Who We Are

Acer Tree Co. is a local, Vermont family owned and operated business. We are a fully insured tree care provider, offering modernized services to residential and commercial tree owners throughout central Vermont; namely Washington, Lamoille and Chittenden counties. Our ability to supply an elevated service is backed by multiple certifications as well as 20+ years of combined experience from two passionate Arborists. Jeff and Jake are highly regarded by peers in the field of Arboriculture for their experience, modernism, and aptitude in tree work.

Our Approach

Arborists are the stewards of urban forests, focusing most on the spaces where the lives of trees and people intersect. At Acer Tree Co. we believe every tree is entirely unique. Our philosophy is to think of the long game; preserve what we can, remove what isn’t or won’t be safe, and do only what is helpful for our clients, their trees and the micro-environments we work in. We approach each project with transparency, honesty and environmental integrity in order to present clients with thoughtful solutions to their concerns.

Our Team

Jake

Jake Blauvelt

Co-Owner
Arborist, Sales Coordinator

Jake, a lifelong Vermonter, has been working as an arborist in the state since 2020. He has been a professional snowboarder since the age of 17 and grew up running around in the woods of his family’s sugarbush. He is a member of both the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA). Jake approaches the tree care industry with enthusiasm and has quickly risen in industry ranks; earning the respect of colleagues, clients and crew as a knowledgeable and extremely capable arborist. He is actively working toward his Certified Arborist licensure for 2024 and is happy to have merged his life-long love of trees with a career in arboriculture.

Jeff

Jeff Spear

Co-Owner
Certified Arborist, TRAQ, Operations Coordinator

Jeff has been a full-time production arborist in Vermont for over 18 years, and is a long-time member of both the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA). He became a Certified Arborist in 2014, Tree Risk Assessment Qualified in 2022 and is actively working toward his Vermont Pesticide Applicator license. Jeff is known best by colleagues for his obsessive-like passion for arboriculture, and diligence in operational processes and safety protocols. His enthusiasm for continuing education affirms his expertise in the field and ensures his clients receive cutting edge information and strategic approach for their projects.

Andy Book

Andy Book

Plant Healthcare Department Manager

Certified Arborist, CTSP, Vermont Licensed Pesticide Applicator

Andy has been working as an arborist in New England since his graduation from UVM in 2007, where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Forestry. He began his career in arboriculture in Massachusetts that same year where he expanded upon his collegiate experience and education, gaining highly sought after certifications along the way. Andy became a Licensed Pesticide Applicator in 2009, a Certified Arborist in 2011 and a Certified Training and Safety Professional in 2015. Andy returned to Stowe, Vermont in 2015 where he has worked in the arboriculture industry since, quickly establishing himself as one of Vermont’s most trusted and sought after Plant Healthcare Technicians. Andy is best known by his colleagues for his light and calculated touch across all fields of arboriculture; often described as a “fine tuning” arborist who excels in detail oriented work. Andy specializes in ornamental projects and has a polished eye for aesthetics in tree work. These qualities make Andy naturally inclined to provide trusted, exceptional services to his clients.

Mike

Mike Carlin

Arborist, Crew Lead, Safety Coordinator

Mike has worked in the Vermont tree care industry since 2018, training and working alongside Jeff and Jake for the duration of that time, refining specialized skills in climbing and rigging. He has a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies as well as an extensive background in outdoors work. Much of his experience has contributed to his success in the field of arboriculture; an Instructor and Wilderness First Responder (WFR) for SOLO Wilderness Medicine School, ski patroller for Bolton Valley Resort and guiding rock and ice climbing tours across the US as an AGMA Single Pitch Instructor (SPI). After his years of dedication to arboriculture, he is eligible and actively working toward his Certified Arborist licensure with the ISA to be completed in 2024.

