Rooted in Southern Illinois. Built on Hard Work.
From dangerous tree removals to full forestry clearing, our mission is simple—protect your property and treat every job like it’s our own.
Experienced. Insured. Ready when you need us.
Our Story
Jesse James Tree & Timber Co. was founded by two partners who share the same belief: Southern Illinois deserves honest, reliable, and hard-working tree professionals who take pride in every job.
With backgrounds in carpentry, land management, storm cleanup, and equipment operation, we combined our skills to build a veteran-owned company focused on quality, safety, and integrity.
From day one, our mission has been simple — treat every property like it’s our own, show up when we say we will, and leave every job site cleaner and safer than we found it. We’ve seen firsthand how unreliable crews, rushed work, and careless cleanup can leave property owners frustrated and unsafe. We decided to be the opposite of that.
Today, we serve homes, farms, and businesses across Southern Illinois — from the I-64 line all the way to the state border — offering everything from hazardous tree removal to forestry mulching, full land clearing, storm damage cleanup, and timber handling. We run the right equipment, follow proper safety practices, and approach every project with pride and professionalism.
Whether we’re dropping a dangerous tree, clearing acreage, or hauling storm-damaged timber, our goal is the same:
do good work, earn trust, and build a business our families and our community can be proud of.
Our Values
Veteran-Owned & Integrity-Driven
We hold ourselves to a higher standard — discipline, reliability, and honesty guide every job we take on. When we say we’ll be there, we mean it.
Safety First, Every Time
Trees, equipment, and storm-damaged timber are dangerous when handled incorrectly. We follow proper procedures, use modern gear, and work methodically to keep you, your property, and our team protected.
Quality Work You Can See
We don’t rush, cut corners, or leave half-finished cleanup behind. Every limb, stump, and piece of debris is handled with care so your property looks better when we leave than when we arrived.
Transparent, Honest Pricing
No surprises, no pressure, no games. We offer fair pricing, free in-person estimates, and financing options for larger projects whenever needed.
MEET THE OWNERS
Jesse (Right) & James (Left)
Jesse James Tree & Timber Co. was built by two family men who believe in hard work, honest service, and doing right by the people of Southern Illinois. After years working side-by-side in the carpentry and trades world, Jesse and James decided it was time to build something of their own — a company where quality comes first, and customers never have to question the integrity of the crew they hire.
Jesse is a disabled Air Force veteran who served five years in USAF Security Forces, including a deployment to Afghanistan during the 2020 COVID operations. He’s spent his entire life in the blue-collar trades — carpentry, handyman work, landscaping, and tree work — and brings a disciplined, safety-focused, mission-driven mindset to every job. As a father of six, he understands the importance of protecting homes, creating safe environments, and building a business that his family can be proud of.
James is a father of eleven and a lifelong tradesman who has built his life around hard work, family values, and service. Four of his children have served in the U.S. Army, all deployed to the Middle East — a testament to the strength and character of the household he leads. With decades of hands-on experience and a deep commitment to craftsmanship, James is the definition of a dependable, no-nonsense professional who takes pride in every job he touches.
Together, Jesse and James formed this company with a shared goal:
to provide Southern Illinois with top-tier, no-shortcuts tree and timber services delivered with honesty, respect, and unmatched work ethic.
They built this business not just to earn a living — but to create a better life for their families, serve their community, and offer a level of quality that leaves every customer fully satisfied with the outcome.
From hazardous removals to full-scale land clearing, Jesse and James bring grit, integrity, and genuine pride to every project. When you call Jesse James Tree & Timber Co., you’re hiring two men who show up, stand behind their work, and treat your property like it’s their own.
For a list of areas we serve, visit our Service Area page.