Fortner Construction And Tree Service in Chattanooga: Full-Service Removal, Trimming, and Storm Cleanup
Fortner Construction And Tree Service is a licensed tree contractor serving Chattanooga and surrounding areas, handling everything from routine crown reduction and limb removal to emergency storm cleanup and stump grinding. The business operates as both a general contractor and specialized arborist service, which means it takes on structural work alongside tree care, differentiating it from single-focus trim-only operations elsewhere in the market.
What Fortner Construction And Tree Service actually does
The company handles two primary service tracks: tree services (removal, trimming, pruning, stump grinding, and storm damage) and construction work (decking, structural repairs tied to tree damage). Most customers call for one or the other, though the dual licensing allows Fortner to manage jobs where a fallen tree has damaged a deck, shed, or fence and the owner wants a single estimate and crew. The business holds the licenses and insurance required for commercial and residential work in Chattanooga, which matters legally when insurance claims are involved after storms.
Services and pricing
Fortner charges by the job, not hourly. A typical small-to-medium removal (30-50 feet, standard access) runs $800 to $2,500 depending on proximity to structures and the wood's diameter. Stump grinding alone costs $150 to $400 for a single stump, with discounts for multiple stumps on the same property. Pruning and crown reduction start around $400 for a single large tree and scale up based on height and branch density. Storm cleanup pricing varies widely; a downed 60-foot oak blocking a driveway might cost $1,200 to $3,000 to cut up and haul, while massive removals following severe weather can exceed that substantially. Verify current pricing by phone; storm demand can shift rates seasonally and after severe weather events.
The company offers free estimates and will coordinate with insurance adjusters on storm claims, which saves many homeowners the back-and-forth of getting estimates themselves and submitting them to their carrier.
How Fortner compares to other Chattanooga tree services
Chattanooga has several tree contractors. Fortner's main advantage is the construction side; if a tree has damaged your home or outbuildings, you can get both services quoted together. By contrast, operators like Pro Climb Tree Service focus only on arborist work and will refer structural damage elsewhere. Fortner typically costs slightly more than single-service budget cutters, but includes full site cleanup and debris haul-away in quotes, whereas some lower-cost operators charge extra for hauling or leave brush piles for the owner to manage. For emergency storm work, Fortner maintains after-hours availability during severe weather seasons, a service not all smaller operations offer.
Who it suits and who it does not
Fortner works well for homeowners who want one contractor managing both tree removal and any structural damage, or who prefer dealing with a licensed, insured operator for large or risky removals near the house. It's a fit for anyone filing an insurance claim, since the company handles that documentation. It suits people in Chattanooga proper and the immediate surrounding areas where Fortner operates regularly.
It's not the right choice for budget-conscious homeowners who need a simple trim on a young, accessible tree and don't mind finding a tree-only service. Those customers typically save 20-30% with a smaller operator. Fortner also doesn't offer ornamental pruning or Japanese maple specialty work that some boutique arborists market; it's general-practice tree work at a professional level.
What the first visit involves
Call for a free estimate. A crew member or the owner will visit, assess the tree's size, condition, and location relative to structures, and note any hazards (power lines, fences, drainage). They'll provide a written quote and timeline. If you're filing an insurance claim, mention it during the estimate; Fortner will document the damage photographically and provide the insurer with detailed information. Scheduling typically takes 1-2 weeks outside the storm season; during spring and after significant weather events, waits can stretch to 3-4 weeks.
Hours, location, and logistics
Fortner operates across Chattanooga and Hamilton County. Standard business hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., with emergency storm response available outside these hours during severe weather season (March through November). No appointment is required for the free estimate call, but scheduling a site visit requires advance notice. The company brings its own equipment and hauls debris; homeowners don't need to arrange cleanup or have specialized access prepared.
Fortner Construction And Tree Service fills the gap between budget operators and specialty arborists, making it the practical choice for Chattanooga homeowners who need professional work done safely and want a single point of contact when storms strike.
