By Sue Baldani

Celebrating 40 years in the business, Action Tree Service has amazing customer service and high level of expertise that has made it so successful for all these years. “Our biggest form of advertising is word of mouth,” says business manager, Bobbie DeGuilo. “Customers are happy with our service and refer us to others.”

The Warren based company was founded by Don Murphy, Bobbie’s father and John Bert Kuhn, who are both still active in the company today. Some of its employees have also been part of their crew for many years – one has been with them since 1985, and two others since the early nineties.

Bert, as he is known, is the president-elect of the New Jersey Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture. He had a big hand in organizing a successful first annual Duel on the Delaware - a tree climbing and rigging competition between New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

“Bert is still climbing trees,” says Bobbie. “He’s a licensed tree expert, and because of this, we’re able to offer a broader range of services. He and our team are incredibly knowledgeable.”

For example, they don’t just go out and remove trees, but instead they’ll let homeowners know if the trees are healthy and what they can do to keep them that way. “People often say how much they appreciate the knowledge they are given right from the get-go,” says Bobbie. “When Don goes out and takes a look, they get a whole lesson. They get their trees identified and can be offered a plant health care plan to treat trees that may need it.”

Right now, the emerald ash borer is killing ash trees at an alarming rate. “We can treat them, and we will be honest if the tree is worth treating or if it’s too late.”

Sometimes a homeowner will want a limb removed or a tree cut down, says Bobbie, and instead of just going ahead and doing it, their experts will explain why that may not be the best course of action and inform them of other alternatives.

“They can also educate the client on what the best trees would be to plant on their property, which goes beyond just what a homeowner likes,” she says.

In addition to offering tree removal, stump grinding, plant health care/design and several types of pruning, Action Tree Service also heavily encourages tree inspections. Bobbie explains that if a homeowner has plans to install a fence, a pool, an addition or a

driveway, they should first have their trees assessed. “Often, people will put in a pool and that big, beautiful tree they had nearby dies because damage was done to the roots from the digging. Now, it’s going to cost more money because there’s a fence or pool in the way.”

The company offers free estimates, is properly insured, and manages both residential and commercial properties. It serves all of Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren counties, and parts of Morris County.

To learn more, go to https://www.actiontreeservice.com/