(832) 385-1836 www.ericputnambcma.com
Equipment and Capabilities: Stump Grinder
Tree Services: Large Trees, Tree Assessments, Tree Planting
Credentials and Trust: Family Owned, ISA Certified, Licensed
Customer Experience: Free Estimates, Affordable, Cleanup Included
Emergency and Storm: Quick Response
Eric Putnam BCMA is a multi-generational, family-owned tree care company serving homeowners throughout the Greater Houston area. Led by ISA Board Certified Master Arborist Eric Putnam, our experienced team of certified arborists and dedicated support staff delivers science-based, preservation-first tree care with honest guidance and no sales pressure.
5.0 from 481 reviews
Based on reviews representing only 1% of total ratings
Eric Putnam BCMA is a superior match for properties with mature, valuable trees where decisions carry long-term value. This outfit excels on single-family homes with substantial oak, magnolia, or pine canopies, and on properties where root systems, proximity to structures, or hurricane-season stress demand a conservative, tree-first approach. It is especially well-suited for complex issues such as root encroachment near foundations, girdling roots, or disease diagnostics where the outcome hinges on precise arboricultural judgment. The service is best for homeowners who care about long-term tree health, who are willing to invest in scientifically grounded care, and who want honest, education-forward consultations rather than quick cosmetic fixes. In budget terms, this is a mid-to-upper tier choice, justified by depth of expertise, documented plans, and a track record of saving veteran trees rather than simply removing them.
Safety and cleanup stand front and center with Eric Putnam BCMA. The team demonstrates a disciplined, tree-first ethic: pruning strategies that protect vitality rather than scalp; careful work near structures; and a readiness to perform delicate operations with large, century-old trees. Several job stories highlight protective measures, board placements to shield windows during stump grinding, meticulous site protection during removals, and thorough cleanup that leaves the yard as if nothing happened. The crew’s insistence on conservative pruning to preserve canopy health and their willingness to re-treat or follow up without pressuring into unnecessary work reflect a maturity born of dealing with hazardous limbs, heavy machinery, and storm-damaged landscapes. While isolated reviews note minor property wear or scheduling gaps, the overall standard is unequivocal: safety protocols and meticulous cleanup define the core value.
From the outset, the company emphasizes rigorous diagnostics, transparent planning, and restraint from over-selling. Free on-site consultations with Certified and Master Arborists produce written estimates, detailed reports, and educational explanations that translate complex tree science into practical decisions. Estimators bring a “master class” level of knowledge, outlining options with rationale so homeowners understand the long-term implications of pruning, feeding, or removal. The process frequently includes photos, documented recommendations, and follow-up communications that reassure clients long after the visit. Occasionally, a reviewer notes scheduling delays or less-than-perfect office coordination, but these instances are outliers in a sea of praise for responsiveness and clarity. For projects where timing matters, after a storm, during a foundation-repair window, or before HOA deadlines, this firm consistently provides prompt, professional assessments.
The core strength remains tree health and preservation. The team is renowned for saving significant trees that others would remove, leveraging targeted treatments, deep fertilization, and biologically informed care. They routinely address pests such as bark beetles, borers, and ball moss with selective, science-based interventions that avoid unnecessary disruption to healthy tissue. Numerous anecdotes recount saving 100-year-plus oaks, reviving stressed live oaks after drought or cold, and coaxing new growth in magnolias and pines through biostimulants and soil health programs. The “tree whisperer” reputation reflects not just technical skill but the counselor-like patience of explaining root systems, canopy dynamics, and long-range planning to homeowners and even HOA boards. When a tree’s health is salvageable, the Putnam team acts decisively; when removal is unavoidable, it is handled with equal professionalism and care for the surrounding landscape.
Value and pricing emerge as nuanced but generally favorable themes. The reviews acknowledge that the service is not cheap, but they repeatedly emphasize that the cost aligns with outcomes: saved trees, healthier canopies, and informed homeowners who understand the rationale behind each intervention. The company’s willingness to provide written estimates, follow through with documented treatment plans, and stand by guarantees, sometimes with free re-treatments under warranty, adds meaningful security for sizable investments. Clients also appreciate the balance between health-driven restraint and practical results: plans that prioritize saving a tree now to avoid far greater costs later, rather than pushing for aggressive work that isn’t medically warranted. Where cost is a concern, the long-term savings in tree preservation, resilience to storms, and enhanced curb appeal can justify the expense.
