Branching Out: Business Tips for Tree Service Pros

Most tree companies focus on removals and trimming.This episode explains why that mindset caps your growth.In this conversation, I sit down with Alex Shy, owner of Shy Tree and a Board Certified Master Arborist, to break down the add-on service that quietly outperforms traditional tree work on profit, efficiency, and long-term revenue.We talk about plant health care as a business model, not just a service.Why standardized offers beat estimates.How recurring revenue changes customer lifetime value.And how Alex turned a simple $600 service into tens of thousands in predictable income.We also go deep on:Why PHC margins can hit 70%+ while removals struggle at 20%How to sell add-on services without more crews or trucksThe Mobile Tree Spa system and why efficiency beats scalingTurning one-time jobs into long-term client relationshipsWhy most tree companies ignore their most profitable opportunityThe future of the tree care industry, safety, regulation, and educationIf you own or run a tree service and want to grow without chaos, this episode will change how you think about your business.Chapters00:00 Intro02:00 From forestry school to tree business owner06:30 Learning the hard way and building from the ground up11:30 Why education and credentials matter14:40 The real business case for plant health care18:30 Recurring revenue vs one-time jobs22:30 Building efficiency instead of scaling crews27:00 Inside the Mobile Tree Spa concept33:00 Standardizing services and eliminating estimates38:30 Productizing tree services43:00 The future of the tree care industry45:30 Final advice for tree business ownersConnect With Alex ShyWebsite: https://www.shytree.comMobile Tree Spa: https://www.mobiletreespa.comInstagram:@alexshy_treeguy@mobiletreespaTikTok:@shytreeguyFollow Branching OutSubscribe for real conversations about growing trade businesses the right way.

In this episode of the Branching Out Podcast, Justin Rademacher breaks down the real business math behind tree service marketing and why obsessing over cheap leads is holding many business owners back.Many tree service owners ask one question first: “How many leads am I going to get?”But that’s the wrong question.In this episode, Justin explains the difference between Cost Per Lead (CPL), Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC), and Lifetime Value (LTV) and shows how these numbers work together to determine whether your marketing is actually profitable.Using simple, realistic examples, Justin walks through:• How to calculate CPL the right way• Why CAC matters more than cost per lead• How close rate impacts your true customer acquisition cost• Why LTV must be measured using profit, not revenue• What a healthy LTV to CAC ratio looks like for tree service companies• Why a 3:1 ratio is survivable but tight• Why 4:1 to 5:1 gives you room to scale• How improving close rate, pricing, and follow-up fixes bad marketing mathJustin also covers a realistic slow-season example, showing how higher CPLs don’t automatically mean marketing is broken and how smart operators adjust instead of panicking.If you run a tree service business and want to:• Spend money on marketing with confidence• Understand what a customer is actually worth• Stop guessing whether your ads are working• Scale without killing cash flowThis episode will give you the framework you need.

In this episode of the Branching Out Podcast, host Justin Rademacher discusses the effectiveness of Facebook ads for tree service businesses. He emphasizes that Facebook ads are not inherently bad, but rather require a strategic approach to succeed. The conversation covers the importance of understanding Facebook as an interruption marketing platform, the significance of retargeting, and the impact of the Andromeda update on ad targeting. Rademacher provides insights on crafting compelling ad copy and creative, targeting the right audience, setting up lead generation campaigns, budgeting for ads, and leveraging organic social media to enhance ad performance. The episode concludes with a recap of key strategies for optimizing Facebook ads in the tree service industry.

SummaryIn this episode, Justin Rademacher discusses the common misconceptions among tree service business owners regarding marketing channels. He emphasizes the importance of a diversified marketing strategy, highlighting the effectiveness of local service ads, pay-per-click advertising, and SEO. Justin explains how each channel works, their advantages, and the necessity of managing them effectively to generate quality leads and grow a tree service business.TakeawaysMany tree service business owners are looking for a magical marketing channel.A diversified marketing strategy is essential for sustainability.Local service ads (LSAs) are a top priority for tree care businesses.PPC is scalable but requires constant management.SEO is important, but ads dominate the first page of Google.Quality leads can be generated through multiple channels.Review velocity can help businesses compete with established competitors.Answering phone calls is crucial for LSA success.Google Ads provide control over budget and targeting.Investing in multiple channels is key to business growth.

If you run a tree service and want to stay busy all year, this replay breaks down exactly what’s working right now and what’s dying out fast. AI, SEO, LSAs, PPC, social. We covered every channel and showed real examples from real tree companies that are winning in today’s market.Inside this replay you’ll see✓ How top tree companies are using AI to get more calls without hiring more staff✓ The new SEO rules that matter in 2026✓ Why LSAs are exploding again and how to dominate your market✓ What’s driving cost per lead down for the companies we manage✓ How to build a simple marketing plan that keeps your crews working steady✓ Common mistakes tree services make that choke their growthIf you missed the live session, this is your chance to catch up and fix your marketing before the busy season hits.No hype. No theory. Just what’s working right now.When you’re ready for a custom plan built around your numbers and your market, go to arboristmarketingpros.com/schedule.