Jamie

Jamie Hoffman

Certified Arborist, Sales Representative

Jamie brings years of arboricultural expertise to our team. He was highly active with production tree care in Vermont from 2004-2016, during which time he obtained his ISA membership and Certified Arborist license, as well as his Associates and Bachelor’s degrees. After a break from arboriculture to explore a career path in Mental Health Services with UVMMC, he has eagerly returned back to the trees in 2023. Jamie renewed his Certified Arborist license and ISA Membership in 2024, has his CDL and is BLS (Basic Life Support) Certified.

Jake

Zinn Wolfe

Arborist

Zinn has been an active member of the tree care industry in Vermont since 2018. Working and training with Jeff for the duration of his arboriculture career, Zinn has quickly become a versatile, skilled and trusted arborist in his own right. He is CPR certified, holds his Class A CDL – and has a natural knack for running and maintaining our heavy equipment. Zinn is eligible and is continuing to work toward his Certified Arborist license with the ISA.

What Our Clients are Saying

Acer Tree Co. five star reviews

Jeff Spear and his crew are so professional and efficient. I had four trees that were situated very close to my home taken down. It was a tricky situation as my septic, gas lines and power line were criss-crossed in such a way that the only option was to do all without the lift/bucket truck; with ropes and climbing. The job was well done, the clean up complete and the effort made to disperse all the detritus away in the woods in a very conscientious way. I really can’t be more pleased. Bonus: the work came in under the estimate which was very reassuring that the best efforts were made for all. Hardworking, detail oriented and pleasant arborists; a great company to work with.

Nancy P | October 2023

“Acer Tree Co. took down about 10 trees for us- a mix of hazardous and aesthetic reasons. Jeff and Jake were responsive, kind and clearly skilled at what they do. Some of these trees were very close to our home, but they took them down with precision. Everything was cleaned up before they left and they paid attention to all of the details. Acer Tree Co. is a very professional team of arborists and we would absolutely hire them again. Highly recommend for anyone in the Lamoille County / Vermont area looking for tree removal services.”

Lex + JT H.V | June 2023

Acer Tree Company reflects the true spirit of what makes up a successful tree service business; work safety, correct tools, great personalities, knowledgeable, hardworking, on time, on budget, and a clean execution of tree removal and clean-up. I highly recommend hiring Acer. Thanks Jeff, Jake and crew for the work at my house. We greatly appreciate your efforts.

Brian M. | September 2023

For a decade, we have had the joy of trusting management of our 10 forested acres to Jeff. His knowledge of trees, coupled with his respect for the future of the environment is wonderful.

Jaclyn D. | January 2023

“I had Jeff come to trim my black walnut tree last summer. Jeff is extremely professional, safe and efficient. It is obvious that he takes great pride in his work and takes every measure possible to ensure the health and viability of the environment he is working in. Would recommend his services to anyone in need of tree maintenance in New England.”

Sam T. | February 2023

“For a decade, we have had the joy of trusting management of our 10 forested acres to Jeff. His knowledge of trees, coupled with his respect for the future of the environment is wonderful.”

Jaclyn D. | January 2023

Answered our call immediately (even though it was late), and they were able to remove a fallen tree on our house the very next day. Was impressed at the speed and precision of the entire process. Friendly, fast, and effective. These guys are pros! Highly recommend them.

Chris C. | September 2023

We used Acer Tree Co to tackle several items including removal of over a dozen trees and tree trimming. They were extremely thorough, very professional, and pleasantly polite. We were also pleased to see how safety minded they were, especially since some of the work required them to climb up into the canopy of the trees. They’re pricing was competitive and we won’t hesitate to call on them again.

Gordon E. | November 2023

Leave us a Review

Affiliates

Over our 20+ years in the tree care industry, we have established relationships with other equally experienced and educated Certified Arborists.

Like us, many of these colleagues choose to work independently as opposed to with larger operations so they may provide a more local, intimate service to their clients. In 2023 Acer Tree Co. formed a collaborative network comprised of these exceptional contractors. We work in tandem on specialty projects that fall within our specific areas of expertise. This valuable resource ensures all of our clients have access to the most knowledgeable Arborist for any scenario, and that they receive the highest industry standard of tree care.