Meet the K&J Tree Works Team

Meet the Owner — Robert Knecht

Robert Knecht is the owner and lead arborist behind K&J Tree Works, headquartered in Sultan, WA. A 4th-generation Washington State resident, he grew up in North Bend surrounded by old-growth forest and has spent his entire life in the woods of the Pacific Northwest. His connection to the timber industry goes back further still — his father spent his career as a logger, working across the Olympic Peninsula and throughout Washington State. That upbringing instilled in Robert a deep love for these forests and a respect for the power and complexity of working within them — he genuinely cares about these trees and the landscapes they're part of. Over 13+ years in the tree service industry, he worked his way up from groundsman to climber, then to lead climber for multiple companies, before stepping into foreman and production manager roles at large, high-volume companies based in King County. Along the way, he worked alongside dozens of different arborists across many different companies, which gave him a wide understanding of what trees actually benefit from — proper pruning techniques, correct removal methods, and the best practices that support long-term health and longevity rather than just getting the job done fast. He founded K&J Tree Works in November 2021 to bring that experience directly to homeowners across Snohomish County and King County.

As an owner-operator, Robert is involved in every project — from the initial phone call and on-site estimate to overseeing the crew on job day. That direct involvement means there's no miscommunication between the person assessing your trees and the team doing the work. When you call K&J Tree Works, you're talking to the person who will be managing your project.

• Title: Owner / Lead Arborist
• Experience: 13+ Years in Tree Care
• Based In: Sultan, Washington
• Licensed & Insured: WA Contractor #KJTREJT792QS
• Specializations: Tree Removal, Tree Trimming & Pruning, Emergency Storm Response, Land Clearing, Hazardous Tree Assessment, Crane-Assisted Removal

Local Tree Expertise — Pacific Northwest Species

Working with trees in western Washington is different from anywhere else. Our wet winters, windstorms, shallow root systems in clay and sandy soils, and the sheer size of native conifers all create unique challenges that require local knowledge — not textbook solutions.

Douglas Fir

The most common large tree on local properties. These evergreens can grow over 200 feet tall and develop massive root systems. We understand their growth patterns, common failure points, and how to safely remove or prune them near structures — especially when they've been weakened by root rot or laminated root disease.

Western Red Cedar

A signature Pacific Northwest species often found on residential properties throughout our service area. Cedars are prone to top breakage during wind events and can develop internal decay that isn't visible from the outside. Our team knows how to assess cedar health and identify hidden structural weaknesses before they become hazards.

Big Leaf Maple

These fast-growing deciduous trees are common throughout our service area and regularly require pruning to manage their spreading canopy. Their heavy limbs are susceptible to failure, especially when loaded with moss and rain. We provide structural pruning to reduce weight and improve balance.

Western Hemlock

Often found in shaded, forested areas throughout our service region, hemlocks are shade-tolerant but can become structurally compromised in dense stands. We frequently work with hemlocks on properties in Sultan, Gold Bar, Index, and other foothills communities.

Red Alder

A pioneer species that colonizes disturbed ground quickly. While alders provide valuable nitrogen to the soil, they're relatively short-lived and prone to sudden failure as they age. We often remove aging alders that pose risks to homes and driveways, particularly on properties in Marysville, Arlington, and Stanwood.

Cottonwood & Birch

Both species are fast-growing and commonly found near water features and low-lying properties. Their soft wood makes them susceptible to storm damage and branch failure. We regularly service these trees for homeowners in Lake Stevens, Monroe, and along river corridors throughout the county.

Our Tree Services

• Tree Removal — Safe removal of hazard trees, storm-damaged trees, and trees too close to structures using precision rigging and sectional dismantling techniques.
• Tree Trimming & Pruning — Crown thinning, deadwood removal, clearance pruning, and structural pruning to improve tree health and reduce storm damage risk. We follow ISA pruning standards and never top trees.
• Emergency Tree Service — Rapid response for storm-downed trees on structures, across driveways, and entangled with power lines.
• Land Clearing — Complete lot clearing for new construction, driveway expansion, and pasture reclamation.
• Wood & Debris Removal — Chipping, hauling, and disposal of all wood and brush generated during tree work.

