Let’s face it, running a tree service business takes dedication. Between quoting jobs, managing crews, and keeping equipment in top shape, finding time to market your business can feel like an afterthought. But if you want consistent leads and long-term growth, tree service marketing is essential.

Whether you’re just learning how to market a tree service business or looking to sharpen your current strategy, this guide will walk you through proven ways to attract more customers and stand out in a crowded market. We’ll cover everything from local SEO and social media to referral programs and paid ads, with plenty of tips you can start using today.

Let’s dig in.

Understanding your target audience

Before you start posting on Facebook or setting up ads, it’s important to know the audience that you’re trying to reach. Effective tree service marketing starts with understanding your ideal customers and the diversity within your target market. 

Here are three common groups you may want to market to, depending on the type and scope of your tree care services:

Residential homeowners

Residential tree trimming is a common service for tree care businesses. (Source)

These are your bread-and-butter customers. Residential customers need help with everything from emergency tree removal after a storm to trimming back branches hanging over the roof. Most homeowners want fast, friendly service and upfront pricing. They’re more likely to choose a company with solid online reviews and a website that makes it easy to get a quote.

Commercial property managers

These folks manage office parks, apartment complexes, shopping centers, and more. They usually need routine tree maintenance and want a reliable partner who can handle larger jobs without disrupting tenants or customers.

Pro tip: For commercial clients, professionalism is key. Clean branding, quick estimates, and consistent communication can go a long way with this crowd.

Municipal clients (cities, counties, schools)

Government and public entities look for tree care companies that are licensed, insured, and equipped to handle large-scale projects or meet strict bid requirements. This segment tends to be slower-moving but can offer long-term contracts.

Knowing your audience helps tailor your marketing, including efforts like specific landing pages, creating Facebook ads for homeowners, or submitting proposals to city departments.

Building a strong online presence

As a tree care business today, your online presence is often your first impression. If someone searches for “tree trimming near me” and your business doesn’t show up — or your website looks like it was built in 2005 — you’ll be missing out on leads. Here’s how to fix that.

Professional website development

A tree care business website should use location-specific keywords and have clear contact information. (Source)

A well-designed website is one of your most important marketing tools. It doesn’t need to be flashy, but it should be:

• Mobile-friendly: Over 60% of all web traffic now comes from mobile devices. If your site doesn’t work on a smartphone, you’re losing leads.
• Easy to navigate: Make sure visitors can quickly find your services, contact info, and a “Get a Quote” button.
• Clear and helpful: Include a list of services (tree trimming, removal, stump grinding), a short About section, and FAQs about pricing or permits.
• Optimized for conversions: Add lead forms, click-to-call buttons, and trust signals like testimonials, reviews, or BBB accreditation.

Bonus Tip: Use GorillaDesk’s online booking features to let customers book services directly from your website.

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

You can have the best website in the world, but if it doesn’t show up in search results, it won’t help you grow your business. That’s where SEO comes in. By following some simple on-page SEO best practices, you can make your website more visible for people searching for your services online.

Here’s how to get started with tree service SEO:

• Use the right keywords: Incorporate phrases like “tree care services,” “tree removal in [Your City],” or “tree trimming” naturally into the text throughout your website.
• Optimize on-page elements: Add keywords to your title tags, meta descriptions, headers, and image alt text.
• Create location pages: If you serve multiple areas, create a separate page for each one (e.g., “Tree trimming in Sarasota”). This will allow you to optimize that page with location-specific keywords.
• Get backlinks: Reach out to local directories, community blogs, and partners to link back to your site. These links help search engines trust you.

SEO can take some time to start working, but once it does, the results can be impressive. For example, say your site ranks in the top 3 for “tree care services in Boise.” That one keyword could bring in dozens of leads every month, without spending a dime on ads.

Google Business Profile optimization

A Google Business Profile helps elevate your visibility to potential customers. (Source)

If you only do one thing for your local SEO (SEO efforts targeted by your physical location), make it this. Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is what shows up when someone searches for tree services near them on Google or Google Maps. Creating a profile is free, powerful, and often serves as the first impression a potential customer has of your business.

