Tree Services Business Income — How Much Does It Make?

Monthly Revenue

$12K–$40K

realistic range

Startup Cost

$15K–$60K

to get started

Hourly Rate

$100–$300

per hour billed

Complexity

4/4

skill required

The Business

Tree services cover trimming, removal, stump grinding, and emergency storm work. A single large tree removal can pay $5,000-15,000. Routine trimming pays $300-1,500 per job. Storm damage work commands emergency rates of 2-3x normal pricing. The business requires real skill and carries real risk, which keeps pricing high and competition manageable.

How to Start

Get ISA arborist certification ($200 exam) and solid liability insurance ($2K-5K/year). Start with trimming work using chainsaws and climbing gear ($3K-5K). As revenue grows, add a chipper ($8K-15K used) and eventually a bucket truck ($25K-40K used). Partner with property managers and HOAs for recurring contracts.

REAL EXAMPLE

A tree service in Atlanta runs 3 crews doing $35K/month in revenue, with storm season months hitting $60K+ from emergency removal work.

Equipment Needed

▸Chainsaw (multiple sizes)
▸Chipper ($5K-20K)
▸Bucket truck or climbing gear
▸Stump grinder
▸Safety rigging

Licensing

Business license + ISA certification recommended + insurance

Monthly Search Volume

2,400

people/month search for this business

READY TO START?

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Revenue Calculator

Jobs per Week8

Revenue per Job$1,200

Weekly Hours40 hrs

Startup Cost$30,000

Weekly Revenue

$9.6K

Monthly Revenue

$41.3K

Annual Revenue

$495.4K

Monthly Profit

$37.3K

Break-Even

1 month

Hourly Rate

$240

Monthly costs: $4,000/mo (insurance, fuel, supplies)

CHRIS'S TAKE

“Tree services have the widest revenue range of any boring business. A solo trimmer makes $8K/month. A crew with a bucket truck and chipper makes $35K. The path from one to the other is clear and well-documented.”

PRO TIP

Storm chasing is real money — drive to areas hit by severe weather and offer emergency removal services. Post-storm rates are 2-3x normal and homeowners pay cash same-day.

READY TO MAKE IT OFFICIAL?

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ACQUISITION ROUTE

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TOOLS TO RUN THIS BUSINESS

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