Where Art, Science, and Stewardship Meet
My name is Jessica Adkins—and I’m the Lady Arborist. I didn’t come to tree care by accident, and I didn’t come to it casually. My work is the result of a path shaped by design, science, and a deep respect for living systems. Every tree I work on is approached with intention, curiosity, and care—because trees are not objects to be managed. They are organisms to be understood.

When you work with Lady Arborist, you work directly with me—the arborist assessing your trees, making recommendations, and performing the work. No sales teams. No handoffs. No shortcuts.
A Foundation in Design, Rooted in Nature
My professional journey began in art and design. I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Art & Design with a passion for form, balance, and composition—the principles that guide how we see beauty in the world. But design alone wasn’t enough. I wanted my work to be tangible, to make a real impact beyond the page or screen. That search led me outdoors—to trees, landscapes, and living structures that combine art and function in their purest form. Arboriculture became the place where creative vision and scientific discipline meet.
Trees, after all, are natural designers. They grow with intention, respond to stress, adapt to their environment, and tell their stories through structure. Learning to care for them meant learning to read those stories.
Training, Science, and Experience
Tree care is not guesswork. It’s biology.

Through formal training and hands-on experience, I immersed myself in:
- Tree biology and physiology
- Structural growth patterns
- Disease and decay processes
- Risk assessment and mitigation
- Proper pruning standards and techniques
This scientific foundation is what allows me to look at a tree and understand not just how it looks today—but how it will behave years from now.
Every recommendation I make is based on:
- Species-specific behavior
- Environmental conditions
- Long-term health and safety
- The tree’s role within the broader landscape
My Philosophy: Thoughtful Care, Not Aggressive Action
I don’t believe in “doing more” just to justify a visit. I believe in:
- Evaluating before acting
- Explaining before cutting
- Preserving before removing
Sometimes the best arborist decision is to prune lightly—or not at all. Sometimes it’s to monitor, wait, or adjust environmental factors rather than intervene aggressively. And sometimes—when safety or irreversible decline is involved—the right decision is removal. Those conversations are never rushed, and they’re never taken lightly. Trees deserve that level of respect.
What Makes Lady Arborist Different
Owner-Operated, Arborist-Led
You work directly with me—from the first conversation to the final cleanup. That continuity matters.
Science-Based Decisions
My recommendations are grounded in arboriculture, not trends or convenience.
Clear, Honest Communication
You’ll understand what’s happening with your trees and why certain options are—or aren’t—recommended.
Sustainable, Tree-First Approach
Whenever possible, I prioritize preservation and long-term health over removal.
Calm, Professional Presence
Tree care can be stressful, especially after storms or when safety is involved. My role is to bring clarity—not pressure.
A Woman-Owned Business with a Broader Mission
As a woman-owned business, Lady Arborist exists not only to provide exceptional tree care, but to help redefine what expertise looks like in this industry.
Arboriculture benefits from:
- Thoughtfulness over force
- Precision over speed
- Knowledge over habit
I’m committed to raising the standard—through education, professionalism, and work that speaks for itself.
Serving Our Community, One Tree at a Time
I proudly serve homeowners and property managers throughout:
Charlotte, NC
Lake Wylie
Steel Creek
Fort Mill
Tega Cay
South Charlotte
These communities are filled with mature trees that deserve informed, respectful care—especially as development, storms, and environmental stress increase.
Why This Work Matters
Trees are more than part of the scenery.
They:
- Shape neighborhoods
- Protect homes
- Improve air quality
- Support ecosystems
- Create emotional connection to place
Caring for them responsibly is a privilege—and a responsibility I take seriously.
Let’s Talk Trees
If you’re looking for thoughtful guidance, honest recommendations, and tree care rooted in both science and respect, I’d be glad to help.
Together, we can cultivate landscapes that are healthy, resilient, and built to last.