Here’s how to make your profile shine:

• Claim and verify your profile if you haven’t already.
• Add complete, accurate information: hours, service areas, phone number, and website.
• Upload photos regularly: Before-and-after shots of tree removal or trimming jobs build trust.
• Respond to every review — positive or negative. This shows you’re engaged and care about customer feedback.

Use keywords in your Google business description like “tree removal,” “tree trimming,” and “tree care services.”

Did you know? GorillaDesk makes it easy to automatically request reviews from your customers after a job is complete, helping you climb the local search rankings faster.

Use GorillaDesk’s review generation capabilities to earn more reviews for your business

Leveraging social media platforms

Social media isn’t just for memes and cat videos. It can be a powerful tree service marketing channel for your business. When done right, social media builds brand awareness, showcases your work, and drives more bookings. Here’s how to approach social media strategically.

Choose the right platforms

It’s important to start with where your customers are. Do some preliminary research and get a feel for the platforms that your target audience frequents:

• Facebook is great for local reach, community engagement, and running targeted ads.
• Instagram is ideal for showing off visual content, like satisfying before-and-after shots or aesthetically pleasing tree pruning/shaping projects.
• Nextdoor can be effective for hyperlocal visibility and recommendations. Make sure to claim your free business page to expand your company’s reach.
• YouTube: Short, educational videos about tree care, storm preparation, or seasonal tips can position you as an expert (and enhance brand exposure as people share your content). Never underestimate the power of video — 89% of people reported that watching a video persuaded them to buy a service or product!

Social media content ideas that actually work

A before-and-after project post showcases the visual impact of your services. (Source)

Not sure what to post? Try posting these types of content and see what performs best for you:

• Before-and-after photos of recent jobs
• Short videos explaining when to remove a dead tree or how to tell if it is diseased
• Customer testimonials in video or quote form
• Seasonal tips, like when to prune before winter storms
• Behind-the-scenes looks at your team or gear

Keep your content helpful, consistent, and local. The more specific to your city or region, the better. Use hashtags like #TreeCare, #[YourCity]Trees, or #TreeRemoval to increase reach.

Here’s one catchy content idea: Post a 10-second timelapse of a tricky tree removal job with a caption like “Don’t try this at home. Call the pros.” Add your contact info. and a link to your site.

Implementing paid advertising

If you want to get more leads fast, paid ads are a great way to boost your visibility. This strategy can be especially useful when you’re just getting started or if you’re trying to fill your schedule during the slow season.

Google Ads

Google Ads show up at the top of search results so visitors are more likely to click on your page. (Source)

Google Ads work well for tree service businesses because they target people who are actively searching for help. Think: “tree removal near me”, “emergency tree service”, or “arborist in [your city].”

Here’s how to find success with Google Ads:

• Use local keywords like “tree service in Tampa” or “stump grinding Houston.” Tools like Google Keyword Planner or SEMrush can help you find high-intent keywords (search terms people use when they’re ready to take action) with good search volume.
• Set a realistic budget: We recommend starting small and then scaling. Even $10–$20/day can generate solid leads in smaller markets.
• Write simple, clear ad copy: “Licensed & Insured | Free Estimates | 5-Star Rated.”
• Use location extensions: By selecting this optional setting in your Google ad, you’ll be able to show your business address, phone number, and a map marker directly in the ad. When this setting is enabled, your ad will also include a link to directions so people can easily find or contact you.
• Track conversions: Set up call tracking or online booking goals so you know what’s working.

Tip: Focus on search campaigns, not display ads. Search ads show your ad when someone types a related keyword into the search engine — and they tend to deliver better results for service-based businesses targeting timely or high-intent needs.

Social media advertising

Facebook and Instagram ads can help you stay visible in your local community and reach people who aren’t actively searching but may still need your services now or in the near future.

