For decades, the iconic Clarence T. Jones Observatory in Chattanooga has served as a gateway to the stars for students, astronomy enthusiasts, and the local community. But for nearly 20 years, overgrown trees have blocked critical views and telescope access to the north and west skies. The Lumberjacks Tree Service team is proud to donate $10,000 in professional tree removal and tree trimming services to help reopen those long-lost sightlines and support the observatory’s mission of bringing the universe closer to home.
Large, mature trees have obstructed essential northern and western sky views at the observatory for years. These dead trees and overgrown branches had gradually encroached on the telescope’s field of view, limiting the ability to: By removing dead trees and trimming strategic areas around the property, we’re helping restore the clarity and visibility needed for research, education, and community stargazing. Tree removal, especially around a historic landmark, requires specialized expertise. Our certified tree services team approached the project with precision and cleared hazardous trees, trimmed overgrowth, and reshaped the landscape in a way that preserves safety, aesthetics, and long-term sky access. This donation of $10,000 in arborist services is part of our commitment to giving back to spaces that inspire curiosity, learning, and wonder. The Clarence T. Jones Observatory, operated by the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, has a rich history of welcoming the public to explore astronomy. With clearer sky views on the horizon, the observatory will once again be able to host stargazing nights, educational programs, and telescope viewings that rely on unobstructed access to the night sky. To learn more about the observatory or follow its updates, visit them on Facebook or their website.
If you’d like to contribute to the continued restoration and educational programs at UTC’s Clarence T. Jones Observatory, you can make a donation using the link below:
DONATE HERE 👉https://go.utc.edu/ctjofriendsfund
Your support helps ensure that future generations can experience the beauty and excitement of astronomy right here in our community.
Reopening the Observatory’s North and West Sky Views
Overgrowth prevents the telescope from tracking faint objects like nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters.
Blocked sky views disrupt long-term tracking of planets, comets, star movements, and other phenomena that require full-sky visibility.
Eclipses, planetary alignments, meteor showers, and transits often occur in specific sky regions. Obstructed views can mean missing once-in-a-lifetime events.
Clear horizons allow for more precise readings, measurements, and astrophotography essential for research and student learning.
Students in physics, astronomy, and engineering rely on hands-on telescope operation to build real-world skills. Blocked sky views reduce what they can study, practice, and observe.
Supporting a Local Treasure Through Professional Arborist Work
A New Chapter for the Jones Observatory
You Can Support the Observatory
For decades, the iconic Clarence T. Jones Observatory in Chattanooga has served as a gateway to the stars for students, astronomy enthusiasts, and the local community. But for nearly 20 years, overgrown trees have blocked critical views and telescope access to the north and west skies. The Lumberjacks Tree Service team is proud to […]
We want to take a moment to share an important update with our customers, partners, and community. Late on the night of December 16, 2025, a fire occurred at our E. Main Street location in Chattanooga. While this has been a heartbreaking loss for our business, we are incredibly grateful that no one was […]
Towering, graceful, and vital to our forest ecosystems, Hemlocks are among the most beloved evergreens in North America. Yet across the eastern U.S., these giants are dying at alarming rates — and the cause is both visible and invisible. What’s Killing the Hemlocks? The primary culprit is the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, or HWA — […]
How a Broke Teen with a Beat-Up Truck Built Chattanooga’s Most Trusted Tree Service Crew Meet Tyler Schievelhud, Owner of Lumberjacks Tree Service When you think of a tree service in Chattanooga, you might picture roaring chainsaws and towering pines. What you probably don’t picture is a 17-year-old high school dropout in a gold Mazda […]
We hear it all the time: “Why is tree work so expensive?” Maybe you just need one tree taken down and were surprised when the quote seemed to rival the cost of a vacation—or a small electronics haul. It’s a fair question, and we’re here to shed some light on where that cost really comes […]
Tree pruning is an essential part of tree care that enhances health, safety, and aesthetics. But not all pruning is the same—doing it correctly, at the right time, and following industry standards is crucial to maintaining tree vitality. Tree Pruning to ANSI Standards ensures that the process follows best practices for tree health and safety, […]
Why Do Some Trees Keep Their Dead Leaves in Winter? Have you ever noticed certain trees hanging onto their brown, dead leaves long after other trees have shed theirs? This unusual phenomenon is called marcescence, and it’s when trees hold onto their dead leaves through the winter instead of dropping them in the fall. It’s […]
When most people think about tree care, their minds naturally gravitate toward warmer months when trees are lush and full of life. However, winter is actually one of the best times of the year for tree services. Whether it’s pruning, removing dead or hazardous trees, or clearing land, winter offers several unique advantages for both […]
WE ARE LICENSED AND INSURED | GIVE US A CALL TODAY