About Us

Sportswood Tree Contracting & Experts

Fredericksburg’s Premier Tree & Landscape Experts

Every remarkable story starts with a vision, and ours began in 2015 when Co-Owners David J. Kerlavage and Kim Sickel decided to turn their passion for healthy trees and beautiful outdoor spaces into a thriving business. What began as a two-person operation has grown into Spotswood Contracting & Tree Experts, a Class A licensed, locally owned company dedicated to superior craftsmanship and customer satisfaction.


We handle everything from residential and commercial projects to working with federal, state, and local government agencies. Our leadership team’s diverse skill set ensures that all of our customers receive exceptional service, regardless of the scope or complexity of the project.

Our Leadership Team: Committed to Excellence and Quality Service

At Spotswood Contracting & Tree Experts, we are led by a team of passionate professionals who bring both deep expertise and a commitment to customer satisfaction.


With over 20 years of contracting experience, our President, David J. Kerlavage, brings invaluable hands-on expertise in tree biology, risk management, and the arboriculture industry. His leadership ensures that every assessment is rooted in safety protocols, ecological best practices, and his extensive trade industry certifications, ensuring your property is always in safe, capable hands.


Kim Sickel, our General Manager, combines exceptional organizational skills with a genuine passion for client satisfaction. She ensures that every project stays on schedule, on budget, and true to your vision, all while maintaining clear communication and a seamless experience.


In addition to their extensive experience in tree care, our leadership team’s diverse background includes military contracting and multifamily housing, which brings a unique and valuable skill set to our commercial and government clients. This experience also contributes to the high level of professionalism and efficiency we provide to our residential customers, setting us apart in the industry.

Our Experienced Crew: Expertise You Can Rely On

Our leadership is supported by a dedicated crew with a collective experience of over 90 years in tree care, averaging 10 years of expertise per team member. This depth of experience ensures that every project is approached with precision, safety, and the highest standards of arboricultural practices. Whether we’re serving residential, commercial, or government clients, our team’s knowledge translates into exceptional results and the kind of service that fosters long-term relationships.


All of our employees are full-time and provided with full benefits, including healthcare and continuing education. We take pride in the fact that we do not utilize day labor or 1099 independent contractors as part of our day-to-day, in-house tree care crew. This ensures consistency, reliability, and the highest quality service for every job, every time.

Professional & Ethical Standards That Speak Volume

At Spotswood Contracting & Tree Experts, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and ethics in all of our work. Here’s how we ensure top-notch service and safety for our clients:

Monthly Safety Meetings

We prioritize safety by conducting regular safety meetings to ensure all crew members are updated on best practices and industry standards.

Documented Training

Our crew undergoes continuous training, and all certifications are documented to maintain the highest level of competency and skill in tree care.

Full-Time Employees with High Standards

Every member of our team is a full-time employee, which guarantees consistent quality of work and service across all projects.

Background-Checked Crew

All of our crew members undergo thorough background checks, including driving record checks, to ensure the safety and security of your property and the professionalism of our staff.

Commitment to Property Care

We treat each customer’s property as if it were our own, ensuring respectful, diligent, and careful handling of all tasks. Our goal is to leave every job site better than we found it, with attention to detail and care for the environment.

Our Services: Comprehensive Tree Care & Landscape Construction

Spotswood Contracting & Tree Experts offerrs a wide range of services that cater to both residential and commercial clients. From traditional tree care to large-scale landscape construction, our team is equipped to handle projects of any size and complexity.

Residential Tree Care & Landscape Construction

We specialize in traditional residential tree care and landscape construction, having served thousands of satisfied customers. Our team brings expertise to every job, from simple tree pruning to complex removals. Here’s what sets us apart:

 

  • Thousands of Happy Customers: With years of service, we’ve built a reputation for reliability, quality, and customer satisfaction.
  • Preferred Emergency Vendor: We are a preferred emergency vendor for many homeowners’ insurance companies, ensuring a fast and efficient response when it’s needed most.
  • Expert Tree Removal from Homes & Structures: Our team is highly experienced in safely removing trees from homes and structures, minimizing risk to your property.
  • Insurance Work: We are well-versed in working directly with insurance companies, ensuring that your claim is handled smoothly and efficiently.

