How to Run Google Ads for Tree Service Businesses - Tips and Strategies That Actually Work

In this industry-specific episode of the Home Service Marketing Pros podcast, Joe Burnich and Google Ads expert Mike Mancini break down exactly how tree service businesses can use Google Ads to generate high-intent leads without wasting money. From keyword strategy and negative keywords to storm-driven demand and call tracking, this episode delivers practical, real-world advice you can apply immediately.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Why Tree Service Businesses Are Ideal for Google Ads

Mike explains why tree services are one of his favorite industries to work with, including high urgency, year-round demand, and built-in upsells like stump grinding that increase lifetime customer value.

The Biggest Google Ads Mistake Tree Companies Make

Trying to target too much at once. Mike explains why fewer, high-intent keywords and tightly focused service areas consistently outperform broad campaigns with massive keyword lists.

How to Choose the Right Keywords

Learn why phrase match keywords are critical when starting Google Ads and how broad match keywords can silently drain your budget with low-quality traffic.

Examples of high-intent keywords discussed:

• Tree removal service
• Local tree company
• Stump grinding service

The Importance of Negative Keywords

Mike breaks down why negative keywords are one of the most overlooked but most important parts of a profitable Google Ads campaign.

Common negative keywords tree services should use:

• Free
• DIY
• Do it yourself
• Manual
• Training
• How to

He also explains how missing negative keywords can waste tens of thousands of dollars per year.

How Storms and Seasonality Impact Tree Service Ads

Tree service Google Ads campaigns can be scaled up or down quickly based on weather events and workload. Learn how smart budget control turns seasonal spikes into predictable revenue.

Why Landing Pages Beat Homepages for Google Ads

Sending ad traffic to your homepage lowers conversions. Mike explains why service-specific landing pages convert better and how page speed, layout, and clarity impact results within seconds of a click.

Why Call Tracking Is Non-Negotiable

Mike explains why he refuses to run Google Ads without tracking phone numbers and how call tracking:

• Proves what is actually working
• Feeds conversion data back to Google
• Lowers cost per click over time
• Helps identify internal sales issues

He also shares how using different tracking numbers for ads, websites, Google Business Profiles, mailers, and vehicle wraps reveals exactly where leads come from.

Real-World Case Study: When Ads Aren’t the Problem

A powerful example of how call tracking uncovered a sales issue that was costing a client tens of thousands per month, despite strong lead volume.

Key Takeaways

• Fewer, higher-intent keywords outperform large unfocused campaigns
• Phrase match keywords should be your starting point
• Negative keywords can save thousands per month
• Storm-driven demand makes tree services ideal for scalable ads
• Landing pages convert better than homepages for paid traffic
• Call tracking is essential for optimization and cost control

Resources Mentioned

• Mike Mancini’s YouTube channel with a 2,300+ negative keyword list

Visit Joe at: https://bigwestmarketing.com/
Or his Youtube at: https://www.youtube.com/joeburnich

Visit Mike at: https://www.mancinidigital.com/
Or his Youtube at: https://www.youtube.com/@MikeMancini