Bottom-line guidance for property owners. Hire Eric Putnam BCMA when the priority is safeguarding irreplaceable trees, navigating complex root or disease issues, or planning planting and canopy management for a Houston climate that rewards deep, science-based care. Prospective clients should request a written diagnostic report, a clearly defined plan, and a candid assessment of whether pruning or treatment will preserve health rather than merely alter appearance. Ask specifically for safety-focused protocols, cleanup commitments, and follow-up schedules to ensure tree health remains monitored over time. For those facing HOA or development pressures, the firm’s history of professional communication and advocacy on behalf of mature trees is a decisive asset. In short, this is the firm to call when the trees are priceless, and the future health of the landscape depends on precise, principled arboriculture rather than quick fixes.
Equipped with stump grinding machinery to eliminate leftover stumps after removal. Leaves your yard clean and ready for replanting or landscaping.
Stump grinding is a core capability in the Houston area, routinely integrated with tree removal projects. Customers describe crews bringing a stump grinder to tackle very large stumps and their roots, sometimes completing the grinding quickly and efficiently in a single sequence. In at least one case, a giant stump and its roots were ground deep, down to about six inches below the surface, leaving a solid base for future landscaping. Site cleanup after grinding is clearly part of the process, with crews leaving the area neat and free of debris. Feedback also highlights honesty and professionalism around stump-related work, with guidance focused on preserving trees and minimizing disruption to property.
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.
Their large_tree capability centers on saving and maintaining Houston’s most impressive mature trees, from 70-year-old oaks to 100+ year-old giants. On-site evaluations of canopy health and root systems, with careful attention to hurricane-season risks, lead to science-based, preservation-first plans delivered with clear, pressure-free guidance. Treatments emphasize long-term vitality—deep-root fertilization, biostimulants, targeted pest and disease control, and pruning that preserves crown health rather than over-trimming. They routinely save large trees facing disease, storm damage, or root issues; in many cases they provide alternatives to removal and even help plan future plantings to support the aging canopy. Root-zone and foundation considerations are a central part of their approach, offering practical, Houston-area guidance and follow-up care to ensure long-term tree health.
Offers professional evaluation of your trees' health, structure, and risk level. Useful before buying property, after storm damage, or when a tree just doesn't look right.
On-site, science-based tree health assessments are a core capability, led by ISA Board Certified Master Arborist Eric Putnam and his team of certified arborists serving the Greater Houston area. Evaluations routinely examine tree health, structural integrity, rooting and soil conditions, and potential risks to foundations or nearby structures, with climate considerations for hurricane season and drought in Houston. They identify a broad range of issues—from pine bark beetles and borers to wood decay and girdling or expansive root concerns—and tailor preservation-first treatment plans, including biostimulants and soil-health programs. Clients consistently receive detailed, plain-language explanations, comprehensive written reports with photos and references, and clear options and next steps, often accompanied by a free estimate or quote. The overall approach emphasizes honesty, no sales pressure, and long-term care, including follow-up visits and ongoing guidance to monitor tree health and adjust plans as trees mature.
Not just removal - these companies help you add trees too. Proper planting technique gives new trees the best chance at a long, healthy life.
Their tree-planting capability centers on on-site planting services that support Houston-area projects from Magnolia new-builds to established yards. They perform thorough site evaluations—size, sun exposure, water access, root considerations, and utility line issues—and tailor tree placement and species to Houston’s climate and site conditions. They also demonstrate proper planting technique and provide clear guidance on watering, fertilization, and root-growth support, including a system that can expand root growth by about 3x to help establish trees quickly. Clients consistently report a no-pressure, education-first approach, with detailed plans and written guidance rather than upselling. They can source the trees for you and offer ongoing, plant-health-supportive care such as organic nutrition programs and biostimulant treatments to boost establishment and long-term vigor.
A business built and run by family, often passed down or grown from the ground up. Personal accountability and pride in every job.
A multi-generational, family-owned approach shines through in how Eric Putnam works hands-on with family members, including his son-in-law Shane, to run the arborist team and stay deeply involved in projects. Customers repeatedly note honest, pressure-free consultations where options are clearly explained and the focus stays on preserving healthy trees rather than upselling services. The pattern of long-time relationships and repeat work—sometimes spanning decades—reflects a trust-based family operation that consistently prioritizes integrity and reliability. In addition, the family-led team combines local Houston-area knowledge with detailed write-ups and community engagement, delivering science-based recommendations grounded in years of shared experience.