Commercial, Municipal, and Government Projects

Our expertise extends beyond residential services, catering to commercial, municipal, and government agencies with the same level of professionalism and commitment to safety. Whether it’s large-scale tree removal, landscaping for public spaces, or specialized government contracts, we bring industry-leading results to every project:

 

  • Fleet of Conservatively Marked Trucks: Our trucks are discreet and conservatively marked, maintaining a professional appearance while providing high-quality service.
  • Uniformed Crews with Industry-Standard PPE: All crews are fully uniformed and equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, including wireless communication systems for seamless coordination on-site.
  • Security-Cleared Team Members: Every employee undergoes a criminal background check, including a driving record check, ensuring they meet security requirements for sensitive locations like military bases and correctional facilities.
  • Safety & Professionalism: We conduct monthly safety meetings and document training to ensure our team adheres to the highest safety standards, guaranteeing a secure environment for both your property and our crew.

Specialized Services for Businesses, Multifamily Properties, and Investors

In addition to residential and government work, we are proud to serve businesses, multifamily properties, and investors with specialized services tailored to their unique needs:

 

  • Subcontractor Specialist: We are specialists in working with landscape maintenance companies, providing reliable subcontracting services for large-scale projects.
  • Multifamily Projects: We offer expert advice on the budget process and meet all vendor clearinghouse requirements and certifications.
  • Investor and Distressed Property Rehabilitation: We provide budget-friendly tree care and landscape installations tailored for investor-owned properties and rehabilitations. We understand the unique challenges faced by investors and offer solutions that balance cost-effectiveness with quality.

Secure Site & Certified Payroll for Municipal and Government Contracts

When working with government agencies, municipalities, and large businesses, we ensure the highest level of compliance:

 

  • Secure Site Capable: Our team is experienced in working on secure sites, with all employees passing background checks to ensure compliance with security protocols.
  • Certified Payroll: We meet all certification and payroll requirements for government and municipal contracts, ensuring transparency and adherence to all legal standards.

Certified Experts, Proven Results: Credentials That Guarantee Quality and Safety

When it comes to your property, the qualifications behind the work are not just reassuring—they are essential.

 

  • ISA Certified Arborist (#MA-6367A)

As a member of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), our arborists have passed rigorous exams and continue their education to ensure our tree care practices are grounded in the latest research.

  • TCIA Certified Tree Care Safety Professional (#04722)

Holding a Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) certification means we adhere to the highest industry standards for safety, from protective equipment to emergency protocols, ensuring the safety of your family, home, and our crew.

  • Class A Licensed Residential and Commercial Building Contractor (#2705162706)

As a Class A licensed contractor, we meet Virginia’s strict standards for experience, insurance, and financial stability. Our insurance covers tree care operations, so you can have confidence in our work and know you’re protected.

  • SWAM Certified (#809212)

We are SWAM certified, allowing us to serve as a trusted partner for government and other entities that prioritize working with small, women-owned, and minority-owned businesses.

  • Virginia SCC ID (#07984990)

Our Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) ID ensures our full compliance with all state regulations and provides added assurance of our legitimacy and business standing.

  • BBB A+ Rating

Our A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a reflection of our transparent pricing, responsive communication, and genuine accountability. This badge is more than just a symbol—it represents our unwavering commitment to integrity and quality.

What This Means for Your Property

  • Informed Decisions: Our ISA and TCIA credentials ensure all recommendations are based on the latest arboricultural science and safety protocols.
  • Reduced Risk: Our licensed and insured status protects you from liability, while our safety professionals minimize risks on every job.
  • Long-Term Value: Proper tree care and landscaping enhance curb appeal, prevent costly damage, and increase property value over time

 

Every qualification we hold translates into lower risk and better outcomes for your home or business.

