About Athens Elite Tree Service

Locally owned, locally rooted

Athens Elite Tree Service was founded in 1999 by a third-generation Athens family who grew up in the shade of the same water oaks and pecans that still line our historic neighborhoods. What began as a small two-person crew working weekends has grown into Athens-Clarke County's most trusted tree care company — but our values haven't changed. We treat every Athens property like it's our grandmother's, because for many of us, it literally is.

We're not a national franchise or a private-equity rollup. Every estimate is given by a real certified arborist who lives in the area. Every crew member is trained in-house. Every dollar you spend with us stays in Northeast Georgia.

Our credentials

• ISA Certified Arborists on every assessment — the gold standard in the industry, requiring continuing education and an enforceable code of ethics.
• Fully licensed and insured with general liability and workers' compensation. Certificate available on request before any work begins.
• TCIA-accredited safety standards (ANSI Z133 for tree care operations and ANSI A300 for pruning).
• BBB A+ rated with verified Athens reviews going back over a decade.
• Georgia Power approved for utility-line-adjacent work.

How we're different

The tree industry has earned a poor reputation in many cities — uninsured crews, surprise upcharges, "topping" that ruins trees, and pressure-sales tactics. We've spent 25 years doing the opposite. Every estimate is in writing with no obligation. Every quote includes cleanup and disposal. We will tell you when a tree can be saved instead of removed, even if that costs us the bigger job. And we follow ANSI pruning standards — we do not top trees, ever.

This approach is why so much of our work comes from referrals. The neighbor down the street, the property manager you worked with last year, the insurance adjuster who handled your storm claim — these are how new Athens clients find us, and we're proud of that.

Our commitment to Athens

We sponsor an annual tree-planting program in Athens-Clarke County schools. We donate emergency response after major storm events to elderly and low-income households who can't otherwise afford it. We work with the UGA Warnell School of Forestry on continuing education for our crews. This is our community — we're invested in it for the long haul.

Ready to work with us?

Whether you need a single small tree removed, a full property assessment, or 24/7 emergency response after a storm, we'd love to earn your trust. Estimates are free, written, and come with no pressure. Call us at (706) 555-0200 or fill out the form on our contact page.