(629) 236-3636 certifiedarboristtreeservice.com
Tree Services: Log Splitting, Works Near Structures, Large Trees, Dead Tree Experience, Tree Planting
Emergency and Storm: 24 Hour Emergency Response, Storm Cleanup, Quick Response
Credentials and Trust: Insured, Licensed, ISA Certified, Family Owned
Customer Experience: Free Estimates, Cleanup Included, Affordable
Our team at Certified Arborist Tree Service, or CATS, is well-equipped to handle all of your tree-related needs in the Nashville, Tennessee area. True to our name, each of our team members is CATS-certified, and all are either currently or in the process of becoming ISA-certified. Whether you need tree trimming, emergency or non-emergency tree removal, tree and plant health services, or protection for your trees against severe weather, our insured and experienced staff will complete the job promptly and skillfully. When you work with our full-service tree care company, you can be certain you’re getting a high-value service with an excellent reputation. Contact us today to get a free estimate.
4.9 from 134 reviews
Based on reviews representing only 3% of total ratings
The Certified Arborist Tree Service (CATS) in Nashville is best suited for homeowners who face high-stakes, multi-tree projects or urgent storm damage, especially where safety near structures, driveways, or power lines is the dominant concern. This outfit shines on large yards with dozens of trees, or on properties where years of improper planting have created crowded canopies that threaten roofs, gutters, and foundations. They are equally compelling for emergency response, when a windstorm or ice event has shredded canopies and toppled limbs, and for serious prune-and-remove campaigns that require a coordinated team, precise rigging, and a long horizon of work over several days. Budget-wise, CATS positions itself as a value-driven option for substantial tree work: customers repeatedly cite fair daily rates or competitive pricing for big, complex jobs, with a track record of sticking to schedules while delivering robust results.
Safety and cleanup standards are non-negotiable in their work, and the evidence is pervasive across reviews. The firm deploys seasoned tree climbers and ground crews who operate with a professional sense of risk management, especially when removing trees near homes, driveways, and utility lines. Time and again, crews execute complex cuts with careful rigging to prevent collateral damage, then leave properties spotless: debris hauled away, logs and wood chips placed where desired, and lawns left undisturbed or better than before. Several customers note pristine cleanup after multi-day campaigns, including stump grinding and meticulous leaf and branch removal. The emphasis on safety extends to responsiveness during emergencies, neighbors see fast responses, on-site assessments within hours, and work commenced promptly to mitigate hazards.
On pricing, buyers will find real value through CATS’s approach. A recurring pattern is a straightforward, contract-driven exchange: an upfront quote derived from a clear scope, followed by transparent daily-rate options and a willingness to tailor the plan to fit a budget. Many reviews praise reasonable pricing, even on large, dangerous removals where competitors would ask for far more. The company’s leadership, often cited as straightforward, honest, and solution-oriented, helps reinforce the sense that fair costs come with fair expectations. That said, there are isolated cautions about scope creep or unexpected cost increases; one customer encountered a higher-than-quoted demand after work commenced. The lesson is simple: insist on a written scope and contract, with explicit deliverables, before work begins, and confirm any potential contingencies in writing.
The arborist expertise behind the name is a core differentiator. Customers repeatedly describe the leadership as highly knowledgeable and accessible, often with Jason-like figures in the field who understand tree health, growth patterns, and the practical realities of urban space. The crews are portrayed as true arborists rather than generic cutters: they assess risk, differentiate between saving and removing, and offer long-range care plans to reduce future hazards. This expertise translates into precise work near power lines and structures, careful pruning to preserve tree health, and even long-range consultations that refine a property’s landscape. Several reviews highlight the ability to plan around neighbors and property lines, dropping trees with surgical precision and providing professional guidance on preserving or repurposing wood, or on stubborn stumps that deserve special attention.
Reliability and customer experience consistently stand out. Response times are swift, estimates are thorough, and scheduling is reliable even under high demand. A strong thread in the testimonials is the sense of partnership: customers feel heard, options are explained clearly, and the work is executed with minimal disruption to daily life. The team habitually arrives on time, communicates frequently, and follows through on promises, whether that means same-day service for a toppled tree, or a multi-day campaign that finishes exactly as planned. The family-owned, customer-first culture also surfaces in practical touches: crews respect property boundaries, clean up thoroughly, and sometimes go the extra mile by sharing wood or mulch with neighbors or offering post-work follow-ups to ensure satisfaction.
