ISA Certified Arborist · SO-10542A
Tree care on the Outer Banks, led by Ernst, an ISA Certified Arborist
Tree removal, trimming and pruning, stump grinding and tree health care. Ernst and Katie are the owners of OBX Tree Doc, and they'll work with you through every step of the tree care process, with excellent customer service and a quality finished product.
24-hour emergency line 252-305-1966
- Google, as of Nov 2026
- 5.0 · 146 reviews
- Certification
- ISA Certified Arborist, Ernst
- Insurance
- Fully insured
- Family owned
- Since 2019
- ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification
- SPRAT certified safety climber
- Certified pesticide application
- FAA certified drone pilot
- Pruning to ANSI A300 standards
Services
What we can help with
- 01
Crane services
The crane protects your property: no damaged septic systems, cracked driveways or damaged landscaping. It reaches tight spaces for tree removal, and it makes the work safer for the crew and the job faster and more efficient.
Arriving January 2027 - 02
Tree removal
When a tree has to go for safety or for the trees around it, Ernst takes it down piece by piece with ropes and rigging, so your yard is not dented.
- 03
Trimming and pruning
Pruning to ANSI A300 standards, with a plan for how the tree should look in 5 to 10 years.
- 04
Tree health care
Preventive care with growth regulators, fertilizers and pesticides/fungicides, chosen for coastal North Carolina trees.
- 05
ISA arborist assessments
Some Outer Banks towns want an arborist's opinion before tree work. Ernst can write it up.
Arriving January 2027 · BIK TC-104
Crane services
Our new BIK TC-104 grapple saw crane truck arrives in January 2027. From then, anyone can book it for tree work.
The crane protects your property: no damaged septic systems, cracked driveways or damaged landscaping. It reaches tight spaces for tree removal, and it makes the work safer for the crew and the job faster and more efficient.
Many Outer Banks homes stand on tall stilts, and trees close to them can be hard to reach safely from the ground. The crane takes a tree down from above, one piece at a time, without anyone climbing it.
- BIK TC-104 arrives
- January 2027
- Reach up
- 104ft
- Reach out
- 92ft
- Lift at 104 ft
- 2,100lbs
- Rotation
- 360deg
- Grapple saw
- Holds the piece, cuts it and lowers it, so nothing is dropped. Run by radio remote, so the operator can stand where they see the work best.
Our equipment
Our own gear, no waiting on rentals
Having our own gear means we don't wait on rentals, and the right machine keeps your yard in good shape.
- Vermeer BC1800 and Vermeer AX19 chippers
- Ford F600 and Isuzu NRR chipper trucks
- Teupen TC89 AJ Plus spider lift, 89 feet
- Vermeer SC48TX stump grinder
- Two Avant 528 compact loaders with grapples
- Dump trailers and pickup trucks for hauling
- BIK TC-104 grapple saw crane truck (arrives January 2027)
Photos
In the field
Reviews
What people say
A few of the reviews customers left on Google:
5.0 on Google from 146 reviews (as of Nov 2026). A few of them:
OBX Tree Doctor did major work on an oak in our front yard in Duck…simply cannot say what an excellent experience I had! Work was done with precision exactly when promised and the work was excellent…everything was cleaned perfectly! Katie was very professional and followed up perfectly! Just call them and get the job done… 5 STARS!… not many of those around!
Tanfarm John, 5 stars on Google They cut 13 trees down for me. Did an amazing job. Did it in two days it was incredible. Best people on the beach.
Brandon H., 5 stars on Google Excellent, on time, quality work at a great price. Knowledgeable tree experts with honest advice on trees. Definitely recommend for all tree work.
Fred W., 5 stars on Google
The owners
Ernst and Katie
OBX Tree Doc is a family owned and run tree company on the Outer Banks, focused on holistic tree health care.
Ernst and Katie moved back to the Outer Banks, Katie's hometown, to start the company in 2019, to raise their children by the ocean and be closer to family. Katie runs the business, and she's probably who you'll speak to when you call.
Ernst is an ISA Certified Arborist, certification SO-10542A, and holds the ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification. After work you'll usually find him reading a textbook for his next certification.
Each Arbor Day we give our time and money to plant trees on the Outer Banks, choosing saplings that are native to the OBX.
Process
How it works
We'd rather make a tree healthier than recommend taking it down. Ernst knows our coastal North Carolina trees and treats them with the nutrients they need to grow big, strong and healthy. That is often the cheaper option, and it's better for the place we live.
Tell us about it
You tell us what you need, with the form on this site or by phone.
We get back to you
We reply to your email or call within two business days, usually sooner.
We pick a time
We agree on a time for the work.
Done and cleaned up
Your trees are looked after, the debris is hauled away, and follow-ups are booked for tree health care plans.
Service area
The entire Outer Banks, from Kill Devil Hills
Free quote
Ask for a free quote
Tell us about the trees and we'll get back to you, usually within two business days.
Tree on your house, car or a power line? Please call now: 252-305-1966. Emergency calls answered 24 hours a day.