In this conversation, Alex Wright discusses the critical importance of having backup plans and a reliable team in the tree climbing industry. He emphasizes the need for multiple climbers and the necessity of having experienced individuals on standby to ensure that operations can continue smoothly, even in the face of unexpected challenges.Takeaways:The aha moment was realizing the need for backup plans.Having multiple climbers is essential for reliability.It's important to have experienced climbers on speed dial.All your eggs in one basket can lead to disaster.You need a full-time climber and part-time backups.Writing a 1099 for part-time climbers is a viable option.Unexpected challenges can disrupt operations.A reliable team is crucial for success in tree services.Planning for emergencies is key to sustainability.Starting from scratch is not an option when things go wrong.

In this episode of the Branching Out Podcast, host Justin Rademacher dives into the pitfalls of chasing cheap leads and the importance of focusing on quality over quantity. Discover why aligning your agency's goals with your business objectives is crucial for success. Justin shares insights on how to identify red flags in marketing agencies and the significance of understanding your industry's unique needs. Tune in to learn how to build a strategy that truly impacts your bottom line and helps your business grow.

In this conversation, Justin Rademacher discusses the challenges tree service owners face in breaking the $1 million revenue mark. He emphasizes that success is not solely about generating more leads but rather about addressing bottlenecks in production capacity, improving phone processes, and implementing a strategic marketing plan. Rademacher outlines actionable steps for owners to take, including hiring estimators, building systems, and measuring performance to achieve their revenue goals.

In this episode of the Branching Out Podcast, host Justin Rademacher discusses the critical importance of digital marketing diversification for tree service businesses. He shares a cautionary tale about a business owner named Derek, whose reliance on Facebook ads nearly led to bankruptcy after his ad account was disabled. Rademacher emphasizes the need for a marketing portfolio that includes multiple channels to mitigate risks associated with algorithm changes and platform policies. He outlines five essential marketing channels for tree services, including Google ads, SEO, social media, email marketing, and Google Business Profile, and provides a practical 90-day plan for implementing these strategies. The episode concludes with a call to action for business owners to build resilient marketing systems that ensure consistent lead generation and business growth.TakeawaysMany tree service owners are one algorithm change away from bankruptcy.Relying solely on one marketing channel is risky.Building a marketing portfolio is essential for stability.Diversification helps mitigate the impact of platform changes.Google ads can provide high-intent leads but may be more expensive.SEO is a long-term strategy that pays off over time.Email marketing is a powerful tool that many businesses overlook.Regularly updating your Google Business Profile is crucial for visibility.A 90-day plan can help implement and test new marketing channels.Continuous optimization and scaling of successful channels is key to growth.

In this episode of the Branching Out podcast, host Justin Rademacher and client success manager Amma discuss the challenges faced by tree service businesses, particularly during slow seasons. They explore the importance of lead conversion, client collaboration, and effective marketing strategies, emphasizing the need for tree service companies to understand digital marketing and maintain strong relationships with their clients. The conversation also touches on the misconceptions about marketing in the tree industry and offers practical advice for business owners looking to improve their marketing efforts.

In this episode of Branching Out, Justin breaks down how to use Meta Business Suite and ChatGPT to plan, write, and schedule a full month of Facebook posts — for free.He explains why organic social media content still matters, how to provide real value to your audience, and why consistency beats boosting posts every time.You’ll learn:✔ How to plan and schedule Facebook and Instagram posts✔ Why organic social is your most underused marketing channel✔ How to use AI for fast idea generation✔ The truth about reach, algorithms, and what your audience really wantsIf you’re a tree service owner or local business trying to stay visible during the slow season, this one’s for you.#SocialMediaMarketing #TreeServiceMarketing #ArboristMarketingPros #MetaBusinessSuite #ChatGPTForBusiness

In this episode of the Branching Out Podcast, host Justin Rademacher discusses the importance of mindset in business, particularly focusing on the contrast between scarcity and abundance. He emphasizes that many business owners operate from a fear-based mindset, which leads to secrecy and defensiveness. Instead, he advocates for an abundance mindset, where sharing knowledge and processes can lead to greater trust and business growth. Rademacher uses examples from the tree service industry and references the success of companies like Netflix to illustrate how embracing transparency and collaboration can lead to success. He concludes by encouraging listeners to share their expertise and value to attract the right clients and grow their businesses.TakeawaysMost business owners operate from a fear mindset.Scarcity thinking leads to defensiveness and secrecy.Abundance mindset fosters trust and collaboration.Money follows value; solve bigger problems for bigger paychecks.Sharing knowledge can attract the right clients.Transparency is essential in today's business environment.Educating customers can differentiate your business.Netflix's success is rooted in an abundance mindset.Stop hiding your processes; share them to grow.When you give value, you create opportunities for growth.

