Nashville and the surrounding Middle Tennessee region feature a lush canopy of native hardwoods including white oaks, red oaks, hackberry, cedar elms, and Eastern red cedars spread across the rolling hills of the Cumberland Plateau and Nashville Basin. The area experiences severe thunderstorms with high straight-line winds throughout spring and summer, periodic winter ice storms, and occasional tornadoes that regularly cause tree failures across Davidson and surrounding counties. The city’s rapid development has also created ongoing demand for professional tree assessment and removal services across established and newly developed neighborhoods.
1. Kaily’s Tree Service
Founded: Established early 2000s
Phone: (615) 496-1542
Website: https://kailystreeservice.com
Address: 343 Willard Dr, Nashville, TN 37211
Service Area: Nashville and surrounding Middle Tennessee areas
Services: Tree Removal, Tree Trimming, Stump Grinding, Emergency Tree Service, Hazardous Tree Removal, Commercial Tree Services
Certifications: Licensed, bonded, and insured per state requirements
Insurance: Fully licensed and insured
Firm Size: Local crew-based operation
Fee Structure: Free estimates; contact for pricing
Kaily’s Tree Service provides a full range of tree removal and trimming services in Nashville, handling everything from hazardous tree removal to routine maintenance. The company offers 24/7 emergency response and uses modern equipment for safe, efficient tree work.
2. Moore and Smith Tree Care
Founded: Established early 2000s
Phone: (615) 877-8733
Website: https://nashvilletntreeservice.com
Address: 301 S Perimeter Park Dr, Ste 100, Nashville, TN 37211
Service Area: Nashville and surrounding areas
Services: Tree Removal, Tree Trimming, Stump Grinding, Pruning, Emergency Tree Service
Certifications: ISA Certified Arborist; licensed and insured
Insurance: Fully licensed and insured
Firm Size: Local crew-based operation
Fee Structure: Free estimates; contact for pricing
Moore and Smith Tree Care features certified arborists trained and experienced in all aspects of tree care in Nashville. The company is known for affordable pricing and high-quality customer service across the greater Nashville area.
3. Tanksley Tree Service
Founded: 1983
Phone: (615) 269-9464
Website: https://tanksleytreeservice.com
Address: Nashville, TN
Service Area: Nashville and surrounding Middle Tennessee communities
Services: Tree Removal, Tree Trimming, Stump Grinding, Emergency Tree Removal, Tree Maintenance
Certifications: Licensed and insured per state requirements
Insurance: Fully licensed and insured
Firm Size: Local crew-based operation
Fee Structure: Free estimates; contact for pricing; satisfaction guarantee
Tanksley Tree Service is a family-owned and operated business that has been serving Nashville since 1983, building more than 40 years of experience in tree care throughout Middle Tennessee. The company offers 24/7 emergency tree service and a customer satisfaction guarantee on every job.
State Regulatory Information
Tennessee does not have a statewide license requirement specifically for general tree trimming or removal companies. However, arborists applying pesticides must hold a license through the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. Nashville and Davidson County may have local tree protection requirements associated with development and construction permits. ISA Certified Arborist credentials are the widely recognized professional standard for tree care in the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Nashville’s tornado and severe storm risks affect tree removal priorities?
Middle Tennessee sits within the Southeast’s severe weather corridor and experiences both significant tornado events and destructive straight-line windstorms, particularly in spring. Large trees with internal decay, structural defects, or compromised root systems near homes are the highest-risk targets for emergency removal after storms. Pre-season inspections in February and March, before peak thunderstorm season, allow homeowners to address high-risk trees while scheduling and pricing are more favorable.
What is the most common tree species removed in Nashville’s older neighborhoods?
Eastern red cedar is one of the most frequently removed trees in Nashville’s older residential areas because it invades open ground rapidly and competes with desirable native hardwoods. Large white oaks and willow oaks also require removal as they develop internal decay, particularly in Nashville’s older neighborhoods where these trees have reached significant age. Hackberry trees, while native and valuable to wildlife, are also regularly removed when they develop surface root conflicts with driveways and sidewalks.
Does Nashville or Davidson County require a permit to remove trees on private property?
Nashville and Davidson County have tree protection requirements that apply primarily to development-related activities and commercial projects rather than routine residential tree removal. The city’s stormwater and land disturbance regulations may apply to significant clearing activities. Homeowners undertaking construction projects or significant land disturbance should confirm requirements with Metro Nashville Planning Department before removing trees as part of site preparation.
How does Nashville’s ice storm risk compare to other Southern cities?
Nashville sits in a zone that periodically experiences significant ice accumulation from winter storm systems that track across the Upper South, and these events can be particularly damaging because many Nashville trees are native hardwoods with large horizontal branch spread. Ice loading of even a quarter inch can cause major limb failures on mature oaks and hackberries, and the 2021 winter storm was among the most damaging ice events in the city’s recent history. Having large-canopy trees professionally assessed before winter is a cost-effective risk management strategy.
What is the emerald ash borer threat to ash trees in Middle Tennessee?
The emerald ash borer has been confirmed in Tennessee and poses a serious threat to all ash tree species in the Nashville area. Infected ash trees typically die within two to five years and require removal before they become hazardous. Property owners with ash trees showing crown dieback, bark splitting, or D-shaped exit holes should contact an ISA Certified Arborist promptly to assess whether treatment or removal is the appropriate course of action.
Verification Note
Company details such as phone numbers, addresses, and founding years were compiled from publicly available sources and may have changed since publication. Readers are strongly encouraged to verify all contact information directly via each company’s official website before engaging services. Certification and insurance status should be confirmed directly with the company and through the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) at https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist.
Disclaimer
The tree service companies listed on this page represent a selection of providers operating in the Nashville area. Each company’s details, including addresses, phone numbers, services, and background information, are based on publicly available data verified at the time of publication. Inclusion on this page does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. Property owners should conduct their own research, verify current licensing and insurance, request proof of workers’ compensation coverage, and obtain multiple written estimates before selecting a tree service company.