Rooted in Expertise, Guided by the Land.

At Best Earth Solutions, we believe every property is a living ecosystem with its own character, challenges, and potential. Caring for the land means understanding those differences, recognizing what the environment can support, and making thoughtful decisions that benefit the property over time.

Founded by Ian Best, an ISA Certified Arborist, Best Earth Solutions brings professional arboriculture and hands-on tree work to Blue Ridge, Georgia, and the surrounding Tri-State area. Our approach combines a strong foundation in tree science with practical experience, careful problem-solving, and a deep appreciation for the natural landscapes we have been given.

From fine pruning and tree health care to complex removals, view cutting, and land management, we believe there is a right way to approach every job. Sometimes that means applying specialized climbing and rigging techniques to preserve a tree. Other times, it means bringing in larger equipment to remove a hazardous tree safely and efficiently.

Whatever the project calls for, our goal remains the same: provide knowledgeable, responsible service that respects your property, your trees, and the land around them.

Meet Ian Best, Founder and ISA Certified Arborist

From Minnesota Roots to Professional Arboriculture

Ian began his arborist career in rural St. Cloud, Minnesota, working primarily on vegetation management around power lines, with some exposure to residential tree work. This early experience introduced him to the practical demands of working around trees, infrastructure, and safety-sensitive environments.

He later moved into urban arboriculture in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul area, where he developed his professional climbing skills and gained experience with a wider range of tree care techniques. Working in dense urban settings required careful planning, precise equipment use, and an understanding of the many hazards that can surround a tree, from buildings and utilities to limited access and neighboring properties. During this period, Ian expanded his knowledge of tree health care, proper pruning techniques, aerial lifts, bucket trucks, cranes, and equipment used to process branches and logs. He learned to evaluate each job according to its specific challenges and to balance efficient work with the protection of the surrounding environment.

Those skills remain an important part of the practical, problem-solving approach he brings to Best Earth Solutions today.

Learning from California’s Trees and Landscapes

Ian’s next chapter took him west to Mount Madonna, California, where he accepted a position combining arborist work with care of a private estate. While looking after the property, he also joined a residential tree service team in Gilroy as a climbing arborist.

Working in California introduced Ian to a different set of environmental conditions and tree care challenges. He gained experience with larger tree removals, advanced climbing and rigging techniques, single-rope technique, and the careful planning required to work with substantial trees in complex settings.

He also developed an interest in fire prevention and defensible-space management, learning about approaches that consider how vegetation, buildings, and surrounding landscapes interact in fire-prone environments. Exposure to Lee Klinger’s work on fire mimicry further broadened his understanding of the relationship between ecological processes and land management. During this time, Ian began taking on residential projects independently, building his experience as a private tree contractor while continuing to learn through hands-on work and research.

Leading Tree Care at Mount Madonna Center

Ian later became the Lead Arborist at the Mount Madonna Center, where he led a small crew responsible for ongoing tree and vegetation management across the campus. A significant part of this work involved creating and maintaining defensible space around commercial and residential buildings. The role required balancing daily tree care and maintenance needs with broader property considerations, including safety, vegetation management, and the long-term care of the landscape.

His experience at Mount Madonna reinforced an important principle: good tree care is not isolated from the rest of the property. It requires understanding how trees, vegetation, structures, and environmental conditions work together. Even after moving with his family to Blue Ridge, Georgia, Ian maintained his connection to the Center. He continues to serve as a regular consultant and volunteers his time to help with ongoing maintenance, returning as a travelling ISA Certified Arborist.

Bringing a Broader Perspective to Blue Ridge, Georgia

After moving to North Georgia, Ian worked locally as a climbing arborist before establishing Best Earth Solutions. Today, he brings together the skills and perspectives developed throughout his career to serve homeowners and property owners across Blue Ridge, Ellijay, Blairsville, Murphy, and the surrounding Tri-State area.

His work ranges from detailed tree health assessments and fine pruning to orchard care, view cutting, hazardous tree removal, and larger projects requiring cranes, bucket trucks, climbing systems, rigging, or specialized equipment for moving and processing logs and brush. Ian also uses mechanical advantage systems and winching techniques where appropriate to help manage difficult work and improve efficiency. By considering the available equipment, access, terrain, and scope of each project, he works to identify practical solutions that maintain high standards without adding unnecessary costs.

