Business Details
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Tree Care Experts in Columbia, MD
Shy Tree is your trusted local tree care provider serving Columbia, Maryland, and surrounding areas. Founded by ISA Board-Certified Master Arborist Alex Shy, we combine decades of arboricultural expertise with a deep commitment to preserving Maryland's natural beauty. Our team delivers comprehensive tree solutions, including emergency removals, plant health care, and innovative Tree Spa treatments, tailored to both residential and commercial properties. With a focus on safety-first practices and eco-conscious methods, we prioritize long-term tree vitality over unnecessary removals.Our certified professionals utilize advanced equipment and industry-leading techniques to address storm damage, pest infestations, and structural concerns while maintaining strict compliance with Maryland regulations. As active educators in the field, we ensure every project reflects our dual mission: protecting properties through expert tree management and fostering environmental stewardship for future generations.
Services
Tree Removal
Emergency Tree Services
Tree Spa
Plant Health Care
Tree Planting
Arborist Consultations
Land Clearing
Tree Trimming
Stump Grinding
Soil Testing
Highlights and features
- We employ ISA Board-Certified Master Arborists with specialized expertise
- Our 24/7 emergency response ensures immediate assistance during tree crises
- We implement eco-conscious practices that prioritize tree preservation over removal
- Our team holds advanced certifications in tree risk assessment and safety protocols
- We provide transparent, detailed estimates with no hidden fees
Associations and certifications
- International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
- Maryland Licensed Tree Expert (LTE)
What people say
24/7 emergency response
Certified arborists
Professional team
Eco-friendly practices
Thorough consultations
Services
Tree Removal
Our certified arborists safely remove dead, damaged, or unwanted trees using advanced rigging techniques and specialized equipment. We handle complex removals near power lines and structures while minimizing property disruption. Each project includes comprehensive debris cleanup and optional stump grinding services to restore your landscape completely.
Emergency Tree Services
Available 24/7 for urgent tree emergencies, our rapid response team addresses storm damage, fallen trees, and hazardous branches. We provide immediate safety assessments, perform critical removals, and assist with insurance documentation to help clients recover quickly from weather-related incidents.
Tree Spa
This specialized treatment restores tree health through air excavation, soil amendments, and targeted pest management. Using AirSpade technology, we alleviate soil compaction, apply beneficial mycorrhizae, and implement disease control measures to revitalize declining trees and prevent future health issues.
Plant Health Care
Our comprehensive plant health programs include soil testing, pest monitoring, and customized treatment plans. Certified arborists diagnose tree conditions, recommend cabling/bracing solutions, and implement preventive care strategies to maintain landscape vitality and prevent structural failures.
Arborist Consultations
Board-certified arborists conduct detailed property evaluations to identify tree risks, health concerns, and maintenance needs. We provide professional recommendations, cost estimates, and long-term management plans to help property owners make informed decisions about their tree care requirements.
People
Alex Shy
Owner & ISA Board-Certified Master Arborist
Alex Shy holds dual credentials as an ISA Board-Certified Master Arborist and Maryland Licensed Tree Expert. With a degree in Natural Resource Management from West Virginia University, he teaches arborist certification courses and operates a safety training company while leading Shy Tree's technical operations.
Questions
Is tree removal always necessary for damaged trees?
Not always. Our arborists prioritize preservation and will recommend removal only when trees pose safety risks or cannot be saved through treatments like cabling, bracing, or pest management.
Do I need a permit for tree removal in Maryland?
Permit requirements vary by municipality. Our experts understand local regulations and will guide you through the permitting process when required for tree removal projects.
What happens to removed trees?
We recycle tree material by converting wood into mulch, firewood, or compost. Clients may request specific disposal methods, and we ensure environmentally responsible handling of all removed vegetation.
Can tree services be performed year-round?
Basic maintenance occurs year-round, but major removals are best scheduled during dormant seasons. Emergency services operate 24/7 regardless of weather conditions or seasonal factors.
How do you handle storm-damaged trees?
Our 24/7 emergency team prioritizes safety by securing hazardous branches, performing critical removals, and providing documentation for insurance claims to help clients recover from storm-related tree damage.
What tree health services do you offer?
We provide soil testing, pest management, disease treatments, and root zone restoration through our Tree Spa service to improve tree vitality and prevent long-term health issues.
Reviews (4)
Isabella Anderson
Jan 24, 2022
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Positive:Professionalism,Punctuality,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
We had a tree that was unsafe in our yard. Within less than 24 hours, Shy tree quoted us and came out to remove the tree. Their quote was significantly less than any other company we talked with and they were extremely responsive and professional. We couldn't be happier with their services.
Service:Tree removal
We had a tree that was unsafe in our yard. Within less than 24 hours, Shy tree quoted us and came out to remove the tree. Their quote was significantly less than any other company we talked with and they were extremely responsive and professional. We couldn't be happier with their services.
Service:Tree removal
Melissa Brown
Jan 10, 2022
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They were amazing! I would definitely use Shy Tree again. I originally had an appointment for several large trees to be trimmed and some big fallen branches to be removed in December but due to a family emergency, I had to do a last minute rescheduling. Shy Tree was able to get me another appointment only a few weeks out and were super understanding about it. All the team was respectful of property (they even made sure to close all my gates and lock them!), cleaned up the driveway after, and the trees look great! Thank you Shy Tree!!
Andrew Natarian
Dec 28, 2021
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Highly recommend Shy Tree. I had a dead tree in the middle of the deck in my backyard. They came up with multiple approaches to tackle the problem and prioritized my best interests. They were able to remove the tree in one day with no damage to anything, and cleaned everything up when they finished. They also gave me a reasonable price. Alex and his crew are great at what they do. If you need a tree removed, call Shy Tree.
Anton Johnson
Nov 01, 2021
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A couple months ago, Alex performed a tree health appraisal on my property with the recommendation for selective pruning on 6 trees. Earlier today, Alex and his team came by to do this work and they did an excellent job. They were careful with my yard when driving their surprisingly small yet tall lift around my house to get to the taller trees, and only cut what needed to be removed to encourage healthy growth. The trees look amazing and I am excited to see how they grow in the years ahead. After cleaning my yard of branches and leaves, Alex walked me through what they did with each tree and why
