look | Quoted here |
|---|---|---|
| Arborist certification | BLS | BLS (In the US, last modified September 14, 2026) |
| Tree work licenses or permits | Your state and city | Pointer only |
| Pesticide licensing | Your state's licensing official | BLS (In the US, last modified September 14, 2026) |
| First invoice | You | Tree service invoicing guide |
When this isn't for you
If you'll climb for an established tree care company as an employee, these business setup steps aren't for you.