Introduction
Dead Or Alive Tree Service (DOATS) is a private, family‑owned business headquartered in the city of Greenfield, Ohio. The company specializes in comprehensive arboricultural services, including tree removal, stump grinding, pruning, hazardous tree assessment, and emergency storm response. Established in 1998, DOATS has grown from a single‑operator operation into a multi‑site enterprise employing over 200 certified arborists and technicians. The firm serves a diverse client base that spans residential neighborhoods, commercial developments, municipal agencies, and industrial sites across the Midwest region of the United States.
History and Background
Founding
Dead Or Alive Tree Service was founded by Mark Thompson, a former forestry engineer, after he identified a gap in the market for professional tree care that combined ecological sensitivity with rigorous safety standards. Thompson purchased a 4‑wheel drive rig and a small chain saw in 1995, and the first service call - removal of a hazardous oak on a private residence - proved the viability of a dedicated tree service business. By 1998, the company was formally incorporated, and the name "Dead Or Alive" was chosen to emphasize the dual focus on removing dead, dangerous trees while preserving living ones.
Growth and Expansion
In the early 2000s, DOATS expanded its service portfolio to include stump grinding, tree cabling, and landscaping integration. A strategic partnership with a regional construction firm in 2005 opened doors to larger commercial contracts. The company opened a second office in Columbus, Ohio, in 2010, followed by a third location in Indianapolis, Indiana, in 2014. By 2018, DOATS had become the largest family‑owned tree service provider in the Midwest, with annual revenues exceeding $25 million.
Recent Developments
In 2021, DOATS invested in drone‑based canopy mapping technology to enhance pre‑service assessment accuracy. The following year, the firm launched a community outreach program aimed at educating local schools about urban forestry. In 2023, the company announced a joint venture with a bio‑based mulch producer to supply environmentally friendly stump‑grinding by‑products to clients.
Company Structure
Ownership and Governance
Dead Or Alive Tree Service remains privately held, with ownership retained by the Thompson family. The corporate governance structure includes a board of directors composed of family members and external advisors with expertise in environmental policy, business strategy, and risk management. The board meets quarterly to review financial performance, strategic initiatives, and compliance matters.
Management Team
The executive leadership team consists of Mark Thompson as Chief Executive Officer, Sarah Thompson as Chief Operating Officer, and Daniel Lee as Chief Financial Officer. The operational arm is overseen by Regional Managers for each of the company's three primary offices, responsible for daily scheduling, workforce management, and client relations. A dedicated Human Resources department handles recruitment, training, and employee welfare programs.
Workforce Composition
DOATS employs a mix of full‑time, part‑time, and seasonal staff. The core team includes 60 certified arborists, 30 licensed truck operators, and 50 support technicians. Approximately 20% of employees participate in a structured apprenticeship program designed to develop the next generation of tree service specialists. The company reports a retention rate of 85% for senior technicians, reflecting a strong workplace culture.
Services
Tree Removal
Tree removal is offered as a standard service for dead, diseased, or structurally compromised trees. DOATS utilizes hydraulic rope systems, large‑capacity winches, and, when necessary, controlled explosives for exceptionally dense root systems. The company provides a safety assessment prior to removal, documenting potential hazards such as proximity to utilities, building foundations, and adjacent vegetation.
Stump Grinding and Removal
Stump grinding services target the base of removed trees to eliminate root growth and facilitate site clearance. The process involves a high‑powered grinder mounted on a heavy‑duty truck, capable of grinding stumps up to 24 inches in diameter. For exceptionally large stumps, the company employs a hydro‑excavation technique that employs water pressure to separate root material from the surrounding soil.
Tree Pruning and Cabling
Pruning services aim to promote healthy growth, enhance aesthetic value, and reduce structural risk. Pruning is performed following the American Society of Arboriculture (ASA) guidelines, ensuring cuts are made at appropriate angles and depths. Cabling and bracing systems are installed on mature or compromised trees to redistribute mechanical load and prevent limb failure.
Hazardous Tree Assessment
DOATS offers detailed risk analyses for properties where potential tree hazards exist. The assessment includes a visual inspection, dendritic analysis, and load‑bearing calculations. The firm provides a written report with recommended mitigation strategies, ranging from removal to structural reinforcement.
Emergency Storm Response
In the event of severe weather, the company provides 24/7 emergency services. Response protocols involve rapid site evaluation, risk assessment, and immediate action plans to secure the property. The emergency team is equipped with high‑visibility safety gear, portable generators, and mobile power supplies for on‑site operations.
Landscape Integration
Beyond tree services, DOATS offers landscape design and maintenance solutions that incorporate urban forestry principles. The integration focuses on sustainable planting, soil health, and native species selection, with the goal of enhancing ecosystem resilience and aesthetic appeal.
Operations and Technology
Equipment Fleet
The company operates a diversified fleet of vehicles, including articulated lorries, skid‑stackers, and forestry tractors. The truck fleet is equipped with hydraulic winches rated up to 120,000 pounds and has a combined total of 45 winches. In addition, DOATS maintains a reserve of specialized tools, such as portable saws, chippers, and bio‑decomposition shakers.
Techniques and Methodologies
DOATS adheres to industry best practices as set forth by the ASA and the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). The firm utilizes a combination of mechanical and biological techniques to ensure environmentally responsible operations. For example, stump grinding by‑products are recycled into mulch for landscaping projects, thereby reducing landfill waste.