Service Area — 25 Cities in Snohomish & King County

K&J Tree Works provides tree service across 25 cities in Snohomish County and King County, Washington:

• Sultan
• Everett
• Snohomish
• Monroe
• Marysville
• Arlington
• Lake Stevens
• Granite Falls
• Gold Bar
• Index
• Stanwood
• Darrington
• Mukilteo
• Edmonds
• Lynnwood
• Mill Creek
• Duvall
• Bothell
• Woodinville
• Redmond
• Kenmore
• Shoreline
• Carnation
• Baring
• Skykomish

Environmental Stewardship

Many properties in Snohomish County and King County border rivers, wetlands, streams, and shorelines that are protected under Washington State's Growth Management Act and local Critical Areas Ordinances. Tree work near these environmentally sensitive areas requires more than just skill with a chainsaw — it requires knowledge of local regulations, erosion control practices, and habitat protection protocols.

K&J Tree Works is experienced working within and adjacent to critical areas along the Skykomish, Snoqualmie, and Stillaguamish river corridors, as well as near lakeshores, wetland buffers, and salmon-bearing streams throughout our 25-city service area. We understand setback requirements, replanting obligations, and the importance of maintaining root systems that stabilize banks and filter runoff. When your property falls within a critical area, we coordinate with local jurisdictions as needed to ensure compliance.

Our commitment to environmental responsibility extends to every job: we chip brush on-site to reduce hauling trips, recycle wood waste whenever possible, and take care to protect understory vegetation, soil structure, and neighboring trees during removal and clearing operations. Responsible tree care and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.

Our Values

• Safety First, Every Time — Every job begins with a thorough site assessment. We evaluate hazards, plan our approach, and brief the crew before a single cut is made. Our team follows strict safety protocols and uses personal protective equipment on every job — no exceptions.
• Quality Workmanship — We take pride in every cut, every climb, and every cleanup. Proper pruning isn't just about aesthetics — it's about understanding tree biology. We make clean, strategic cuts that promote healthy callus formation and reduce the risk of disease.
• Rooted in Community — As a family-owned business based right here in Sultan, we're not just serving this community — we're part of it. Our kids go to local schools, we shop at local businesses, and we care deeply about preserving the forested landscape that makes this region home.
• Honest, Transparent Pricing — No hidden fees, no surprise charges, no pressure tactics. We provide detailed, written estimates that break down exactly what the work involves and what it will cost. If we find something unexpected during a job, we stop and discuss it with you before proceeding.

Frequently Asked Questions About K&J Tree Works

Who owns K&J Tree Works?

K&J Tree Works is owned and operated by Robert Knecht, who oversees every project from the initial estimate through final cleanup. As a family-owned business based in Sultan, WA, the person you talk to on the phone is the same person managing the work on your property. There's no middleman — you get direct access to the owner on every job.

Is K&J Tree Works licensed and insured?

Yes. K&J Tree Works is fully licensed, bonded, and insured in Washington State. Our contractor license number is KJTREJT792QS. We carry full general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage. We provide proof of insurance and licensing upon request before any work begins. Contact us to request documentation.

What areas does K&J Tree Works serve?

K&J Tree Works serves 25 cities across Snohomish County and King County, Washington. Our service area includes Sultan, Everett, Snohomish, Monroe, Marysville, Arlington, Lake Stevens, Granite Falls, Gold Bar, Index, Stanwood, Darrington, Mukilteo, Edmonds, Lynnwood, Mill Creek, Duvall, Bothell, Woodinville, Redmond, Kenmore, Shoreline, Carnation, Baring, and Skykomish.

How long has K&J Tree Works been in business?

K&J Tree Works was founded in November 2021 in Sultan, WA. Our crew brings over 20 years of combined hands-on tree service experience, including tree removal, trimming, emergency storm response, land clearing, and wood and debris removal across Snohomish County and King County.

Explore More

• Tree Care Blog — Tips, guides, and insights about tree care in the Pacific Northwest
• Videos — Watch our crew in action across Snohomish and King County
• Photo Gallery — Browse completed tree service projects
• Customer Reviews — Read what homeowners say about our work

Ready to Get Started?

Call (425) 223-7904 or request a free estimate online. K&J Tree Works provides free on-site estimates for all tree services across 25 cities in Snohomish County and King County, Washington. Monday–Saturday, 8 AM – 5 PM.

Licensed & Bonded · WA Contractor #KJTREJT792QS · Fully Insured · 78 Five-Star Reviews