Testimonials
Appalachian Land Stewards continue to do an incredible job on an invasive plant and vine removal project for our neighborhood’s common areas and along our two mile walking trail around Beaver Lake. These areas had significant vine overgrowth that were affecting our trees and tree canopy health. ALS has also been very helpful with our tree installation project at Beaver Lake Park, selecting and planting appropriate native species that will enhance the beauty of our neighborhood and park for years to come. They’re very knowledgeable and professional. Highly recommend!
Tricia Johnson
Lakeview Park Commission
Asheville, NC
In my extensive work with the Appalachian Land Stewards, they have lived up to their name. I have worked with John Odell and his team to improve a forest near my home by promoting the growth of native species and releasing the potential of hardwood tree growth on my property. The outcomes have been many and uniformly positive. Beyond their expertise, the crew has impressed me with their professionalism, communication skills, and helpfulness. If you want to promote the health and beauty of your property while doing the best you can for the ecosystem within which you live, then Appalachian Land Stewards are worth a call.
Jeff Keith
Swannanoa, NC
The Gateway Mountain community has been very fortunate to have the professional services of Appalachian Land Stewards over the past 7 years. Our community discovered a major problem with Kudzu, finding over 10 active sites. With the support of John Odell during the initial treatment and then subsequent treatments the kudzu has been eradicated. We continue to use their services to ensure we maintain a kudzu-free community and would, without hesitation, recommend Appalachian Land Stewards.
Robert Hawks
Gateway Mountain
Old Fort, NC
I have had the opportunity to use Appalachian Land Stewards for several tree health management projects from cabling a double trunk hemlock at risk of splitting to pruning and care for a 100+year old white oak. They are experienced, knowledgeable and work to communicate the plan of action and what will be done. Their work, both on the ground and in the tree, are skillful, proficient and professional and with a focus on the health of the tree and the impact on the land. We will definitely use them again.
Jonathan Hettrick
Asheville, NC
Appalachian Land Stewards and the owner John Odell are knowledgeable in all areas of land and forest management. We had two houses, an out building, and our dam cleared for wildfire prevention and forest management. The project’s cost was very affordable and John informed us of a state program that helped us share the cost. His team's work was efficient, detailed (knowing which trees to save in clearing) and FAST. The clean up of downed trees and bushes completed a pristine environment. Highly recommended!
Gabrielle Thompson
Pleasant Gardens, NC
Appalachian Land Stewards has worked with the Laurel Ridge community since 2020 to develop and implement an invasive plant control program. We have been very happy with the results, and their professionalism and responsiveness have made for a rewarding collaboration.
Tom Plott
Laurel Ridge Community
Black Mountain, NC
We bought property in Asheville that backed onto a creek and needed a trail to get down the steep slope to the creek. We are so pleased with the professionalism and quality of work on the trail that Appalachian Land Stewards made for us. Jeremy and John met with us and reviewed the trail that would work for us. They were responsive and followed up by providing the trail design and options related to the design and costs. A bonus, John is also an Arborist and educated us on the trees on our property. Not only do we love our trail but so do the bears!
Neesa Warlen
Asheville, NC
Appalachian Land Stewards has provided on-going professional service in addressing dead and dangerous trees on our community's six miles of trails. They demonstrate their skill and experience in handling the most difficult tree scenarios. They are our go-to contractor on trees!
Tom Keleher
Southcliff Trails Committee
Fairview, NC
My wife and I purchased a beautiful lot on which to build our retirement home which had very large swaths of Kudzu killing the forest. I met John Odell in the spring of 2021 and was very impressed with his knowledge of the proper way to take care of kudzu in an environmentally safe way. He also pointed out several other invasive species which were doing damage. John put together a plan to treat all my invasive plant issues at the proper times of the year. In addition to invasive plant control, John and his team have planted many desirable trees and done storm water management work for me. Their forest restoration skills are amazing, and my property is far more beautiful and healthy than when I first bought it. I continue to be blown away with the quality and affordability of their work and give them my highest recommendation!
Terry Hoehn
Black Mountain, NC
Appalachian Land Stewards is the epitome of a pragmatic approach to land management, whether it is a single lot with cutting of undergrowth, saplings and wild brambles, or POA common area with mechanical management of kudzu and other invasive plants. Some companies are less expensive, some companies are more, but I wouldn’t trust my property or our POA to any other land management company because of the honesty and forthrightness of the company owner John and his staff.
Stephanie Irwin
Black Mountain, NC
My husband and I asked John to look at our property and identify trees that may be unsafe or unhealthy. We were so impressed with how knowledgeable John and his colleagues are. They were so professional and worked all day on freezing cold days. John helped me figure out how to manage the growth on our property to minimize fire hazards and to do selective pruning to encourage healthy growth. We will be relying on John's expertise and experience for years to come. Appalachian Land Stewards will give you expert advice and they are a good value.
Ann Watcher
Black Mountain, NC
I have had the pleasure to work with John and Appalachian Land Stewards for the past several years. They have been outstanding arborists in helping to manage the trees on my property. In addition to John's passion for doing things the right way, he and his team deliver excellent service with great professionalism. I have no hesitation in recommending them to you!
Richard Schaffer
Asheville, NC
The Creston Community has been working with Appalachian Land Stewards (ALS) for many years in our efforts to eradicate invasive plant and tree species. They are very competent while providing a valuable service at reasonable rates. John is also supportive of a team effort that combines Do-It-Yourself initiatives with ALS services. Even when not directly involved, ALS is willing to provide important information associated with herbicides, application techniques, and timing.
Gary McGill
Creston Community
Black Mountain, NC
In the fall of 2025 I made contact with John Odell - Appalachian Land Stewards. When I called, he was available, helpful, and we quickly booked an appointment for him to look at my 12+ acres of woods. I wanted a trail. John was knowledgeable, and informative regarding grade, slope for ease of walking, proper water drainage, and trail viability. John was reliable and with his helpers created a beautiful and comfortable walking trail. I'm very happy with the results, thank you John.
Janet Robinson
Asheville, NC