In October 2024, Ian became an ISA Certified Arborist. He continues to maintain that professional credential and apply his knowledge to the work he performs through Best Earth Solutions.

A Different Approach to Tree Care and Land Management

At Best Earth Solutions, we believe every property deserves an approach that considers its unique characteristics, challenges, and potential. Conventional tree and landscape work can sometimes focus on solving one immediate problem at a time. We prefer to look at the bigger picture: the condition of the trees, the surrounding vegetation, the soil, the water, the structures, and the ways people use their land. That perspective influences the recommendations we make and the work we perform.

Professional Tree Care, Guided by Science

Healthy trees require more than occasional trimming. Their long-term condition can be influenced by species, structure, growing conditions, soil, moisture, pests, disease, and previous damage. Our approach begins with observation and evaluation. We consider the tree itself and the environment in which it grows before determining which services may be appropriate.

Depending on the situation, that may mean selective pruning, a tree health assessment, ongoing maintenance, or removal when a tree presents an unacceptable risk. We believe property owners should understand their options and the reasons behind our recommendations.

Practical Solutions for Real-World Properties

Not every tree care project takes place on a level, open lot with easy equipment access. Properties throughout the North Georgia mountains can involve steep slopes, mature wooded areas, tight spaces, buildings beneath large trees, and views that homeowners want to preserve. These conditions call for experience, planning, and flexibility.

Our background in technical climbing, rigging, equipment operation, and complex removals helps us evaluate different ways to approach a job. Rather than relying on one method for every situation, we look for an appropriate solution based on the tree, the terrain, the available access, and the needs of the property.

Caring for the Land Beyond the Immediate Job

Our interest in tree care extends beyond individual trees. We are also interested in how properties can become healthier, more resilient, and better suited to their natural surroundings over time. Inspired by permaculture principles and an appreciation for native plants, we recognize that thoughtful land management can support healthier vegetation, respect natural resources, and reduce unnecessary maintenance. That doesn’t mean every property needs the same approach. It means taking the time to understand what the land can naturally support and helping property owners explore practical alternatives.

Our goal is not simply to change a landscape, but to help it evolve in a way that balances beauty, functionality, ecological health, and the owner’s needs.

What We Do at Best Earth Solutions

Best Earth Solutions provides professional tree care and related services for properties throughout Blue Ridge, Georgia, and the surrounding Tri-State area. Our services include:

• Tree health assessments and care: Evaluate tree condition and identify appropriate care options.
• Fine tree pruning: Manage branches, improve structure, and support the health and appearance of trees through appropriate pruning.
• Tree removal: Remove trees when necessary because of condition, safety concerns, property needs, or planned improvements.
• Hazardous tree removal: Plan complex removals involving trees near buildings and other obstacles, using suitable climbing, rigging, or equipment-based methods.
• View cutting: Carefully manage selected vegetation to open or improve views while considering the surrounding landscape.
• Orchard care: Maintain orchard trees with attention to their structure, growth, and intended use.
• Stump grinding: Reduce remaining stumps below ground level to help restore usable space.
• Vegetation and land management: Help property owners assess vegetation and explore practical ways to care for their land.

Every property is different, and not every service is appropriate for every situation. We work to understand your goals and identify the most suitable approach for your project.

Proud to Serve the North Georgia Mountains

Best Earth Solutions is locally owned and operated in Blue Ridge, Georgia, serving homeowners and property owners throughout the Tri-State area, including Ellijay, Blairsville, Murphy, and surrounding communities.

We appreciate the character of this region: its wooded properties, mountain views, mature trees, and connection to the natural landscape. We also understand that caring for property here can involve challenges that require careful planning and a practical understanding of the terrain.

Whether you need help evaluating a tree, maintaining an orchard, opening a view, or removing a hazardous tree, we bring professional knowledge and a hands-on approach to the work. We are proud to serve the communities we call home and to help property owners make informed decisions about the land in their care.

Our Work Is Rooted in a Simple Belief

If you’re looking for an ISA Certified Arborist in Blue Ridge, GA, or the surrounding Tri-State area, Best Earth Solutions is here to help.

Contact us to discuss your property, ask questions, and explore the right approach to caring for your trees and land.