Pelfrey TreeFounded in 2020, Pelfrey Tree Service brings ISA-certified arborist expertise to every property we touch across three southeastern U.S. markets.
Pelfrey Tree Service was founded in 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia, with a straightforward premise: homeowners and property managers deserve a tree service that operates like a professional firm, not a crew with a truck and a chainsaw.
From day one, every job has been overseen by an ISA-certified arborist. Every estimate has been written, itemized, and delivered with not-to-exceed pricing. Every crew has carried full general liability and workers compensation insurance. These aren't aspirational standards -- they are non-negotiable operating requirements.
Since our founding, we have expanded from Atlanta to Nashville and Tampa. In every market, we bring the same credentials, the same safety protocols, and the same Pelfrey Promise: written, itemized, and approved.
Our growth has been driven entirely by referrals and reputation. We compete not on price but on accountability, communication, and arborist expertise. Our clients choose us because they want a tree company that answers the phone, explains the work, and stands behind the result.
Owners, arborists, and operations leaders across Atlanta, Nashville, and Tampa.
Owner & Founder
Raised in Dalton, Georgia -- my mother a bank teller and my father a landscaper who taught me about hard work and Georgia's native plants and trees. I earned a bachelor's degree in marketing from the University of West Georgia, working 15+ part-time jobs along the way. My first real job was selling for Great American Floors in Sandy Springs. After the 2008 downturn, I moved to Gunnison Tree, where I spent 13 years managing projects across the Southeast -- from single-branch jobs to technical seven-figure contracts -- before founding Pelfrey Tree. My aspiration is to grow Pelfrey Tree into a true regional provider across every vertical of tree care.
Partner & COO
ISA Certified Arborist SO-11394A
An Auburn University graduate with a B.S. in Horticulture. Earned Certified Pesticide Applicator status in 2006 while at Russell Landscape. In 2013, co-founded Phenix Landscape with Bo Gore, obtained a Pesticide Charter in 2014, and operated the business successfully until its sale in 2022. Opened Pelfrey Nashville in 2021 and now serves as COO of Pelfrey Company. Earned ISA Certified Arborist credentials in 2025. Outside of work, he enjoys time with his son Logan and two Labrador Retrievers, Cadi and Dolly.
Partner & Branch Manager · Nashville
Originally from Central Alabama and now residing in Nashville. An Auburn University graduate with a Landscape Horticulture degree. Over 20 years in the green industry, including a decade as a business owner. For the past five years, I have owned and operated a professional tree service, combining hands-on experience with strong leadership and industry knowledge.
Branch Manager · Atlanta
ISA Certified Arborist SO-10780A, TRAQ
With over seven years in the green industry and more than a decade in Atlanta, I serve as Branch Manager of the Atlanta office. ISA Certified Arborist with Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ), a Wildlife Wildfire Risk Qualification, and a CAT 24 Pesticide Applicator License. Active BOMA Georgia member for five years. I am also co-founder and President of Standing 8 Foundation, a nonprofit providing boxing instruction and mentorship to individuals in recovery and children from disrupted families.
Director of Operations · Atlanta
Over 20 years in tree care -- starting as a ground man and working up through CDL bucket truck Foreman, Tree Climber, Equipment Operator, and Crew Lead Foreman. Originally from Boston, MA, I relocated to Atlanta in January 2024 to take on the Operations Manager role with The Pelfrey Company. I bring deep, hands-on understanding of tree care operations to my current management role.
Sales Arborist · Atlanta
Arboriculture sales professional with strong experience in business development and building interpersonal relationships. Skilled in working with residential, commercial, and multi-family clients, delivering tailored solutions and fostering long-term partnerships.
Director of Operations · Nashville
Over 27 years in arboriculture across utility, residential, and emergency response tree care. Started with Urban Forestry at Pine Knot Job Corps, earning ISA certification. Spent five years at Davey Trees in Florida specializing in high-voltage line clearance, advancing to Assistant GF. A decade in Tennessee's residential sector developed expertise in complex removals, crane operations, and business management. For twelve years after, excelled in traveling leaner/hanger contracts, rising to Project Manager overseeing up to 20 crews on high-risk removals and coordinating with FEMA and federal agencies. Now back in Tennessee to help grow a local tree company.
Business Development · Nashville
Business Development professional at Pelfrey Tree Service, where I have spent the past two years building relationships and helping clients across the Nashville market. Over 13 years of business development experience focused on practical, value-driven solutions for commercial properties. Before joining Pelfrey, I owned and operated a commercial landscaping company in Arkansas for seven years and a real estate development company for three. My entrepreneurial background shapes how I work with clients -- responsive, straightforward, and committed to getting the job done right.
Branch Manager · Tampa
Marine Corps veteran, family-oriented leader, and growth-focused professional with a background in marketing, field operations, and team development. Dustin specializes in building and scaling high-performing teams, driving market expansion, and optimizing operations for efficiency and profitability. Known for strong leadership and a hands-on approach, he is committed to delivering exceptional results while maintaining the highest standards of safety, accountability, and service.
Office Manager
Originally from western New York, Alaina brings a unique blend of operational expertise and high-stakes service management to the arboriculture industry. She has quickly progressed to a lead administrative role within the tree care sector, managing critical logistics and ensuring smooth daily operations.
As Featured In
Tree Guardian News
“The number one issue I wish homeowners caught earlier is healthcare concerning pests and diseases. Early intervention can save a tree from irreversible damage.”
Published April 28, 2026
We recommend saving trees whenever possible. Removal is a last resort, not a default.
We explain the arboriculture, present options, and help you make informed decisions about your trees.
If a tree doesn't need work, we'll tell you. We don't upsell services that aren't warranted.
Derek Schendel (SO-11394A), Tim McDowell (SO-10780A), and David Denby hold active International Society of Arboriculture credentials.
Tim McDowell holds the ISA TRAQ credential for formal tree risk assessment on residential and commercial properties.
Georgia CAT 24 Commercial Pesticide Applicator License (Tim McDowell). Derek Schendel has held a Pesticide Charter since 2014.
Professional member of the Tree Care Industry Association, operating under ANSI Z133 safety standards for arboricultural operations.
