How Do You Get Into Tree Work?

None of us ever thought we’d be in the stump grinding business together as a family, but here we are. It all started when Dad needed a new source of income. He and Mom were moving back to Michigan from Virginia to be closer to family. That’s when Dean, our longtime family friend—also known as Mister Stumpgrinder—stepped in. Dean had been grinding stumps for over 20 years, and just as the pandemic was kicking off in 2020, he helped Dad get his start.

So, the short answer? We knew a guy. Maybe that’s how a lot of things like this begin.

Dean sold Dad his SC60TX stump grinder for a great price. That machine is still going strong today, though Dad has since upgraded to the 115-horsepower Bandit grinder. Without Dean’s generosity and support, not to mention letting us carry on his brand, we wouldn’t have had a chance to get off the ground. But here’s the thing—most people don’t start out with a machine that big. In fact, Dean himself got started over 20 years ago with a simple manual grinder.

What If You Don’t “Know a Guy”?If you’re starting from scratch, here’s the game plan:

1. Save Up – Avoid diving in headfirst with massive loans. Start small and scale up gradually.
2. Find Your Niche – Look for areas with less competition and study your local market. What’s the going rate for stump grinding in your area? Charge fairly but competitively.
3. Build Your Brand – Create a business name that’s easy to remember and a logo that stands out. Your brand will be your handshake.
4. Get the Essentials – At the bare minimum, you’ll need a machine, insurance, a truck, and a trailer.
5. Hit the Ground Running – Start knocking on doors, looking for stumps, and offering free estimates. That kind of hustle matters.

Building MomentumHaving an online presence definitely helps, but in this industry, most of your business will come from word of mouth and good recommendations. What sets us apart—and what can set you apart—is attention to detail and great customer rapport. When you take care of your customers, they’ll take care of you by spreading the word.
Here’s what we’ve learned:

• It takes time and effort to build a customer base. Be patient.
• Once you’ve earned a good reputation, the work will start trickling in consistently.
• Repeat customers will become a lifeline, helping to fill in the gaps during slower times.

Slow and Steady Wins the RaceIt’s tempting to want the best equipment right out of the gate, but don’t fall into the trap of taking on massive loans. If business slows down and the bills pile up, you risk losing everything. Start small, work hard, and scale wisely.

At the end of the day, tree work (and small businesses in general) is about the grind—literally and figuratively. Get out there, stay consistent, and watch the business grow.