Employs one or more ISA-certified arborists - credentialed professionals who've passed rigorous testing in tree care science and best practices.
ISA-Certified Master Arborist Eric Putnam leads a Houston-area team delivering science-based, preservation-first tree care that fits the Texas climate and hurricane realities. Customer feedback patterns show on-site assessments by truly knowledgeable arborists who explain options in plain language, back recommendations with written reports or estimates, and avoid sales pressure. The emphasis is consistently on saving mature trees and providing conservative treatments—diagnosing issues accurately and favoring care that sustains long-term health rather than unnecessary removals or over-pruning. Clients frequently highlight honesty, integrity, punctuality, and rapid responsiveness, from quick visits to detailed follow-ups and plans. In the Houston context, they address local species, root and foundation interactions, and climate-specific needs while applying ISA standards in practice.
Holds all required state and local licenses to operate legally as a tree service. A basic but important box to check before hiring.
Licensed capability is a consistent hallmark of their service, with frequent references to Eric Putnam as an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA) and to staff who are certified arborists. Customers repeatedly describe honest, no-pressure consultations backed by clear explanations and options, underscoring that licensed expertise guides every recommendation. The approach is preservation-first and science-based, with documented efforts to save healthy trees rather than defaulting to removal. In the Houston area, homeowners report prompt responses, on-time visits, and detailed written assessments or reports as part of the service. Overall, feedback patterns show that licensed master arborist credentials underpin trustworthy, tree-first care across a wide range of species and situations.
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 part of their tree-care offering in the Houston metro, with on-site assessments provided at no charge in many cases. Customers consistently report honest, no-pressure consultations from ISA-certified Master Arborists who clearly explain options and deliver written estimates. Assessments are thorough and documented—photos and notes accompany a detailed written estimate or PDF report, often provided within a day. They also use consultations to guide long-term planning, including site evaluation for new builds, root and foundation considerations, hurricane readiness, pruning, feeding, and maintenance plans. They serve homeowners across the Greater Houston area, including Magnolia, League City, Sugar Land, Friendswood, Cypress, and surrounding communities.
Competitive pricing without cutting corners. These arborists offer fair rates and transparent quotes, making professional tree care accessible for most budgets.
Affordability is reinforced by preservation-first practices and a consistent pattern of reasonable fees paired with honest, no-pressure consultations. Many clients benefit from free estimates or promptly delivered, detailed written reports that lay out options clearly before any commitment. The emphasis on saving mature trees rather than defaulting to removal translates into long-term savings for homeowners facing hurricane, drought, and storm-related risks. Even when a service is priced higher than some competitors, customers frequently say the investment is worth it for the tree health outcomes and the expert guidance they receive. Ongoing care programs like biostimulant treatments and annual assessments provide affordable, proactive maintenance that helps trees thrive with fewer emergency services.
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 service, with crews consistently removing brush, debris, and treated waste and even grinding stumps to a neat, tidy finish. Clients repeatedly note thorough site cleanup, with the area left clean and ready for the next steps, and protections such as boards placed over windows to prevent damage during stump grinding. In the Houston area communities around Magnolia, League City, Sugar Land, Cypress, and beyond, this pattern of meticulous cleanup accompanies each visit, reinforcing trust that no mess is left behind. Whether prunings, treatments, or large-tree removals, the feedback shows reliable debris removal, mulch bed restoration, and overall careful restoration of the landscape. This focus on cleanup complements the preservation-first, tree-health approach, demonstrating a care for clients’ property as part of the service.
Fast to answer calls and quick to schedule. Whether it's routine work or an urgent situation, these businesses don't leave you waiting.
Rapid response is a core strength, with many customers reporting same-day or next-day on-site visits after reaching out for tree-health concerns. In practice, crews arrive on time across the Greater Houston area—including Magnolia, League City, Sugar Land, Friendswood, Cypress, and surrounding communities—and provide prompt, thorough evaluations. The pattern extends to quick turnaround on assessments and written guidance, with detailed reports and treatment plans often delivered promptly after visits. Clients consistently note honest, non-pressuring consultations during these rapid responses, which reinforces trust while addressing urgent needs such as storm-related issues or root and foundation questions.