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About Us

Over 40 Years of Science-Backed and Education-Focused Tree Care in Tampa

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A person operates a green cherry picker from Independent Tree Service, Inc., trimming trees by a riverside under a clear blue sky.
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Tree Services with a Unique Approach to Tree Care

Tree care isn’t simple. Whether you’re dealing with low branches, risk tree failure, or the need to remove a tree that’s too close to your home or business, you want a team that understands your property as much as you do. Unfortunately, too many tree care companies don’t take the time to educate their clients. They rush through the process, sell unnecessary services, and leave you unsure about the decisions.

At Independent Tree Service, you get a team of ISA-certified arborists who provide the education you need to make confident, informed decisions. We take a science-based approach, giving you the facts about your trees and the best options available. We are more interested in recommending the right solutions for your needs instead of pushing services for a quick sale. With us, you get an in-house team trained in the latest arboriculture techniques. Our crew works with industry-leading equipment to make sure your trees are in safe hands.

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Our Values

Our values guide the way we interact with our clients and treat our team members:

Honesty: We’re always transparent and upfront.

Safety: We prioritize safety for our team and clients.

Education: We empower clients to make informed decisions.

Quality Work: We deliver honest, top-quality service.

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Associations & Certifications

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Logo of ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified, featuring a tree within a circular frame, with leaves blowing away. Text is prominently displayed below.
Red and gray logo for "Independent Tree Service, Inc." celebrating 47th anniversary in Tampa, FL. Circular design with bold text and border.
Circular logo for "Prescription Pruning Qualification," featuring a tree and "Rx" symbol, by ISA Florida Chapter. Blue and green color scheme.

Good Quality Work by Good Quality People

We’re proud of the team we’ve built here at Independent Tree Service. From our management team to our crew leaders and certified arborists, we are committed to quality, passion, honesty, learning, and education.

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Jerry Upcavage

President

47 Years of Leadership in Independent Tree Services

Jerry Upcavage is an ISA certified and TRAQ qualified arborist. He founded Independent Tree Service, Inc. in 1978 with the goal of providing the Tampa Bay area with high-quality tree work with a focus on correct arboricultural techniques and proper safety standards. 47 years later, Jerry has grown the company to be recognized as the leading provider of arboriculture care in Hillsborough.

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Jordan Upcavage

Vice President

14 Years with Independent Tree Service

Jordan is an ISA certified, TRAQ qualified, and PPQ qualified arborist. He is Jerry Upcavage’s son and joined Independent Tree Service in 2012 as the Vice President. Jordan, a graduate of the University of Florida, has his bachelor’s degree in landscape and Nursery Horticulture. Since joining the company, Jordan has served two terms on the ISA’s board of directors; serving a 3-year term as the Consulting Arborist Representative and an additional 1-year term as an At Large board member.

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​John Durden

Operations Manager

26 Years with Independent Tree Service

John is an ISA certified and PPQ qualified arborist. He joined Independent in 1998 and started as a bucket operator. He quickly progressed to crew foreman where he spent nearly 20 years managing his team and providing quality tree care for customers. Today, John serves as the company’s Operations Manager and jack-of-all-trades. With a Bachelor’s degree in I.T. and Computer Networking, John uses his passion for technology to assist in most areas of the company’s daily operations.

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Anna Upcavage

Treasurer/Director

35 Years With Independent Tree Services

In 1990 Independent welcomed Anna Upcavage as the company Treasurer/Director. During her 35 years with the company, Anna and Jerry have worked together to build Independent Tree Service, Inc. into one of the most respected tree care companies in the Tampa Bay area.

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Christi Upcavage

Office Manager

10 Years with Independent Tree Service

After substantial company growth, Jerry’s daughter, Christi Upcavage became the pleasant and helpful voice of Independent Tree Service as the company Office Manager in 2014. Christi is often the first point of contact for customers. She receives calls and helps with scheduling on-site visits by our certified arborists.

