Growing Strong: The Journey of Blake Tree Care
Dead oak tree reduction at Hylands Park, Chelmsford - main branches reduced to stem to prevent risks while maintaining ecological value.
Just as every tree has its roots, every business has a beginning—and for Blake Tree Care, that story starts with George Blake in Bures, a small village just outside Colchester, Essex. Armed with a truck, a horse trailer, and a deep love of the outdoors, George set out to turn his passion for trees into a business.
In the early days, the customer base was small, and the jobs were even smaller, but the reward of making a real difference fuelled George’s inspiration. “There’s nothing quite like seeing the smile on someone’s face when their garden is transformed.” Even with just two employees, George’s commitment to quality of care and reliability quickly earned Blake Tree Care a roster of loyal clients.
Relentless dedication, long summer evenings, and countless seven-day work weeks soon led to growth. In 2016, Blake Tree Care made its first major investment—an arb truck and chipper. By 2019, the business had expanded to the point of incorporation, with additional arb trucks, specialist equipment, and a dedicated workforce of four arborists—many of whom remain with the company to this day.
These days, the team continues to ascend to new heights, balancing the needs of long-standing customers with large-scale projects across the country. A standout example came in 2024 when Blake Tree Care removed over 100 tons of timber from a site for cricket bat willows. The project spanned three and a half weeks, with seven team members supported by a 14-ton excavator with a grab, telehandler, winch tractor, and timber trailer.
From small garden projects to complex multi-week operations, Blake Tree Care’s journey is one of growth, resilience, and dedication—qualities that continue to define the business today.
“If we say we’re gonna do something, we will do it.”
George Blake, Managing Director
Starting Off
The early days of Blake Tree Care were as exciting as they were challenging. As is inevitable with small business ventures, success demanded hard work, resilience, and a willingness to learn from every obstacle. One of the biggest hurdles was the stark contrast between George’s previous experience working for a large company with advanced technology, to starting fresh with just two employees and a limited set of equipment.
But George has always believed that true success doesn’t stem from tools alone—it comes from people. It was manpower and belief in the team that pushed Blake Tree Care forward, transforming it from a small operation into a thriving business.
A key milestone came in 2018 with the purchase of a second truck. This achievement soon paved the way for further expansion, including two cherry pickers and another yellow truck in 2019. Fast forward to 2025, and Blake Tree Care now operates with a fleet of 6 yellow arb trucks, a testament to the determination and teamwork that have driven the company’s success.
“Knowledge is power.”
George Blake, Managing Director
Building a Team of Arborists
From the very beginning, there has been a great understanding that a business is only as strong as its team, which is why Blake Tree Care invests heavily in its workforce, from a team of two to a team of eighteen.
Every staff member receives ongoing professional development to ensure they stay at the cutting edge of arboriculture techniques and safety practices. Moreover, bi-weekly toolbox talks are utilised to identify training needs, both at the team level and for individual growth, ensuring that everyone can develop their skills and advance in their careers.
But success isn’t just about technical skills—it’s about creating a work environment where people feel valued, motivated, and supported. Over the years, Blake Tree Care has cultivated a workplace culture that is exemplified in the "10 Values of Blake Tree Care Etiquette," which promotes respect, teamwork, and professionalism. This ethos has become self-sustaining – shaping a positive, thriving work environment where every team member contributes to the shared success of the business.
Essex & Suffolk Community
A family-owned buisness - founder George Blake and his two children.
Although Blake Tree Care has expanded its service area across Essex and Suffolk, its members are still proud to be part of a vibrant local community, giving back through sponsorships, donations, and hands-on support for local projects.
Over the past years, Blake Tree Care has:
Sponsored Christmas meals for Ferriers Barn Limited, a center for adults with learning difficulties.
Donated woodchip and mulch for Bures Parish Council’s gardening project.
Supplied to the Suffolk Owl Sanctuary—yes, even porcupines need timber!
Partnered with the Woodland Trust to plant over 300 native tree saplings in Assington, Suffolk, with plans for more in the future.
Just to name a few!
Additionally, the business cultivates strong relationships with local businesses and fellow arborists, fostering a network built on mutual support and respect. These connections allow for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and assistance when needed, reinforcing the industry’s reputation as one led by reliable and professional individuals.
“I like to plant at least 100 trees a year in Suffolk and Essex. I will continue to do this for as long as I can find the land to do so.”
George Blake, Managing Director
Sustainability in Tree Care
The cutting down of trees can be associated with deforestation and climate change, but the work of arborists represents a different goal entirely. Arboriculture plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and longevity of woodlands and urban greenery, enabling trees to thrive while ensuring the right balance between preservation and necessary management.
Blake Tree Care is committed to sustainable practices in every aspect. This includes:
Recycling 100% of our tree work by-products, ensuring that nothing goes to waste.
Investing in a mulcher to turn green waste into a reusable gardening product.
Utilising electric and battery-operated arboriculture tools, reducing both noise pollution and our carbon footprint.
Future plans to upgrade our heavy machinery fleet, aligning with modern sustainable business practices.
By continuously seeking innovative solutions, Blake Tree Care aims to minimise its environmental impact while maintaining the highest standards of tree care.
Now and Into the Future
From a one-man operation with a single truck to a respected business with a huge portfolio of services and customers, Blake Tree Care has come a long way. But no matter how much the business expand, the core values remain the same: quality workmanship, community involvement, and a deep respect for nature.
And this is just the beginning.
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