Mad Tree Service in Chattanooga: Certified Arborists Who Handle Storm Damage and Hazard Removal
Mad Tree Service is a locally owned tree removal and trimming company that handles everything from routine pruning to emergency storm cleanup across Chattanooga and surrounding areas. The operation employs certified arborists and maintains liability insurance for both residential and commercial work, setting it apart from one-person operations that lack formal credentials.
What Mad Tree Service Actually Is
Mad Tree Service performs tree removal, crown reduction, limb trimming, stump grinding, and storm damage cleanup. The crew is ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) certified, meaning the arborists have passed exams covering tree biology, safe climbing techniques, and proper pruning standards. This certification matters because improper cuts can leave trees vulnerable to disease and structural failure. The business operates year-round and handles jobs ranging from removing a single hazardous limb to taking down full trees, which is practical for Chattanooga's mix of established neighborhoods with mature oaks and maples alongside new developments where tree care becomes necessary as properties mature.
Services and Pricing
Mad Tree Service charges removal jobs on a per-tree basis rather than hourly, which helps customers budget without surprise overruns. A small tree removal (under 30 feet) typically falls between $300 and $600; medium trees (30 to 60 feet) run $600 to $1,200; large removals exceed $1,200 depending on trunk diameter, proximity to structures, and accessibility. Stump grinding costs $100 to $300 per stump. Crown reduction and selective limb removal start at $200 for minor work and increase with tree size and complexity. Storm cleanup pricing varies with debris volume and varies seasonally (confirm current rates by phone, as storm-related demand fluctuates). Chipping services and wood hauling are available for an additional fee, though some customers opt to keep chipped wood for mulch. The company offers free estimates on-site, which lets homeowners see the tree and discuss options before committing.
How Mad Tree Service Compares to Other Chattanooga Tree Services
Chattanooga has several established competitors. Asplundh Tree Expert Company operates at a larger regional scale and handles utility work as well as residential jobs, making them useful for trees near power lines but often pricier for straightforward residential removal. Arbor Pro Tree Care focuses on maintenance and health care, offering deep-root fertilization and disease diagnosis; they suit property owners who want to preserve trees long-term rather than remove them. Prime Cut Tree Service, another local option, emphasizes fast response for storm damage and emergency removal. Mad Tree Service sits between these poles: certified and professional enough for insurance claims and municipal compliance, but sized for direct customer contact without the overhead of a regional corporation. Choose Mad Tree Service for routine removals and detailed arborist consultation; choose Asplundh if you need utility clearance coordination; choose Prime Cut if an ice storm just knocked down half your yard and you need same-day response.
Who It Suits and Who It Does Not
Mad Tree Service suits homeowners with established trees that need careful removal or reduction, especially in neighborhoods where property lines are tight and precision matters. It works well for people who want certified expertise without the premium pricing of arborist-heavy firms that emphasize preservation and diagnosis. It does not suit customers seeking only debris cleanup after a storm without any tree work, nor does it make sense for property owners who simply need cheap removal and are indifferent to method. Customers uncomfortable discussing safety concerns directly with a crew should know that the company expects straightforward conversations about what's growing where and what the plan is.
What the First Visit Involves
Call for a free estimate. A crew member will visit the property, assess the tree (species, size, lean, proximity to house or power lines), and walk through removal or trimming options. They will explain what they will do with debris (haul away or chip on-site) and give you a written quote. Payment is due upon completion; the company accepts cash and card. Work typically happens within two to three weeks unless the job is emergency storm cleanup, which they prioritize within 48 hours. Cleanup is thorough: they remove debris and rake the area, though they do not restore soil or plant replacement trees.
Hours, Parking, and Logistics
Mad Tree Service operates Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., with emergency storm service available outside these hours on a per-job basis (call for rates). They are based on Dayton Boulevard in East Chattanooga and dispatch crews to all of Hamilton County and surrounding areas. No on-site parking is required for estimates; crews arrive in marked trucks with equipment. Travel time beyond 15 miles from their base adds a small fuel surcharge to larger jobs.
Mad Tree Service earns its place in Chattanooga's tree-care landscape by combining ISA certification and transparent pricing with hands-on local ownership, making it the reliable choice for homeowners who need professional judgment without regional-company overhead.
