Branching out
LISA HOBBS - News Editor
Local resident Toby McBride launched his own tree trimming and removal business several years ago and has been rooted in it ever since.
“I started my business in 2021, or maybe it was 2020,” McBride stated. “I was still with Caney Fork Electric Cooperative then. My daughter was going to college, so it seemed like the right time to go for it and that’s what I did.”
McBride spent 22 years with the electric company before he dared to pursue something new and launch McBride’s Tree Trimming and Removal, of which he is the owner and operator. He currently employes three.
“It has been great. I work for a bunch of good people. I like staying local. I do venture out some, but not too far, if I can help it. Being a small business owner can be challenging, but I’ve been blessed with help. The people you can get to do this kind of work are kind of rough, but I’ve been lucky.”
The business is bonded and licensed and will work alongside your homeowner’s insurance company to determine if the tree removal is covered, which it may be. When a tree falls and damages your home or other insured structure because of a sudden, covered peril, your homeowner’s policy may pay for the repairs after your deductible.
McBride says the price range for tree removal can depend on several factors, such as what surrounds the tree, but an average tree can start in the $650 to $750 range.
“It can be lower than that. If there’s a bunch of stuff around it that you have to rope and do extra work, it costs a little bit more. It can get into the thousands, if it’s a big tree and in a very bad spot.”
It is never recommended that a property owner attempt to cut their own tree down or to use a business that is not licensed and bonded as a cost-saving measure.
“When you’re cutting a tree and you’re 20, 30, 40 feet up, there’s a lot that can be unpredictable. I’ve had people say, ‘I’ll just get a ladder or get up in a tractor’s bucket or something like that.’ I don’t recommend doing that. Anything can happen. It can happen to us, too, but we are more prepared for it. It’s far too dangerous for homeowners to tackle it alone. If it falls into the house, you’re liable for it.”
McBride doesn’t regret the decision to branch out on his own.
“I truly do enjoy what I’m doing. I’ve had a lot of people ask me if I ever regretted leaving Caney Fork. Caney Fork was a great place. I was there for 22 years, but I couldn't go back. Leaving was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I had some good friends who kept pushing me and pushing me. My wife was very supportive. I finally just did it, and it has been great.”
If you need a tree removed or just trimmed, call McBride’s Tree Trimming and Removal at 931-273-0350. You’ll be adding your name to a growing list of satisfied customers. The business can be found on Facebook.