Pop quiz: What's the second-largest search engine in the world?

If you said "Bing" or "Yahoo," you're about 20 years behind. It's YouTube. And Im guessing your tree service business isn't on it.

Here's what's happening while you're focused on other channels: Homeowners are typing "how to tell if my tree is dying" and "should I remove this tree or trim it" into YouTube search. They're watching videos, learning who seems trustworthy and knowledgeable, and then calling the tree service that made the video.

The one that took 10 minutes to film a simple educational video.

The best part? 

That video keeps working. 

A paid ad stops generating leads the second you stop paying for it. A YouTube video you uploaded two years ago can still generate leads this afternoon.

Tree work is insanely visual. Dramatic crane removals, massive trees coming down in sections, before-and-after transformations. This isn't accounting or legal services, where video content feels forced. 

Believe it or not, your work is naturally compelling to watch.

Yet most tree services have little or no video presence. Maybe a grainy 30-second clip on their Facebook page from 2019 or 2021. Meanwhile, their market is searching YouTube for tree-related content and finding... nothing from local tree services.

This is the easiest marketing opportunity you're missing.

The 5 Types of Videos That Generate Tree Service Leads

You don't need a film crew, expensive equipment, or editing skills. You need your phone, 10 minutes, and something useful to say.

1. Educational "Problem Identification" Videos

These answer the questions homeowners are already searching for:

Why they work: Homeowners search these exact phrases before they're ready to hire anyone. Your video educates them, positions you as the expert, and when they're ready to call someone, they call the person who helped them understand the problem.

Format: Stand in front of a tree demonstrating the issue. Point out the specific signs. Explain what homeowners should do. Takes 5-7 minutes to film.

2. Dramatic Before/After Time-Lapses

Tree removals are inherently dramatic. A 50-foot oak coming down in sections with a crane is compelling content, whether you're a homeowner with a tree problem or just someone scrolling social media.

Why they work: These videos get views from people who aren't even looking for tree services yet. But when they eventually need a tree removed, they remember the impressive crane work they saw on YouTube. These build brand awareness and demonstrate capabilities.

Format: Set up your phone on a tripod at the start of a job. Let it record the whole removal. Speed it up in post. Add your company name and phone number. Done.

3. Storm Prep & Emergency Response Content

These are seasonal opportunities:

Why they work: Storm season drives massive search volume. Homeowners are suddenly worried about trees they've ignored for years. Your video shows up exactly when they're most motivated to take action.

Format: Film these in advance of storm season. When a storm is forecasted, these videos start getting views. You get calls while your competitors are still scrambling.

4. Equipment Demonstrations & "Day in the Life"

Show your capabilities:

Why they work: These differentiate you from the guy with a chainsaw and a pickup truck. Homeowners see your professional equipment, trained crew, and systematic approach. They understand why you cost more than the lowball competitors.

Format: Have a crew member film you explaining the job at the start, then show the work being done, then film the clean jobsite at the end. Narrate over the footage explaining what viewers are seeing.

5. Seasonal Maintenance Guides

These position you as the ongoing expert:

Why they work: These aren't emergency videos. They're educational content that builds trust over time. Someone watches your spring checklist, subscribes to your channel, and calls you six months later when they actually need work done.

Format: Walk through a property pointing out seasonal issues. Make it specific to your local climate and tree species. These videos establish you as the local expert, not just another tree service.

→ YouTube SEO basics - Title your videos exactly what people search. "Dead Tree Removal Atlanta GA" beats "Check out this big stump!" Include your city/region in titles and descriptions. YouTube prioritizes local content for local searches.

→ The thumbnail matters - Use a clear, high-contrast image showing the dramatic moment (tree mid-fall, crane lifting a section, massive stump). Add text overlay with the key benefit: "Emergency Storm Response" or "Same-Day Service." Thumbnails drive clicks.

→ End every video with a CTA - Last 10 seconds should be: "If you need professional tree service in [your area], call us at [number] or visit [website]." Don't be subtle. Tell people exactly what to do next.

→ Repurpose everywhere - One YouTube video becomes: a YouTube Short, an Instagram Reel, a Facebook post, a TikTok, and content for your website blog. Film once, distribute everywhere. (We can help you with this, just hit reply)

Do you want free social media video content to get started with video advertising personalized for your company? Reach out to me on socials or reply below:

Know who else wasn't good on camera when they started? Every single YouTuber who's now good on camera.

You think your first video is supposed to be polished and professional? It's not. Your first video is supposed to exist. That's the only requirement.

Here's what actually matters: Do you know trees? Can you explain why a tree is dangerous? Can you point at a crack in bark and tell someone what it means?

If yes, you're qualified to make educational tree videos. You don't need to be entertaining or charismatic. You need to be knowledgeable and helpful.

The homeowner researching tree problems on YouTube isn't looking for Hollywood production quality. They're looking for someone who clearly knows what they're talking about and seems trustworthy.

"But I don't have time to edit videos."

You don't need to edit. Pull out your phone, hit record, explain something useful for 5 minutes, stop recording, upload to YouTube. That's it. No editing required.

Or hire a local college kid who knows basic video editing for $50 per video. Or use your phone's built-in editing features that literally anyone can figure out in 10 minutes.

"But nobody will watch my videos."

You're right, nobody will watch videos you don't make. But the 30 people who do watch your "Signs Your Oak Tree is Dying" video? Three of them will call you. Because they have a dying oak tree and you just demonstrated that you understand their exact problem.

I'd rather have 30 views and 3 leads than 0 views and 0 leads because I was too self-conscious to press record.

Your competitors aren't making videos either. They're all too worried about not being "good on camera" to realize that being on camera at all is the actual competitive advantage.

While they're overthinking it, you could film three videos this week and have them generating leads for the next three years.

Stop waiting to be perfect. Start being present on the platform where your customers are already searching for tree help.

Most tree service companies don’t have a leads problem, but leaks:

We’ll show you exactly where the money’s leaking and how to stop it.
It’s a $100 deep-dive, not a sales pitch.
If it’s not worth at least 10× what you paid, we’ll refund you.

Written by Jacob Hastings
Head of Growth & Client Strategy at Growth Ring Media