In practice, this makes CATS a compelling choice for risk management and big-property tree work in the Nashville area. For homeowners facing urgent danger or planning large-scale removals, if dozens of trees require careful culling, or if limbs are overhanging roofs, driveways, or lines, CATS delivers the speed, skill, and safety record that justify the investment. They also serve well for long-term landscape maintenance on wooded properties where ongoing health assessments and selective pruning can prevent future catastrophes. For smaller, highly delicate jobs or for clients who prioritize ultra-low pricing on minor cuts, there may be alternatives that feel leaner; however, even in those cases, the company’s arborist approach bleeds into more cautious, higher-quality outcomes than typical “trim crews.”
The practical takeaway is clear: hire The Certified Arborist Tree Service when safety is non-negotiable and the job is complex, multi-tree, or time-sensitive. Verify scope in writing, confirm licensing and insurance up front, and align on a single point of contact to keep communication tight as the project unfolds. Expect a thorough assessment, candid recommendations on saving versus removing, and a cleanup standard that leaves the yard looking better than before. If the goal is to reduce risk to your home and family while managing a substantial number of trees with integrity and professional care, this Nashville-based team stands among the best in the region. For those willing to invest in skilled arborists who treat trees with respect and deliver dependable results, The Certified Arborist Tree Service is the prudent, principled choice.
Cuts felled trees into firewood-ready logs and splits them on site. Turn a removed tree into a winter's worth of firewood instead of hauling it away.
Log splitting is a core part of their on-site work in the Nashville area, adding value beyond simple removal and trimming. In a large job described in the feedback, crews not only removed 16 trees in two days but also transported the major logs to the rear of the property, demonstrating on-site timber processing. The team is repeatedly noted for cutting removed wood into easily choppable lengths for firewood, with customers often keeping or using the logs rather than discarding them. They also offer wood byproducts, such as wood chips for neighbors, illustrating a practical, full-service approach to handling timber after storm or hazard work.
Skilled at working in tight spaces where trees sit close to homes, fences, garages, or power lines. Precision removal without damage to surrounding structures.
They regularly handle near-structure work, addressing trees that sit alarmingly close to homes, roofs, driveways, and even power lines in Nashville and nearby communities like Goodlettsville and Hendersonville. Crews are praised for precise, safe cuts around structures, with climbers and ground teams coordinating to drop limbs without damaging houses, siding, or wiring, often within hours of first contact. Examples frequently mentioned include removing trees that overhang driveways, trimming limbs touching roofs, and bringing down large trees near power lines during storms, all while keeping the project focused on protecting the home and surrounding structures. The service also emphasizes thorough cleanup and respectful, safety-conscious execution, sometimes leaving usable wood for homeowners and providing wood chips to neighbors as part of a considerate, family‑oriented approach.
Experienced handling oversized trees - tall, wide, or heavily branched. Removing or trimming a large tree requires specialized skill and equipment, and these pros have both.
Handling giant, multi-story trees near homes, driveways, and even power lines is a core capability, demonstrated across Nashville and the surrounding Middle Tennessee area. Their team, made up of CATS-certified arborists and ISA-certified climbers, uses skilled tree climbers with a focused ground crew to work safely around structures while preserving healthy trees when possible. In large, hazardous jobs, they’ve removed dozens of big trees in a single project—such as 16 trees in two days after a storm and nearly 20 enormous ash trees in another multi-day effort—always delivering thorough cleanup. Emergency responses and near-term removals are common, with crews often on site within hours and handling near-power-line challenges with careful precision. Clients consistently note professional, reliable communication, fair pricing, and respect for the property, reinforcing their capability to handle substantial tree work in the Nashville area.
Specialists in the safe removal of dead, dying, or diseased trees. Dead trees are unpredictable - experience and caution matter.
