Thoughtful Tree Care, Grounded in Science, Guided by Experience

Hello, I’m Jessica Adkins, the Lady Arborist.


I provide professional tree care for residential and commercial property owners who want more than pruning cuts or rushed removals. My work is rooted in arboricultural science, guided by tree biology, and shaped by a belief that trees deserve thoughtful, intentional care—not guesswork.


When you contact Lady Arborist, you work directly with the owner and certified arborist responsible for assessing your trees, planning the work, and ensuring it’s done correctly. No sales teams. No pressure. Just clear guidance and expert care.


I proudly serve Charlotte, NC and surrounding communities, including Lake Wylie, Steel Creek, Fort Mill, Tega Cay, Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson, Mooresville, Weddington, Marvin, Mathews Mint Hill, Belmont, Gastonia, Conncord, Kannapolis, Monroe, and Indian Land.

A Different Standard of Tree Care

Many tree companies focus on speed and volume. Lady Arborist focuses on understanding. Trees are living systems. Each species grows differently, responds differently to stress, and requires care that aligns with its structure, age, and environment. Poor pruning—or unnecessary removal—can shorten a tree’s life, increase risk, and cause irreversible damage.


That’s why every project begins with evaluation, not assumptions. I take the time to look at:

Tree species and growth habits

Structural integrity and load distribution

Signs of disease, decay, or pest activity

Soil conditions and root environment

Proximity to homes, power lines, and other structures

Why Arborist-Led Care Matters

Many people use the phrase “tree trimming.” In professional arboriculture, the correct term is tree pruning.

Pruning is not about cutting trees back for appearance alone. It is a biological process that influences:

  • Structural strength
  • Long-term health
  • Resistance to disease
  • Storm resilience
  • Safety for people and property

Incorrect pruning—such as topping, over-thinning, or removing the wrong branches—can:

  • Weaken branch attachments
  • Invite decay and pests
  • Create hazardous regrowth
  • Permanently disfigure the tree

As a certified arborist, I follow industry best practices and science-based standards to ensure pruning supports the tree’s health rather than compromises it.

Our Core Tree Care Services

Lady Arborist provides a full range of professional tree services, each approached with precision, care, and respect for the landscape.

Tree Pruning & Structural Care

Pruning is one of the most important investments you can make in your trees.


My pruning services focus on:

  • Structural pruning for young and mature trees
  • Crown thinning to improve airflow and light penetration
  • Deadwood removal to reduce hazards
  • Clearance pruning near roofs, walkways, and power lines
  • Ornamental and fruit tree pruning


Every cut has a purpose. The goal is not to remove as much as possible, but to remove what is necessary—and nothing more.

Tree Removal (When It’s Truly Necessary)

I love trees. That’s why removal is always the last option, not the first.


Tree removal may be recommended when:

  • A tree is dead or dying
  • Structural failure risk is high
  • Disease cannot be effectively managed
  • Storm damage has compromised safety
  • Roots threaten foundations or infrastructure


When removal is required, it is performed with:

  • Controlled techniques
  • Professional-grade equipment
  • Careful planning to protect surrounding property and homeowners


Safety, transparency, and cleanup are always part of the process.

Stump Grinding & Site Restoration

A tree stump is more than an eyesore—it can become a source of pests, disease, and unwanted regrowth.


Stump grinding:

  • Prevents suckering and regrowth
  • Removes tripping hazards
  • Improves lawn and landscape usability
  • Helps restore soil for replanting


Whenever possible, stump debris is repurposed into mulch, supporting sustainable practices.

Tree Disease & Infection Diagnosis

Not all tree problems are obvious.


Charlotte’s warm, humid climate creates ideal conditions for:

  • Fungal infections
  • Bacterial diseases
  • Root rot
  • Pest infestations


Early symptoms—such as leaf discoloration, canopy thinning, oozing sap, or unusual growth—are often missed or misdiagnosed.


As an arborist, I assess:

  • Visible symptoms
  • Environmental stress factors
  • Soil and root conditions
  • Species-specific vulnerabilities


Whenever possible, treatment and preservation are prioritized over removal.

