About Us
You’re barking up the right tree!
Why We Started This Company
Charlottesville Tree Service provides the full range of arboriculture services while implementing industry best practices in the safest manner possible. We take pride in working with our clients to achieve their vision for their trees and have achieved a solid 5-star rating on Google.com. As owner-operators, we are invested in safely delivering a quality service because we want to protect your trees and property, as well as our reputation. We’ve owned multiple businesses and know the importance of professionalism, from the very first interaction with the client through billing after services have been provided. We may be small, but our professionalism is unmatched in the industry. We are also licensed and insured for your peace of mind. We look forward to the rewarding experience of working with you and your trees.
Charlottesville
Keswick
Southern Albemarle
Nelson County
Our Story
Charlottesville Tree Service was founded in 2018 by Martin Bush, Tripp Otto, and Philip Lykosh. None of us came from an arboriculture background—but each brought a way of thinking that shaped how we approach tree work.
Martin’s background in military service and construction focused on leadership, execution, and getting work done reliably. Philip’s career in structural engineering centered on diagnostics and failure analysis—understanding why things go wrong and how to address them. Tripp served in the JAG Corps and brought a steady, unflagging optimism that helped shape the early direction of the company and how we approached challenges along the way.
That mix—operational, analytical, and practical—became the foundation of how we work: look closely, think clearly, and recommend what’s actually needed.
Tree care turned out to reward exactly that approach. Trees fail, structures weaken, and small issues become bigger ones when they’re overlooked. Over time, we built the company around careful evaluation, clear communication, and doing the work the right way.
How We Think About Tree Care
Tree work isn’t just about cutting or removing—it’s about understanding condition, structure, and risk. That includes paying attention to what’s happening below the surface as well—soil, root health, and the conditions that actually drive long-term tree performance.
We approach each property with the goal of helping you make informed decisions. That means evaluating what’s there, explaining what matters, and recommending work that makes sense for your goals and the long-term health of your trees.
Leadership
Martin Bush
Owner - Charlottesville Tree Service
Martin brings a background in leadership, operations, and field execution. His experience in both military service and construction informs how the company approaches reliability, safety, and execution in the field.
He is an ISA Certified Arborist and holds the Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ), helping guide how we evaluate and manage tree-related risk in the field.
Phil Lykosh Owner - Charlottesville Tree Service
Phil brings an engineering background focused on structural diagnostics and failure analysis. That perspective continues to shape how we evaluate tree risk, solve problems, and guide clients through decisions with clarity—from the first conversation through planning and recommendations.
He is an ISA Certified Arborist and holds the Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ), supporting how we evaluate tree risk and guide clients through decisions.
How We Think About Tree Care
When you work with Charlottesville Tree Service, you’re working with a team that values clear thinking, honest recommendations, and follow-through.
We take the time to understand your property, explain your options, and carry out the work with care and precision—so you can feel confident in the decisions you’re making about your trees.
Closing Note
We’re proud to serve homeowners, property managers, and institutions across Charlottesville and Central Virginia—and to be the company people think of when they need thoughtful, reliable tree care
OUR MISSION IS