Responding quickly to dead or storm-damaged trees near homes or power lines is a consistent strength, with crews often assessing and quoting the same day and starting work promptly the next day. Arborist-led teams evaluate whether to remove or prune to preserve the living tree, using safety-focused techniques near structures and utilities and opting for minimal removal when preservation is feasible. They can handle large, near-structure removals—sometimes multiple trees in a single project—while maintaining careful planning and thorough cleanup of debris. Across engagements, clients note professional, communicative crews who work efficiently, keep property damage to a minimum, and leave yards looking neat and safe.
Not just removal - these companies help you add trees too. Proper planting technique gives new trees the best chance at a long, healthy life.
Tree planting is one of their service offerings, integrated into projects like storm cleanup and work near structures, not just removal. Across Nashville and the wider Middle Tennessee area, the team is praised for careful planning, clear communication, and executing planting when appropriate alongside trimming and debris removal. In at least one instance, a client noted that a large red maple was planted after the removal work, showing they can add new trees to a landscape as part of the job. Crews are repeatedly described as efficient, safety‑mocused, and thorough in site cleanup, which supports successful planting outcomes. Overall, customers see them as a capable full‑service option for both tree removal and landscape planting when requested.
Available around the clock for dangerous situations - a tree on your roof, a limb blocking your driveway, or a trunk threatening to fall. Day or night.
Emergency responsiveness stands out in their service pattern. When severe weather or a hazardous tree threatens a home, crews often arrive within an hour of contact to assess the situation and outline a plan, with a quote provided the same day. They’ve demonstrated the ability to mobilize quickly and complete substantial removals—such as removing multiple trees over a couple of days after a storm—while safely working near power lines and driveways and handling thorough cleanup. Customers repeatedly describe the crews as skilled, safety-conscious, and respectful, with clear communication and prompt on-site action, even on weekend days. This pattern of rapid response, rapid on-site work, and dependable follow-through has been observed across Nashville and surrounding Middle Tennessee communities, including Goodlettsville, Hendersonville, and East Nashville, underscoring a credible emergency capability.
Ready to respond after high winds, ice storms, or heavy snow bring trees and limbs down across your property.
Storm cleanup is delivered with speed and scale, with crews arriving within hours to assess hazards and map out a plan during urgent wind and ice events in the Nashville area and across Middle Tennessee. When storms strike, they can remove and prune dozens of trees quickly, including challenging removals near houses and power lines, as demonstrated by multi-day jobs that saw 16 trees removed in two days. A coordinated team of highly skilled climbers and efficient ground crews handles everything from aggressive limb removal to thorough debris cleanup, leaving properties tidy and safe. They work to preserve trees where possible, applying protective treatments to exposed parts to help keep damaged trees healthy rather than simply cutting them down. This storm-focused capability is active across communities like Goodlettsville, Hendersonville, Thompson’s Station, East Nashville, and surrounding areas.
Fast to answer calls and quick to schedule. Whether it's routine work or an urgent situation, these businesses don't leave you waiting.
Lightning-fast response is a defining feature. Crews often arrive within an hour of contact in emergencies, with many reports of same-day visits and rapid on-site assessments. For example, after a storm in Goodlettsville, Cowboy and Robert were on the lawn within an hour, and by the next morning a large removal and trimming project was already underway. In other instances, a crew shows up before 8 am the day after contact, and some jobs begin on the same day they’re quoted. Overall, customers describe the response as prompt, professional, and dependable, even under high demand or when hazards involve power lines or structures.
Carries proper liability and workers' compensation insurance. If something goes wrong on your property, you're protected.
Insured status underpins their ability to handle high-risk, near-structure tree work with confidence, enabling rapid mobilization for emergencies across the Nashville area. Clients consistently note that they can obtain insurance and workers' compensation certificates quickly, which reinforces trust during multi-day, near-house removals and storm cleanup in Goodlettsville, Hendersonville, and other Middle Tennessee locations. This coverage pairs with a safety-focused, skilled crew that safely manages jobs near roofs, power lines, and driveways, delivering thorough cleanup and minimal disruption. Overall, the insured capability is a foundational element of their service perception, contributing to the high satisfaction, transparent communication, and dependable performance repeatedly highlighted by clients.
Holds all required state and local licenses to operate legally as a tree service. A basic but important box to check before hiring.