Storm Damage & Emergency Tree Care

Storms can leave trees unstable, cracked, or leaning in ways that aren’t immediately obvious.


After severe weather, I provide:

  • Post-storm tree assessments
  • Emergency limb or tree removal
  • Debris cleanup
  • Documentation for insurance claims (upon request)


Addressing storm damage early reduces risk and prevents further property damage.

A Thoughtful, Transparent Process

Working with Lady Arborist is straightforward and pressure-free.

1

Initial

Consultation

I evaluate your trees on site and listen to your concerns.

2

Professional Assessment

I explain what I’m seeing, why it matters, and what options exist.

3

Clear Recommendations

You receive honest guidance—sometimes that means no work is needed yet.

4

Expert

Execution

If work is recommended, it is done safely, carefully, and professionally.

5

Clean Finish & Follow-Up

Your property is left clean, and you’re given guidance for ongoing care.

Why Homeowners Choose Lady Arborist

  • Owner-operated, arborist-led
  • Science-based decision making
  • Clear communication and honest advice
  • Sustainable, tree-first philosophy
  • Local knowledge of Charlotte’s tree species
  • 5-star customer reviews


I don’t rush jobs. I don’t oversell services. And I don’t treat trees as disposable.

Rooted in Design, Grounded in Science

My path into arboriculture began with a background in art and design. That foundation shapes how I see trees—not just as plants, but as living forms with structure, balance, and purpose.


Through formal training and hands-on experience in arboriculture and horticulture, I developed a deep understanding of:

  • Tree biology
  • Growth patterns
  • Structural integrity
  • Environmental interaction


Today, I blend artistic vision with scientific precision to create landscapes that are both beautiful and resilient.

As a woman-owned business, Lady Arborist is committed to raising the standard of tree care through education, integrity, and respect for the natural world.

Growing Dogwood Trees from Seed

Dogwood trees grow best when planted with the right timing, soil conditions, and care specific to our region. These seeds are being shared locally to encourage thoughtful planting and long-term tree health.


Click below to learn how to properly plant and care for Dogwood seeds in the Charlotte region.

Serving Charlotte & Surrounding Communities

Lady Arborist proudly serves:

Charlotte, NC

Lake Wylie

Steel Creek

Fort Mill

Tega Cay

South Charlotte and nearby areas

If you’re unsure whether I serve your neighborhood, just ask.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I really need an arborist, or can any tree company do the work?

    Not all tree companies are arborist-led. A certified arborist is trained in tree biology, structure, and long-term health, not just cutting techniques. Arborist-led care helps prevent unnecessary damage, safety risks, and premature tree failure.

  • What’s the difference between tree trimming and tree pruning?

    “Tree trimming” is a common layman’s term. The correct professional term is tree pruning. Pruning is a selective, science-based practice focused on tree health, structure, and safety—not appearance alone.

  • How do I know if my tree needs work?

    Signs may include:

    • Dead or broken branches by itself
    • Trees with severe leans
    • Trees with a compromised root system
    • Fungal growth (mushrooms), peeling bark/oozing liquid exiting from bark
    • Storm damage
    • Trees with included bark

    However, many tree issues aren’t visible to the untrained eye. A professional evaluation is the safest way to know.


  • Do you always recommend pruning trees?

    No. In many cases, no immediate work is needed. My goal is to recommend only what benefits the tree and reduces risk—sometimes that means monitoring rather than acting.

  • Do you provide free estimates?

    Yes. Estimates are provided after a professional evaluation so recommendations are accurate and appropriate.

  • Do you serve my area?

    Lady Arborist serves Charlotte, NC and surrounding communities, including Lake Wylie, Steel Creek, Fort Mill, Tega Cay, and many more.

  • Are you licensed and insured?

    Yes. Lady Arborist is fully licensed and insured in North Carolina.

Let’s Talk Trees

If you’re looking for thoughtful, expert guidance—not rushed work or sales pressure—I’d be happy to help.

Your trees deserve care that’s rooted in knowledge, guided by experience, and delivered with intention.