Every company has a beginning — ours started in 1999 with one truck, a chainsaw, and a dream.
Back then, Cartwright Tree Care wasn’t a household name. It was a small, family-run operation fueled by long days, muddy boots, and a simple belief: that Kansas City deserved better tree care.
The kind that put people first, safety above all, and integrity behind every cut.
What started as a few local jobs around Grandview, Missouri quickly grew into something bigger — a calling to care for the trees that shape our skyline, shade our neighborhoods, and bring life to our communities.
Today, over 26+ years later, that same purpose still drives everything we do.
In the early days, our founder wasn’t thinking about becoming one of Kansas City’s leading tree service providers — he was just thinking about doing good work.
Each morning started before sunrise, coffee in hand, trucks loaded with ropes, saws, and determination. There were no marketing budgets, no fancy websites — just word of mouth and a reputation built on showing up and doing the job right.
We learned the hard way (and the best way):
🌳 How to climb in the rain.
💪 How to fix a truck in a parking lot at 7 p.m. after a long day.
🤝 How one happy customer could turn into ten more.
Those years were tough — but they planted the roots of who we are today: honest, hardworking, and proud to serve the communities we call home.
As Kansas City grew, so did we. Neighborhoods expanded, trees matured, and the city’s canopy became both a gift and a challenge. With each new subdivision and business park came a need for knowledgeable professionals who understood tree biology, risk management, and safety standards.
That’s when Cartwright Tree Care began investing in education and certification.
Our team members trained to become ISA-certified arborists, learning how to diagnose tree diseases, manage pest infestations, and make informed pruning and removal decisions.
We expanded from residential services into commercial and municipal contracts, proudly working with local cities and businesses to protect and preserve the trees that define our landscape.
Storms? We weathered them. Literally.
From the ice storm of 2007 to the derechos that tore through the metro, our crews were there — clearing roads, saving trees, and helping families feel safe again.
Those years proved something important: We weren’t just a tree service. We were a community partner.
Over the years, Cartwright Tree Care evolved — and leadership evolved with it.
Today, we’re proud to be a certified woman/minority-owned business, continuing a family legacy that values integrity, innovation, and heart. Our leadership reflects the best of both worlds: old-school work ethic meets forward-thinking professionalism.
We don’t just talk about customer service — we live it.
We don’t chase the cheapest bid — we focus on the best results.
And we don’t just trim trees — we build trust with every homeowner, city official, and partner we serve.
Our values haven’t changed since 1999:
Safety: Every job starts and ends with it.
Integrity: Do it right, even when no one’s watching.
Care: For our trees, our clients, and our team.
Community: Because Kansas City isn’t just where we work — it’s who we are.
If you ask any of our crew members what they love about their job, they’ll tell you:
“It’s not just the trees — it’s the people.”
We’ve helped families save backyard oaks that have stood for generations.
We’ve worked with cities to preserve historic trees that shade local landmarks. We’ve partnered with homeowners’ associations to make neighborhoods safer and more beautiful.
And along the way, we’ve built lifelong relationships — not just with clients, but with the landscape of Kansas City itself.
Our trucks have rolled through Overland Park, Raymore, Leawood, Parkville, Liberty, and Blue Springs, carrying tools, teamwork, and a deep respect for the living giants that make our city green.
Tree care isn’t just our business — it’s our responsibility.
We’re proud to have launched initiatives like our “Bees in Trees” Program, partnering with local beekeepers to safely relocate bee colonies instead of destroying them.
We’ve expanded our plant health care services — from disease diagnosis and fertilization to soil improvement and root growth treatments — because healthy trees mean a healthier planet.
And we use modern, sustainable methods like the Cobra™ Cabling System, which stabilizes weak limbs without invasive drilling, preserving both safety and the natural beauty of the tree.
Every service we offer — from pruning and removals to insect management and fertilization — comes from one guiding belief:
“Caring for trees means caring for the planet.”
We wouldn’t be here without our people.
Our arbor consultants, climbers, operators, and office team are the heartbeat of Cartwright Tree Care. They’re certified, trained, and passionate about what they do — and it shows in every detail of our work.
We’ve got employees who’ve been with us for over a decade — people who’ve climbed thousands of trees and still treat each one like it’s their first.
When you hire Cartwright Tree Care, you’re not getting a crew of laborers — you’re getting a team of tree hero's, each dedicated to keeping your landscape safe, healthy, and beautiful. Because not hero's wear caps! Some wear hard hats and safety orange!
As we look to the future, one thing is clear — we’re just getting started.
Because for us, this isn’t just a business. It’s a legacy — one that’s rooted in 26+ years of service, and still growing strong.
We started with one truck, one family, and one mission:
To protect the trees that make Kansas City home.
And though the trucks are newer, the team is bigger, and the services are more advanced, that mission hasn’t changed a bit and the family has remained the same.
Thank you for trusting us with your trees — and with your trust, your safety, and your stories.
📞 Contact Cartwright Tree Care today to schedule your consultation or learn more about how we’ve been serving Kansas City since 1999.
Because at the end of the day, we’re not just tree people — we’re your people. 🌳❤️