Business Details
44 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Tree & Utility Services in Washington
Founded in 1982, Kemp West has established itself as a leader in vegetation management and tree care services across Washington State. Our commitment to safety, expertise, and innovation drives every project we undertake, from utility line clearance to comprehensive tree removal and consulting. With over 35 years of industry experience, we combine specialized equipment with a highly trained workforce to deliver efficient, environmentally responsible solutions. Our safety culture is unparalleled, featuring rigorous training programs, daily briefings, and third-party equipment inspections to ensure the well-being of our team and clients. As part of Xylem Tree Experts, we maintain our founding values while expanding our capabilities to meet evolving industry demands.Our client-focused approach prioritizes clear communication, from initial project planning to flawless execution, earning us long-term partnerships with utilities, municipalities, and commercial clients. Our fleet of advanced machinery, including all-terrain excavators and aerial bucket trucks, enables us to tackle complex projects in challenging environments. Certified arborists and licensed professionals ensure technical excellence, while our dedication to community and environmental stewardship reinforces our reputation as a trusted industry leader.
Services
Line Clearance Tree Trimming
Integrated Vegetation Management
Right-of-Way Clearing
Tree Pruning
Tree Removal
Tree Care Consulting
Emergency Storm Response
Stump Grinding
Herbicide Application
Equipment Rental
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- We have over 35 years of experience in vegetation management and tree care.
- Our safety culture includes daily briefings and third-party equipment inspections.
- We utilize specialized equipment like all-terrain excavators for challenging terrain.
- Our team includes ISA Certified Arborists and licensed professionals.
- We offer free woodchips to local communities as part of our sustainability efforts.
What people say
Professional crews
Exceptional communication
High-quality tree work
Knowledgeable foreman
Excellent emergency response
Services
Line Clearance Tree Trimming
Our certified line clearance specialists maintain safe distances between vegetation and power lines using industry-leading techniques. With aerial bucket trucks reaching 97 feet and all-terrain equipment, we handle urban and remote projects while preventing service disruptions. Decades of utility partnership experience ensure compliance with strict safety and reliability standards.
Tree Removal
We safely remove hazardous or damaged trees using specialized rigging and crane systems. Our certified arborists assess structural risks before employing precision techniques that protect surrounding property. Stump grinding services complete projects, with options to repurpose wood chips for landscaping or erosion control applications.
Right-of-Way Clearing
Specialized equipment like Kaiser Spyder excavators enables efficient clearing of steep slopes and sensitive environments. Our crews maintain utility corridors, highways, and construction sites using methods that minimize ecological impact while meeting regulatory requirements for access and safety clearances.
Tree Care Consulting
ISA Certified Arborists provide expert assessments for tree health, risk management, and development planning. We deliver technical reports, pest/disease diagnostics, and municipal code compliance guidance to help property owners make informed vegetation decisions.
Integrated Vegetation Management
Our science-based approach combines mechanical clearing, targeted herbicide application, and biological controls to create sustainable plant communities. This cost-effective strategy reduces maintenance cycles while maintaining utility corridor safety and environmental compliance.
People
Kari Hakso
President / CEO
Kari Hakso has led Kemp West since 1995, shaping organizational values while maintaining its founding principles. With a background in English Literature and journeyman tree trimming certification, he balances strategic vision with hands-on industry knowledge.
Gary Johnson
Operations Manager
With 30 years of service, Gary Johnson oversees field operations using expertise gained from tire industry experience and progressive roles since 1990. His leadership focuses on meeting customer expectations through effective crew management and operational efficiency.
Caitlin Knox
Chief Business Strategist & Consulting Arborist
Caitlin Knox combines environmental science expertise with strategic leadership since joining Kemp West in 2012. As an ISA Certified Arborist, she specializes in tree risk assessment and sustainable vegetation management practices for utility clients.
Ian Case
Workforce Development Manager
Ian Case leads training initiatives since 2017, developing apprentices into certified professionals. His focus on maintaining work culture and technical excellence supports Kemp West's reputation for skilled powerline clearance specialists and crew leaders.
Dave Gratton
Snohomish County Supervisor
Dave Gratton brings utility industry experience from the US Navy and Seattle City Light to his supervisory role. With specialized certifications in traffic control and pesticide application, he ensures compliance and quality on Snohomish County PUD projects.
Questions
What vegetation management services do you offer?
We provide line clearance tree trimming, right-of-way clearing, integrated vegetation management, tree removal, stump grinding, and consulting services for utility, municipal, and commercial clients.
Are your crews certified for utility work?
Yes, our line clearance specialists hold industry certifications and complete a two-year apprenticeship program. All employees maintain first aid and safety certifications.
Do you use specialized equipment for difficult terrain?
We operate all-terrain excavators, aerial bucket trucks up to 97 feet, and specialized chippers to handle projects in steep slopes, waterways, and urban environments.
Can I get free woodchips from your operations?
Yes, we offer free woodchips to local communities when our crews are working in your area. Contact us to check availability.
How does your safety program work?
Our safety culture includes daily briefings, monthly training, annual safety days, and a cloud-based reporting system. Equipment undergoes annual third-party inspections to maintain safety standards.
Do you provide emergency tree services?
Yes, we offer emergency storm response services with rapid deployment crews available to handle urgent vegetation hazards affecting power lines or property safety.
