Certified arborist providing tree service and consultations in northeast Georgia

Trees may grow on their own, but keeping them healthy, safe, and thriving takes expertise. That’s where a certified arborist comes in.

At McKay Tree Service, our arborist-led services go beyond trimming and removal. We offer professional evaluations, tree health diagnostics, risk assessments, and care recommendations designed to preserve the beauty and structural integrity of your trees for years to come.

Our main service areas include Cornelia, Clarkesville, Baldwin, and Demorest – and we regularly work in communities across Habersham County and nearby towns like Alto, Mount Airy, and Gainesville. Wherever you are in the area, we’re ready to help keep your trees healthy and your property safe.

What Is a Certified Arborist?

A certified arborist is a tree care professional who has passed rigorous exams through the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Certification means they have demonstrated deep knowledge in tree biology, soil science, pruning standards, pest and disease management, and tree risk assessment.

When you hire an arborist, you’re not just getting a tree worker, you’re getting a trained expert who understands the science behind healthy trees and safe tree care.

Our Arborist Services Include:

  • Tree health evaluations and long-term care plans
  • Tree disease and pest diagnosis
  • Soil testing and fertility management
  • Tree preservation during construction
  • Risk and hazard assessments
  • Structural pruning and corrective trimming
  • Root zone management and protection
  • Cabling and bracing for support
  • Tree inventory and mapping for large properties
  • Expert witness consultation for legal/tree disputes

We combine real-world experience with evidence-based care strategies to keep your trees healthy and your property safe.

When Should You Call an Arborist?

  • You’re worried a tree is sick or dying
  • A tree is growing too close to your home, wires, or other structures
  • You notice cracks, leaning, or decay
  • Your trees are struggling to thrive despite watering and care
  • You’re building or renovating near mature trees
  • You want a professional plan for long-term tree care

A consultation with a certified arborist can help you avoid costly mistakes, unexpected damage, or unnecessary removals.

Why Arborist-Led Tree Care Matters

Trees are long-term investments. With proper guidance from an arborist, you can:

  • Catch diseases early and save at-risk trees
  • Encourage healthier growth and structure
  • Protect roots during construction or landscaping
  • Extend the life of valuable or historic trees
  • Reduce liability from falling limbs or unstable trees
  • Maintain property value and aesthetic appeal

At McKay Tree Service, our arborist helps you see what others might miss, bringing peace of mind and smarter outcomes.

Our Arborist Process

1. Consultation and Site Assessment

We walk your property with you and inspect each tree of concern. We look for symptoms of poor health, structural weaknesses, root problems, or external threats.

2. Diagnosis and Reporting

If a tree is showing signs of stress or disease, we perform tests, soil evaluations, and visual inspections. You’ll receive a full report of our findings along with recommendations.

3. Custom Tree Care Plan

Based on your goals and budget, we develop a care plan. This may include pruning, treatment, soil care, or monitoring—always with a focus on sustainability and long-term tree health.

4. Maintenance or Monitoring (Optional)

We can return seasonally or annually to inspect and adjust care as needed. Our arborist remains available to you for questions and ongoing support.

Tree Health Issues We Handle

  • Fungal and bacterial infections (e.g. oak wilt, anthracnose)
  • Insect infestations (e.g. borers, aphids, scale)
  • Soil nutrient deficiencies or compaction
  • Damage from construction or landscaping
  • Root girdling and suffocation
  • Abiotic stress from drought, frost, or pollution

Our goal is not to cut down your tree, it’s to help it recover whenever possible and safely manage it when it can’t.

Tree Risk Assessment & Safety

Some trees pose a risk due to structure, location, or unseen decay. Our arborist uses tools like resistograph testing and visual inspection to determine the likelihood of failure. If a tree is dangerous, we’ll walk you through removal options, or stabilization strategies like cabling or pruning.

We also offer tree risk reports for real estate sales, commercial developments, and insurance claims.

Arborist Reports & Documentation

In many cases, a formal arborist report is required for:

  • tree removal permits
  • insurance purposes (after storm or limb failure)
  • legal disputes involving property lines or damage
  • HOA approvals or development reviews

Our documentation is clear, professional, and ready to submit to your city or agency.

Why Choose Our Expert Team?

  • ISA-certified arborist on staff
  • 11+ years of hands-on tree care and diagnosis
  • Locally operated with knowledge of regional species
  • Advanced tools for diagnostics and soil testing
  • Full-service tree company with end-to-end support
  • Transparent pricing and detailed reports
  • Trusted by hundreds of homeowners and property managers

We don’t guess—we assess. And we care as much about your trees as you do.

FAQs About Our Arborist Services

Q: What’s the difference between a tree service and an arborist?

A: Many companies offer tree trimming and removal, but not all have certified arborists. Arborists are trained experts who understand tree health, structure, and biology—beyond just cutting and cleanup.

Q: Can an arborist save a sick tree?

A: In many cases, yes,if caught early. Our arborist can diagnose issues and offer treatment plans tailored to the tree’s condition and environment.

Q: How much does an arborist consultation cost?

A: We offer free basic consultations. For formal reports, risk assessments, or large-scale inventories, fees may apply, but you’ll always receive clear estimates first.

Q: Should I have an arborist inspect trees before buying a property?

A: Absolutely. Mature trees are valuable but can hide costly risks. An arborist can help you understand the landscape and avoid surprises.

Areas We Serve

McKay Tree Service offers certified services throughout northeast Georgia:

Get Expert Help From a Certified Arborist

If you’re concerned about your trees, or want to keep them thriving, schedule a consultation today. Our certified arborist is ready to evaluate, diagnose, and recommend what’s best for your landscape.

Call (762) 227-1035 to get started or request a free consultation online.

McKay Tree Service – Because Healthy Trees Don’t Happen by Accident.