About

Urban Tree Care of Iowa is a safe, professional company dedicated to you—our client—and your property. By maintaining a small team, with the owner actively involved in every project, we ensure clear, precise work from the initial estimate through final cleanup. This hands-on approach guarantees that all work meets the expectations and goals set by our clients.

Our crew members are background-checked, hardworking, and highly trained. They operate efficiently as a team to deliver exceptional service. Guided by an ISA Certified Arborist, we ensure proper tree care and pruning techniques on every job. We also take pride in completing a thorough cleanup, leaving your property looking its best.

Scott Swearinger, a Davenport, Iowa native and Johnson Elementary alumnus, grew up in the construction industry, working alongside his father and uncles, who ran one of the area’s largest home framing companies. After graduating from Davenport West High School, Scott worked as a framing carpenter for his brother.

In 1990, Scott joined the United States Marine Corps. His career in tree work began in 1993 after returning from Somalia, when flooding at Camp Pendleton, California, devastated a large area. Scott was selected for specialized tree removal training and placed in charge of the cleanup operation. His team completed the job ahead of schedule and received recognition for their efforts.

Scott continued developing his skills while serving in the Marines, working as a ground crew member for a tree service in South Carolina. In 1999, he returned to the Quad Cities and sought mentorship from local tree expert Bill Plummer, formally training in tree climbing.

With this foundation, Scott took over operations at McKinley Tree Service, owned by his in-laws. He quickly became known for handling storm-damaged trees and difficult terrain. His background as a Marine Corps Vehicle Recovery Specialist, combined with arborist training, gave him a unique ability to safely manage complex and hazardous removals. He earned a reputation as the Quad Cities’ “difficult terrain specialist.”

In 2003, after McKinley was sold, Scott and his wife Dana worked in California with Gothic Landscape on a large-scale project in Eastlake. During this time, Scott collaborated with Reginald “Reggie” Rhea, a master horticulturist and nationally recognized arborist.

After returning to Bettendorf, Scott founded Urban Tree Care of Iowa (originally Economy Tree) in 2005. He quickly re-established himself as a leading tree service provider in the Quad Cities, working on large development projects, municipal contracts, and complex removals in hazardous conditions.

In 2007, Scott was called back to the Marines and served at Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Virginia. There, he trained officer candidates and received the Naval Achievement Medal. During this time, he also worked as a contract climber and advised on grounds and tree maintenance.

Since returning home, Scott has continued providing top-tier tree care while expanding his expertise in arboriculture. He plans to pursue the Board Certified Master Arborist designation and attend Iowa State University for a degree in Forestry.

Scott holds multiple certifications and memberships, including:

• ISA Certified Arborist
• Member of the International Society of Arboriculture
• National Arbor Day Foundation
• Tree Care Industry Association
• Bettendorf “Trees Are Us” Committee

He is also actively working to promote higher industry standards and regulation in the Quad Cities area.

Beyond his professional work, Scott has served as an assistant judo coach at Dynamo Judo Club at Miletich Fighting Systems and volunteered with the Military Order of the Purple Heart.