SummaryIn this episode of the Branching Out podcast, Justin Rademacher discusses the challenges of scaling a business, emphasizing the importance of leadership, systems, and managing seasonality. He highlights the need for effective delegation and building a management team to alleviate bottlenecks. The conversation also covers the significance of focusing on fundamental business practices to ensure sustainable growth.

Most tree service owners focus all their energy on chasing new leads… but the goldmine is already sitting in your back pocket. Your past customers know you, trust you, and are more likely to hire you again than any stranger off Google.In this episode of Branching Out, Justin breaks down exactly how to nurture your database and “prod” previous customers the right way—without being pushy. You’ll learn:Why past customers are the cheapest, highest-converting leads you haveSimple tactics to stay top-of-mind year-roundHow to create urgency and provide value in your follow-upsThe tools that make it easy to keep your crews busy, even in the slow seasonDon’t let your customer list collect dust—turn it into a revenue machine.

In this episode of "Branching Out," we dive into the critical role of tracking lead sources in driving business growth. Discover how understanding where your leads originate can transform your marketing strategy, optimize your ROI, and prevent costly mistakes. Learn practical tips for implementing effective tracking systems and hear real-world examples of businesses that have turned data into dollars. Don't miss out on unlocking your business's full potential! #BusinessGrowth #LeadTracking

In this episode of the Branching Out Podcast, host Justin Rademacher explores how AI is revolutionizing tree service businesses. Discover five actionable strategies to leverage AI for booking more jobs, enhancing operations, and boosting profitability. From AI receptionists to marketing automation, Justin breaks down the tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Google Gemini that can transform your business. Tune in to learn how to integrate AI seamlessly and take your tree service to the next level.

In this episode of "Branching Out," Justin Rademacher explores the pivotal question every business owner must ask: Are you demand or supply constrained? Dive into the nuances of these constraints and learn how they impact your growth strategy. Discover how understanding your Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC), Lifetime Value (LTV), and Talent Acquisition Cost (TAC) can unlock new opportunities for scaling your business. Whether you're struggling to keep up with demand or seeking more clients, this episode offers actionable insights to help you navigate and overcome these challenges.

In this episode of the Branching Out Podcast, Justin Rademacher discusses how tree service business owners can measure their return on investment (ROI) effectively. He emphasizes the importance of tracking revenue by lead source and provides a step-by-step guide on using Google Sheets to create pivot tables for data analysis. The conversation covers the significance of understanding revenue channels, calculating ROI, and making informed marketing decisions based on data. Justin encourages listeners to start tracking their data to improve their business operations and marketing strategies.TakeawaysROI stands for return on investment.Understanding your revenue by channel is crucial.Using Google Sheets can simplify data tracking.Creating pivot tables helps visualize revenue sources.Tracking data allows for informed marketing decisions.Investing in ads can yield high returns if tracked properly.Analyzing ROI helps identify effective marketing strategies.Emotional decisions in marketing can lead to poor outcomes.Data tracking is essential for business growth.A simple spreadsheet can be a great starting point for tracking.

In this episode of the Branching Out Podcast, Justin Rademacher discusses how tree service business owners can effectively budget for Google Ads. He emphasizes the importance of understanding key metrics such as average job revenue, closing ratios, and cost per lead. By reverse engineering their budget based on these numbers, business owners can create a realistic advertising strategy that maximizes their return on investment. Justin also highlights the significance of having a well-optimized website or landing page to convert leads and the necessity of tracking all marketing efforts to ensure profitability.

In this episode of the Branching Out podcast, Justin Rademacher interviews AJ from Tree Kings, who shares his journey of building a successful tree service business over eight years. AJ discusses his early experiences in the industry, the challenges of navigating natural disasters, and the importance of marketing and technology in growing his business. He emphasizes the significance of mindset, employee retention strategies, and the lessons learned from mistakes along the way. AJ's insights provide valuable guidance for aspiring entrepreneurs in the tree service industry and beyond.TakeawaysAJ's journey began with a chance job in sales.Natural disasters can be both a challenge and an opportunity for tree service businesses.Mistakes are part of the learning process in business.Marketing is crucial for business growth and should be consistent year-round.Investing in technology, like CRM systems, can streamline operations and improve customer relations.An abundance mindset fosters growth and success in business.Employee retention is enhanced by offering benefits like retirement plans.Comparing oneself to competitors can be healthy if focused on learning, not envy.Paying taxes and being legal is essential for long-term success.Continuous learning and adaptation are key to thriving as an entrepreneur.