Jim Cook is an ISA Certified Arborist and a member of ASCA (American Society of Consulting Arborists). He began his career with trees in the 1950's and graduated from the University of California Berkeley with a Master's Degree in Forestry. He spent over 20 years working for the US Forest Service, and then decided it was time to use his expertise and knowledge of Forestry and start his own business. He started Able Tree Service in Missoula, Montana in 1982.
Jim's son Martin Cook grew up with a passion for the business as well, and in 1995 he began training with his father and learning the ropes. Martin became a partner which allowed Jim the opportunity to provide consulting and other services to their clients. In 2001, Beverly Cook took over the day-to-day operations in the office. She graduated from the University of Montana College of Technology with a degree in Business Administration.
While the business continues to grow, it's still a family affair.
Read what some of our customers are saying...
"Dear Jim, Thank you for your hard work and taking care of our tree problems. I am impressed with your thorough cleanup and good work. I would recommend you to any of my clients who require tree service.
- Robin Peters.
"Bounty Real Estate has been using the services of Able Tree Service for over 15 years at properties we manage as well as at our personal properties. We appreciate their expertise and knowledge as well as their ability to provide excellent service. Many companies offer to butcher your trees, only a few like Able really know what they are doing."
- Jennifer Cote, Bounty Real Estate, LLC.
"Easy to work with, knowledgeable and professional."
- Steve Loken, Loken Builders
"I have been a customer of Able Tree Service, Inc. for many years. They are very prompt in inspecting any problem I may have with my trees or shrubs. Within a very short time I am mailed a written description of what should be done on my property including the cost of their parts and labor. Their pricing has always been reasonable and within my budget. There has never been a very long waiting period for services, and I'm always very pleased with how quickly and efficiently Able Tree Service takes care of my yard. I have absolutely no hesitation in highly recommending Able Tree Service to anyone with tree needs."
- Shirley E. Braxton
"It is a pleasure to work with Able Tree Service. We have numerous trees to look after including evergreens, fruit and other broadleaf trees. Since the 1980's we have called on Jim Cook and his team from Able Tree Service for many kinds of work. He brings a high level of professionalism, being very clear in the proposals, thoroughly itemizing cost estimates. Recommendations often include alternatives, making decisions easier about what to have done, or what you could do yourself. Jim Cook is an educator. Written prescriptions generally give explanations of why a product or procedure is being considered, and they define specialized terms in plain language. These could include care of new plantings; periodic pruning (for appearance as well as improved fruit bearing); insect control-insecticide and organic solutions; permanent supports between major limbs to prevent wind damage; and complete tree removal. Jim Cook works as though he were in his own yard. His willingness to visit personally about services, as needed, also reflects his love for the work. After a quarter century of this experience, I would entrust Able Tree Service with any kind of work and advice on trees. "
- Tony and Marlene Beltramo