Our Commitment to You

At Spotswood, our mission is simple: deliver reliable, high-quality service with honesty and professionalism. We don’t just prune branches or lay stones; we cultivate relationships built on trust, clear communication, and exceptional results.

Transparent Estimates & Flexible Payments

You’ll get a clear, no-pressure estimate with detailed pricing, so there are no surprises along the way. Need to break up your payments? We’ve got you covered. We take all major credit cards and provide flexible payment options to suit your budget.

Community Roots & Local Expertise

We live and work right here in Fredericksburg. Our understanding of local soils, native species, and weather patterns means we design and execute solutions that thrive in our unique environment. When you call us, you’re supporting local families and reinvesting in the community you love.

Your Satisfaction Is Our Benchmark

We measure success by your smile at the end of the job. From the first phone call to our final walk-through, we prioritize your needs and keep you informed every step of the way.

 

  • Courtesy & Communication: Our crews arrive on time and are ready to answer any questions you have.
  • Quality Assurance: Before we leave, we conduct a thorough site inspection to confirm every detail meets or exceeds industry standards.
  • 24/7 Emergency Support: Storm damage doesn’t wait, and neither do we. Our around-the-clock response team is just a phone call away.

Partner with Fredericksburg’s Premier Tree & Landscape Team for Exceptional Care and Lasting Value

Your Ultimate Outdoor Transformation Starts Here

Step onto a property that reflects your pride—the kind where vibrant foliage and meticulously crafted hardscapes welcome you home. At Spotswood Contracting & Tree Experts, we blend cutting-edge arboricultural science with creative landscape artistry, ensuring every branch we prune and every stone we lay contributes to an outdoor sanctuary you’ll love for years.


Whether you’re planning a peaceful garden retreat, dreaming of a bespoke patio for family gatherings, or in need of swift, 24/7 storm-damage response, our ISA-certified arborists and seasoned landscape crews deliver industry-leading expertise with personalized attention. From the moment you call us for a no-obligation estimate—complete with transparent pricing and flexible payment options—to the final walk-through, we communicate clearly, work efficiently, and stand behind our craftsmanship.


Don’t let another season pass without the yard you deserve. Call us to schedule your free consultation. No upfront deposits, no hidden surprises—just expert guidance and a team committed to turning your outdoor space into something extraordinary.

Why Choose Us

Enhance Every Corner of Your Property with Fredericksburg’s Premier Tree & Landscape Team

Discover how our ISA-certified arborists and master craftsmen turn safety, beauty, and value into every project you trust us with.

Why Choose Us

Locally Owned & Operated

Based in Fredericksburg, we use local knowledge: soil conditions, native species, and seasonal factors, to deliver solutions tailored to your property.

Why Choose Us

Licensed & Insured

As a Class A Virginia contractor, fully bonded and insured, we carry the coverage and credentials to protect both your property and peace of mind.

Why Choose Us

Experts in Our Field

With multiple ISA-certified arborists and CTSP-trained crews on staff, you get industry-leading know-how on every job, no exceptions.

Why Choose Us

Free, No-Obligation Estimates

We’ll assess your project at no cost, with transparent pricing and zero pressure, so you can make informed decisions from the start.

Why Choose Us

High-Quality Work

From meticulous pruning to precision hardscaping, we use premium equipment and materials to achieve results that stand the test of time.

Why Choose Us

Quick & Fast Response

Whether it’s scheduling an estimate or mobilizing a crew, we pride ourselves on prompt communication and efficient project turnarounds.

Why Choose Us

24-Hour Service Available

Storm damage or urgent hazards? Our emergency team is on call around the clock to secure your property at a moment’s notice.

Why Choose Us

Affordable Pricing

Competitive flat-rate quotes, flexible payment plans, and zero hidden fees mean you get exceptional service that fits your budget.

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Service Areas

Wherever You Are, We’re Here to Help

From Fredericksburg to Culpeper, we’re just around the corner, ready to bring new life to your outdoor spaces.

Your Yard’s Next Chapter Starts Here. Let’s Make It Unforgettable Together

Call Us Today For More Information

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