Some social media ad strategies that can drive results include:

• Promote seasonal services, like storm prep or spring cleanup.
• Boost social posts that are performing well (like a striking before-and-after project post).
• Target audience by location, interests, or even homeowner status to make sure your ads are going to the right people.

To get started with social media ads, you could run an ad offering 10% off fall tree trimming to homeowners in your zip code, with a link to your booking page. Use a high-quality photo and a clear call-to-action like “Book Now.”

And remember, visuals matter. Ads with real photos of your team in action will usually outperform stock images.

Engaging in community outreach

Marketing isn’t just digital. Some of the best lead sources come from being active in your local community and building real relationships.

Community events like park clean-ups are a great way to increase neighborhood visibility. (Source)

Local partnerships

Never underestimate the power of aligning with other businesses. Forming partnerships with complementary businesses can be an excellent source of business. Approach owners of businesses like:

• Landscapers who don’t offer tree care services
• Real estate agents who need curb appeal upgrades before a sale
• Roofing or gutter companies who might spot overhanging branches

To make the most of these partnerships, you and the other business can offer referral swaps or bundle discounts. It’s a win-win.

For example, you might partner with a local lawn care service to offer a “Yard Makeover Package” that includes tree trimming, mulching, and aeration. For the best reach, you can promote it on both of your websites and social channels.

Sponsorships and events

Want to build brand recognition and goodwill in your town? Get involved by:

• Sponsoring a local sports team, school event, or holiday festival
• Participating in a community park clean-up
• Setting up a booth at your community’s Earth Day or Arbor Day celebration
• Donating a tree-planting service to a local nonprofit or park

Whatever the event, make sure to bring branded signs/apparel, giveaways (think mini arborist kits or reusable water bottles), and friendly staff. Don’t forget to snap some pics for your social channels!

Tip: When you share event photos online, be sure to tag the event or organization. Local followers love to support businesses that give back.

Utilizing email marketing

Email is still one of the most cost-effective ways to stay in touch with your customers and bring in repeat business. In fact, emails have an average ROI of $42 for every $1 a company spends, with a 6.5% average conversion rate — higher than both social media and other digital marketing channels. Here’s how to establish a solid email marketing foundation.

Build an email list

To send emails, you first need people’s email addresses. Start collecting emails from:

• Website visitors using a pop-up or contact form
• Current and past customers at the end of a job
• People you meet at local events or expos

Pro tip: Offer a helpful freebie on your website like a downloadable “Tree Care Checklist for Homeowners” — in exchange for a visitor’s email.

Try GorillaDesk’s CRM features to store and manage all your customer details and communication

GorillaDesk makes it easy to build and manage your email list with its CRM features — especially when you’re already using the platform to manage your jobs and customers.

Content distribution

Now that you’ve got a list, it’s time to keep in close touch with your contacts. Send a monthly or seasonal newsletter that includes content like:

• Promotions: For example, “15% off winter pruning when you book before Dec. 1!”
• Educational tips: Short articles or listicles like “How to tell if your tree is sick (and what to do about it)”
• Seasonal reminders: “Time to trim before hurricane season!”
• Upcoming events: Showcase your community involvement by inviting customers to participate in local events that you’re participating in or sponsoring.

Keep your newsletter short, visual, and actionable. Include a clear call-to-action button (like “Schedule Now”) that links to your website or booking tool.

An email newsletter is a great way to engage new and potential customers. (Source)

Tip: You can also use email to upsell services. For example, you could send segmented email campaigns to people who recently had a specific service: offer stump grinding after a tree removal, or full-service tree care after a one-time tree trimming appointment.

Encouraging customer reviews and referrals

You can spend all the money in the world on ads, but a glowing review from a happy customer is pure gold.

Review generation

Customer reviews are one of the most influential trust signals for consumers that are searching for local services. In fact, 95% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses before making a purchase decision.

That’s why your tree service marketing strategy should always include a plan to ask for reviews right after the job, while the experience is still fresh.