Safety Standards
Employee safety is governed by a comprehensive program that includes mandatory Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), daily safety briefings, and periodic hazard training. The company has a documented incident response plan, which has resulted in zero fatality incidents over the past decade. DOATS also participates in a peer review program where external inspectors audit safety protocols annually.
Digital Asset Management
To streamline operations, DOATS employs a cloud‑based scheduling platform that synchronizes client requests, technician availability, and equipment allocation. The platform includes real‑time GPS tracking for on‑site equipment and a digital logbook that records service details, time stamps, and photographic evidence. This digital footprint aids in compliance documentation and quality assurance.
Environmental and Community Impact
Sustainability Practices
Dead Or Alive Tree Service is committed to reducing its environmental footprint through several initiatives. The firm uses biodiesel‑powered equipment where possible, reduces diesel consumption by optimizing route planning, and employs leaf‑and‑debris collection that can be composted. Additionally, the company adopts a no‑chemical approach to tree health treatments, preferring mechanical removal over chemical interventions whenever feasible.
Community Outreach
DOATS runs an annual "Tree Awareness Week" in partnership with local schools and environmental organizations. Activities include guided walks, tree planting events, and workshops on urban forestry. The firm also sponsors a scholarship program for students pursuing environmental science or forestry degrees at regional universities.
Regulatory Compliance
The company operates within all federal, state, and local environmental regulations. Compliance includes obtaining permits for large‑scale removal projects, adhering to water runoff control standards, and meeting waste disposal guidelines for hazardous materials. DOATS conducts internal audits to verify adherence to the Clean Water Act and the National Environmental Policy Act where applicable.
Financial Performance
Revenue Streams
DOATS derives revenue from multiple channels: residential contracts (35% of total revenue), commercial contracts (45%), and municipal contracts (20%). Seasonal fluctuations are moderate due to diversified service offerings, including emergency storm response and landscaping services that can be scheduled throughout the year.
Investment and Capital Structure
The company has maintained a conservative debt profile, with long‑term debt representing 15% of total assets. Equity remains 85% family‑owned. Capital investments have been directed toward equipment upgrades, workforce training, and technology implementation. The firm has reinvested approximately 25% of net income annually into growth initiatives.
Market Position
According to industry analysis reports, DOATS holds a 12% market share in the Midwest tree service sector, ranking it among the top five providers in terms of revenue and client satisfaction scores. Competitive advantages include its proprietary stump‑by‑product recycling system and a high employee certification rate of 95% among arborists.
Notable Projects
Commercial Projects
DOATS completed a 500,000‑square‑foot corporate campus transformation in 2016, involving removal of hazardous trees, installation of new green infrastructure, and the planting of 1,200 native shrubs. The project received a commendation from the Green Building Council for its sustainability measures.
Residential Projects
In 2019, the firm undertook a large residential subdivision cleanup that involved the removal of over 300 dead trees, installation of storm‑water management systems, and the creation of community parks. The project highlighted DOATS' capacity to manage large‑scale residential operations with minimal disruption to homeowners.
Municipal Contracts
The city of Springfield contracted DOATS in 2022 to conduct a county‑wide tree health assessment for 20,000 trees across multiple parks. The assessment identified 1,500 trees requiring intervention and resulted in a coordinated removal and replanting program funded by the municipal budget.
Regulatory Compliance and Certifications
Licenses
DOATS holds active licenses from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Indiana Forestry Division. Each operating region maintains local certifications for hazardous material handling, which are renewed annually.
Professional Certifications
All arborists employed by DOATS possess at least an ISA Certified Arborist designation. The firm also encourages continuous professional development, with 70% of staff participating in advanced courses each year.
Insurance Coverage
The company maintains comprehensive general liability, workers’ compensation, and environmental liability insurance. The policy limits exceed $10 million, reflecting the high‑risk nature of tree removal and landscaping operations.
Corporate Governance
Board of Directors
The board comprises five members: two family representatives, an external environmental advisor, a financial analyst, and a community liaison. The board's responsibilities include strategic oversight, financial approval, and ensuring adherence to corporate values.
Ethical Standards
DOATS operates under a code of conduct that emphasizes honesty, fairness, and respect for all stakeholders. The code also addresses conflict of interest, data privacy, and the ethical use of technology in operations.
Criticism and Controversies
Legal Disputes
In 2018, the company faced a lawsuit from a residential homeowner alleging insufficient notice before tree removal. The lawsuit was settled out of court for a nominal fee, and DOATS subsequently revised its notification procedures.
Safety Incidents
Between 2010 and 2020, the company recorded three minor injuries during on‑site operations. All incidents were investigated internally and corrective actions were implemented, leading to a subsequent decline in injury frequency.
Future Directions
Geographic Expansion
DOATS is planning to open a new office in Nashville, Tennessee, to service the Southeast market. The expansion will leverage existing supply chains and local partnerships to minimize initial capital outlay.
Innovation and Technology
The firm is exploring the use of autonomous tree‑removal robots to increase efficiency in high‑risk environments. Pilot projects are scheduled for the next fiscal year, with a focus on integration with the existing digital asset management platform.
Sustainability Goals
DOATS aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035 through a combination of renewable energy adoption, waste reduction, and carbon offset projects. The company plans to publish an annual sustainability report to track progress.
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