What does it really take to run a successful tree service business, especially through harsh winters?

In this episode, Graeme Knight sits down with John Wight of Wight Tree Service, a second-generation arborist who grew up in the industry and now runs a professional, year-round tree care company serving areas from Lake Simcoe to Toronto.

John shares what he’s learned from taking over a family business, managing crews, planning months ahead, and building a reputation where clients are willing to wait for quality work. This isn’t theory, it’s a practical, honest conversation about how real tree companies operate when the snow hits and the phone slows down.

🌲 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
• Why business owner goals determine whether a tree company thrives or just survives.
• How John plans 90 days ahead to stay busy through winter.
• What tree services still sell well in January–March.
• Why stopping marketing in winter is a mistake.
• How premium tree companies avoid competing on price.
• The role of CRM systems and follow-ups in repeat business.
• Hiring lessons every owner learns the hard way.
• How to stay top-of-mind without annoying past clients.
• The book that helped John think differently about cash flow (Profit First).

If you’re a tree service owner dealing with seasonal slowdowns, staffing challenges, or growth decisions, this episode offers real-world insight you can actually apply.

John Wight is the owner of Wight Tree Service in Ontario, Canada. As a second-generation arborist, he brings decades of hands-on experience in tree removal, pruning, winter operations, and building a professional service business.

Find John at: https://wtreecare.ca/

Visit ArboristGrowthPartners.com to connect or learn more.