Here’s how to make it easy:

1. Send a text or email with a direct link to your Google Business Profile or Facebook page.
2. Thank them for their business and ask politely if they’d be willing to share their experience.
3. Use simple language like: “Your feedback helps others choose a tree care pro they can trust, just like you did!”

With GorillaDesk, you can automate review requests at the end of every job — so you never forget to ask and great reviews keep rolling in.

Referral programs

Word-of-mouth is still one of the most powerful ways to grow a tree service business. Encourage your customers to recommend your business to a friend with a simple referral incentive:

• Offer a $25 credit on future services for every new customer they refer
• Enter people into a giveaway for a free pruning or tree inspection
• Send a handwritten thank-you note or a small gift card for going the extra mile
• Make it easy for customers to spread the word by including a referral link or shareable social post they can quickly pass along.

Here’s an example script: “Love our service? Refer a friend and get $25 off your next service. It’s our way of saying thanks for helping us grow!”

Using tree service software to supercharge marketing

GorillaDesk’s tree service software simplifies marketing and sales. (Source)

Managing a tree service company is already a full-time job. Handling marketing on top of that can feel more than a tad overwhelming. That’s where GorillaDesk comes in.

Our software is built specifically for tree care pros, and it has powerful sales and marketing tools built in that help you save time and get better results, including:

• Automated review requests after each job
• Email marketing tools to promote seasonal services or upsell current customers
• Easy online booking that integrates with your website and reduces friction for new leads
• Customer database management, so you always know who to follow up with

By streamlining your marketing tasks and making it easier to stay connected with customers, GorillaDesk helps you focus on what really matters — growing your business and serving your community.

Want to see how it works? Check out our tree service software and start your free trial today.

Monitoring and analyzing marketing efforts

You can’t improve what you don’t track. To make sure your tree service marketing strategy is working optimally, keep an eye on the numbers and adjust your efforts based on what’s working.

Key performance indicators (KPIs)

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Tracking website traffic with Google Analytics provides valuable insights. (Source)

Some useful metrics to track include:

• Website traffic (Google Analytics can show where your visitors come from)
• Phone calls or form submissions
• Conversion rate (how many leads become paying customers)
• Review count and rating
• Email open and click-through rates
• Return on ad spend (ROAS)

GorillaDesk can help you track some of these core metrics like phone calls and form submissions, enabling you to set goals and check your progress monthly.

Continuous improvement

Marketing isn’t one-and-done. Part of the process is trying different strategies and seeing what works best for your business and target market: 

• If your Facebook ads aren’t performing, try switching up the visuals or targeting. 
• If you aren’t getting many reviews, update your follow-up emails with more persuasive copy.

Test, tweak, and repeat. The most successful businesses treat marketing like tree care: by prioritizing regular maintenance.

Tree service marketing mistakes to avoid 

Even experienced business owners make marketing mistakes that cost them leads. Here are a few common mishaps to watch out for:

• Not optimizing for local search: If you’re not ranking in your city, you’re invisible to potential customers online.
• Inconsistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone): Make sure these are exactly the same across your website, Google profile, and directories.
• Not following up for reviews: If you don’t ask, you won’t get them — and reviews matter more than ever.
• Underutilizing photos and testimonials: Real results build trust. Share them!
• Being too salesy: People don’t want constant promos. Share helpful tips and build relationships instead.

Avoiding these mistakes will help you stand out and build a more trustworthy brand over time.

Put these tree service marketing strategies to work for your business

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to how to market a tree service business, but the strategies we’ve shared here will give you a strong foundation.

From building a killer website and ranking on Google to staying active on social media and sending targeted emails, there are lots of ways to bring in new leads without burning out. And with the help of tools like GorillaDesk, you can automate the hard parts and stay focused on your customers.

Want to make running and marketing your business even easier? Try GorillaDesk for free and see how our all-in-one platform can help you manage jobs and bring in new leads.