Licensed and insured status is consistently noted, with licensing information and contracts provided upfront to establish trust before any work begins. Crews are described as CATS-certified, with many team members ISA-certified or actively pursuing certification, signaling a qualified arborist workforce capable of precise pruning, hazard removal, and near-structure work. Insurance and workers’ compensation certificates are promptly provided, reinforcing reliability when handling urgent storm response or hazardous removals. In the Nashville area and throughout Middle Tennessee, this licensing, credentialing, and transparent documentation underpin a reputation for safe, professional tree care.
Employs one or more ISA-certified arborists - credentialed professionals who've passed rigorous testing in tree care science and best practices.
Their ISA-certified capability is evidenced by a team where every member holds CATS certification and is either ISA-certified or in the process of becoming ISA-certified, ensuring arborist-level expertise on every job. Customer feedback patterns show consistent emphasis on precise, safety-first assessments when trees threaten homes, driveways, or power lines, with crews planning removals and pruning near structures with care. They provide detailed options and transparent pricing, often delivering timely quotes and clear explanations that reflect professional judgment from the outset. Beyond removal, the team consistently demonstrates a commitment to tree health and preservation—advising on pruning to save trees, bracing for stability, relocating bees, and offering ongoing care guidance. This expertise is evident across Nashville and the surrounding Middle Tennessee area, including Goodlettsville, Hendersonville, Thompson’s Station, and East Nashville, where clients repeatedly praise knowledge, safety, responsiveness, and respectful, skilled arborists.
A business built and run by family, often passed down or grown from the ground up. Personal accountability and pride in every job.
The family-owned character shows in hands-on leadership, with owner Michael (Cowboy) and key team members frequently meeting clients, discussing options, and guiding crews from the first contact through final cleanup. Customers consistently describe transparent, fair pricing and collaborative planning, noting that the owner works to fit budgets and avoids surprise costs. The approach emphasizes respect for property, safety, and meticulous cleanup, reflecting a people-first ethos as crews communicate openly and leave sites looking well cared-for. The ability to respond quickly to emergencies—same-day on-site assessments and rapid mobilization—demonstrates the dependable, neighborly service typical of a family-run operation. Clients also note the generosity and community-minded spirit, such as leaving firewood for homeowners and sharing wood chips with neighbors, which reinforces the sense of doing business with people who treat customers like family.
No charge for coming out to assess the job and give you a price. Know what you're getting into before committing.
Free estimates are a core capability, with customers regularly receiving fast, on-site quotes—often within hours of first contact, and sometimes as quick as two hours. In urgent storm scenarios around Nashville and nearby towns like Goodlettsville and Hendersonville, the team responds quickly, assessing the damage the same day and presenting workable options before any work begins. Quoted work is presented with transparency and options; reviews note pricing that stays within budget and fair, competitive rates, with crews arriving on time and offering multiple approach choices. Up front, clients see documentation—contracts and licensing—before agreeing to the work, reinforcing trust and the value of the free estimate for planning both large and small jobs.
All debris - branches, logs, and brush - is hauled away as part of the job. No pile left behind for you to deal with.
Cleanup is included with every job, and crews consistently remove branches, logs, and all debris from the site. Customers describe meticulous cleanup after large removals, noting yards look better than before and driveways are clear of branches and sawdust. Even multi-day projects or work near structures are followed by thorough stump grinding and complete debris haul-away, leaving the area safe and neatly finished. In many cases, wood leftover from removals is handled to the homeowner’s preference—logs can be kept for firewood, and crews have even provided wood chips to neighbors. Across storms, emergencies, and routine tree care in Nashville and surrounding Middle Tennessee areas, the cleanup performance stands out as a core part of the service.
Competitive pricing without cutting corners. These arborists offer fair rates and transparent quotes, making professional tree care accessible for most budgets.
Value-driven pricing is a clear strength in their Nashville-area work, with customers noting fair, competitive rates and upfront options like daily-rate quotes and free estimates. In big storm and emergency jobs, clients report paying less than rivals and receiving substantial work completed quickly, often with the original quote honored even when the job runs longer. One client specifically mentioned being about $1,000 cheaper than two other quotes for removing troublesome trees near power lines. Across Goodlettsville, Hendersonville, Thompson’s Station, and Nashville, customers describe not only affordable pricing but also high-value service—professional crews, prompt response, and meticulous cleanup—making dependable tree care accessible in Middle Tennessee.