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Marti Machado

Sales Consultant

2 Years with Independent Tree Service

Marti is an ISA certified, TRAQ qualified, and PPQ qualified arborist. Since joining the company in 2022, he has become a valuable member of the Independent team. With decades of experience meeting with customers and diagnosing tree-related concerns, Marti is a leader in the industry and provides quality tree-care advice.

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Brian Behling

Employee Development Director

1 Year with Independent Tree Service

Joining Independent Tree in 2024, Brian is the newest member of the management team. Bringing several years of experience in Human Resource environments with him, Brian excels at communication and creativity. With our company, Brian oversees the hiring of new employees and maintains company morale through various incentive programs and company gatherings.

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Our History

It all started in 1978 when Jerry brought together a truck, chainsaw, and a lot of determination. As one of the first certified arborists in Florida, Jerry built the company’s foundation on a commitment to education and hard work. Fast-forward to today, and we’ve grown into a team of 5 certified arborists and five production crews dedicated to providing the best tree care in Tampa. Jerry’s son Jordan, who joined the company in 2012, continues to push that vision forward, backed by John, who has been with the company for over 25 years. Together, they lead a team committed to providing honest, quality tree care.

Listen to Our Podcast to Learn More About Us
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“They were very professional and wonderful”

Hurricane Milton left our neighbor’s tree on our roof. Not knowing who to call, a colleague referred me to Independent Tree Services, Inc. Christi answered the phone and was wonderful and kind. She was able to get Jordan to come on a Saturday to assess the situation. On Tuesday, his amazing team of Nathan, Adam, Richie and Danny arrived and got to work. In a couple of hours, the tree was gone! They also cleaned up the tree mess and the additional debris from the hurricane in the backyard. They were very professional and wonderful young men. Excellent work. Highly recommend!

— Spencer D, 5-Start Google Reviews

“Rockstar service from start to finish”

When our enormous laurel oak suddenly lost two limbs we were faced with having to remove this beautiful beast of a tree which not only posed a major threat to multiple properties but also towered over power lines and a utility pole. It took a month for TECO to schedule the necessary power outage but Marti continued to follow up and communicate the progress. The removal was an enormous job but Chris and his crew stayed late to get this huge job done in two days. They were incredibly professional and took the utmost care to protect our property from any further damage. I had just put in some new plants that I thought would end up as collateral damage but Chris made sure not a leaf on any of them was harmed. They even left the yard more level than it was when they arrived. Having to remove such a majestic tree was truly heartbreaking but the level of professionalism and great communication throughout the whole process made things easier.

— Bidwell C, 5-Start Google Reviews

“The crew was extremely respectful and attentive”

Excellent service, very reasonable prices. They did a great job removing the branches from over my roof while also ensuring the tree would stay healthy. They also cleaned up my yard and left it looking better than it was before. I definitely would recommend them to anyone.

— Kosarzycki S, 5-Start Google Reviews
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Want to Join Our Team?

Are you looking to work with a company that values honesty, hard work, and continuous growth? At Independent Tree Service, we invest in our team’s education and well-being, providing ongoing training and benefits like paid holidays and insurance. If you’re a motivated, hardworking individual passionate about trees, we want you on our team.

Discover Career Opportunities
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Service Area

We serve the entire Tampa area, including Tampa, Town ‘N’ Country, Citrus Park, Westchase, Odessa, Land O’ Lakes, South Wesley Chapel, Tampa Palms, Temple Terrace, Thonotosassa, Brandon, Valrico, Fish Hawk, Bloomingdale, Riverview, Lutz, Carrollwood, Lake Magdalene, South Tampa, Northdale, and Hyde Park.

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The Independent Tree Service Process

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Site Visit & Assessment

One of our certified arborists will assess your trees and explain your options.

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Expert Insight & Quote

Our certified arborist guides you to help you make the best choices for your trees.

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Your Tree Care Begins

Our in-house team uses top equipment to safely and efficiently complete the job.

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Debriefing, Review & Follow-Up

After the work, we’ll review the site and discuss any next steps or preventative care.

Ready to Experience Honest, Knowledge-based Tree Care?

Get in touch with Independent Tree Service and let’s get your tree care started.

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