Google Ads Budget Planning for Tree Companies: How to Spend Smart & Grow

When done right, Google Ads is one of the fastest ways to generate leads for your tree service company. But here’s the catch: if you go in without a budget plan, Google Ads can eat through your wallet faster than a stump grinder through softwood.

So, how much should you actually spend? How do you avoid wasting money? And what kind of return should you expect?

This guide will break it all down in plain English. Whether you’re just starting out with tree service PPC or you’re already running ads but not seeing results, we’ll walk you through the essentials of Google Ads budget planning for tree companies, and how to make every dollar count.

Key Takeaways

• Start with your revenue goals. Your ad spend should reflect the number of leads you want and your average job value.
• Expect to spend at least $1,000/month in smaller markets, and $2,000-$5,000+ in competitive areas.
• Track your numbers. Cost per lead, conversion rate, and return on ad spend (ROAS) are your guiding stars.
• Don’t rely on Smart Campaigns. Use Expert Mode to control your spend and bidding strategy.
• Work with pros who understand tree service marketing. Google Ads success requires strategy, not guesswork.

Why Budget Planning Matters

Let’s be real, Google Ads isn’t cheap. If you think tossing $200 at Google will bring in a flood of phone calls, you’re going to be disappointed.

Why? Because Google Ads works like an auction. Tree services are a high-intent search, which means you’re bidding against other local companies also trying to win that customer.

That’s why budget planning isn’t optional, it’s essential.

Without a plan, you’ll either:

• Spend too little and get no traction, or
• Spend too much with no real return.

Neither is good. But with the right plan in place, Google Ads can be your most consistent source of leads.

Step 1: Start With Your Goals

Before you set your ad budget, ask yourself:

• How many leads do I want per month?
• What’s my average close rate?
• What’s the value of my average job?

Let’s break it down with some rough numbers:

• You want 30 new leads this month.
• You typically close 1 out of 3 jobs.
• Your average job is worth $1,000.

To hit 10 booked jobs, you need about 30 leads. If your cost per lead is $50, you’ll need to budget at least $1,500/month in ad spend.

Easy math, right?

The key is this: Your budget should be based on your goals, not guesswork.

Step 2: Understand Your Market

Tree service is a competitive industry, and Google knows it.

The average cost per click (CPC) for tree service keywords ranges from $10 to $40, depending on your location and how aggressive your competitors are.

For example:

• Small towns: $10-$15 per click
• Suburbs or mid-sized cities: $20-$30
• Major metros: $30-$50+

If your budget is too low, you simply won’t get enough clicks to generate tree service leads. Google will spread your ads too thin, and you’ll disappear into the digital wilderness.

Here’s a simple rule of thumb:

Step 3: Choose the Right Campaign Type

A lot of tree companies fall into the trap of using Smart Campaigns because they’re “easy.” But easy doesn’t mean effective.

Smart Campaigns give you almost no control over:

• What keywords you’re bidding on
• Where your ads are showing
• How much you’re paying per click

Instead, use Search Campaigns in Expert Mode. This gives you full control of your:

• Daily and monthly budgets
• Target keywords (like “tree removal near me”)
• Ad copy and extensions
• Location targeting

If you’re not sure how to do this, don’t worry, this is where the pros (like us) come in.

Step 4: Track Your Results (or Risk Burning Cash)

If you’re not tracking your numbers, you’re flying blind.

Here’s what to monitor every month:

• Impressions – How many people saw your ad
• Clicks – How many clicked
• Conversions – How many called or filled out a form
• Cost per Lead (CPL) – Total spend ÷ conversions
• Return on Ad Spend (ROAS) – Revenue ÷ ad spend

Example: If you spent $2,000 and booked $8,000 in jobs, that’s a 4x ROAS. Not bad at all.

Use call tracking and landing page forms to know exactly where your leads are coming from. Google Ads gives you the data, you just need to read it.

Step 5: Adjust and Optimize Monthly

Your first month running ads is like throwing a dart blindfolded. The more you run campaigns, the better your aim gets.

Each month, review:

• Which keywords converted?
• Which ads had the best click-through rate?
• Which areas got the most calls?

Pause underperforming keywords. Increase bids on high-converting ones. Test new ad headlines. Refine your location targeting.

Google Ads isn’t “set it and forget it.” It’s “launch, learn, and optimize.”

FAQ: Google Ads Budget Planning for Tree Companies

1. What is a good starting budget for Google Ads for tree services?

Most tree companies should start with $1,500-$2,500/month, depending on market size and competition.

2. How do I calculate my cost per lead?

Divide your total ad spend by the number of leads you received. Example: $2,000 spend ÷ 40 leads = $50 CPL.

3. What if my ads aren’t generating any calls?

You may be targeting the wrong keywords, using poor landing pages, or not bidding high enough. Get a professional audit.

4. Can I run Google Ads on a $500/month budget?

You can, but it’s tough. Low budgets limit reach and data collection. It’s better to save and invest more when ready.

5. How long should I run my campaigns before making changes?

Let campaigns run for at least 2-3 weeks to gather data. Then make adjustments based on performance, not impatience.

Let’s Make Your Ad Dollars Work Harder

Google Ads isn’t magic. But with smart budget planning, the right strategy, and expert execution, it can become your most powerful lead engine.

At Local Tree Service Marketing, we specialize in PPC management for tree companies. We know your industry. We know your customers. And we know how to turn ad spend into booked jobs.

Ready to make your ads work harder for your business?

📞 Call (610) 708-0606 today or visit Local Tree Service Marketing to schedule a free consultation.

Let’s grow your tree service the smart way, with a plan.