Arborwood Case study

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Tree health above all else.

Arborwood’s original brand was designed in 2007 to help the company stand out from other tree service providers. But now in 2023, the logo no longer accurately represents Arborwood’s growth, capabilities, or market position. A refresh was needed. With strong brand recognition tied to their signature tree frog, keeping the icon was essential. The only other goal: elevate the design with a sense of coolness, professionalism, quality, and precision.

Open notebook on wooden desk displaying a layout of branding and marketing images including text, logos, and product photos, with pens in a holder and a closed travel mug nearby.

Brand Identity

To guide the branding, we created a moodboard inspired by high-end outdoor adventure brands to illustrate how the brand could feel. This board keeps parts of the old branding while expanding into new territory, creating a direction that is the best of both.

Putting it together

Growing up

Arborwood was already established with a brand that meant business. Tree climbing culture combined with a true knowledge of tree health. Our task was to update the brand identity system while keeping it instantly recognizable as  Arborwood.

Logo of Arborwood Tree Service Inc. featuring a white frog silhouette inside a green to black gradient triangle and the company name below.
BEFORE
Branching out

With over 15 years since the first Arborwood logo was created, it was feeling a little dated and the brand look was limiting. The team at Arborwood was seeing the need to refresh, but the question became “how much do we deviate from the brand that people have come to recognize?”

Arborwood Tree Service advertisement featuring a white frog silhouette on green and black background, company name, services listed, and a branded small green and black car.
BEFORE
Jump start

The original frog icon, while unique and recognizable, lacked energy and included more detail than necessary. Our task was to keep the frog’s pose and character but simplify the design to make it more iconic. By refining the lines and enlarging the toe pads, we created artwork that feels nimble and athletic and remains clear and distinctive at any size.

Black ink drawing of a frog on dotted white paper with a black keyboard in the background.
Customized for Adventure

The typography needed to resonate with potential employees, clients, and reflect the nature of Arborwood’s work. We chose a bold italic sans serif with natural curves, complemented by distinctive hooks and a custom A for added personality and recognition.

Staying flexible

Breaking up the word “Arborwood” gave us the flexibility to develop dynamic logo variations that creatively adapt the branding to any space or application.

BEFORE
BEFORE

Putting it together

Growing up

Arborwood was already established with a brand that meant business. Tree climbing culture combined with a true knowledge of tree health. Our task was to update the brand identity system while keeping it instantly recognizable as Arborwood.

Branching out

After 15 years in business, Arborwood had grown significantly. The team recognized the need for a refresh that would better reflect their current position in the market. The question became “how much do we deviate from the brand that people have come to recognize?”

Jump start

The original frog icon was unique and instantly recognizable, and the team was committed to keeping it. Our task was to preserve the frog’s pose and character while simplifying the design to make it more iconic. By refining the lines and enlarging the toe pads, we created artwork that feels nimble and athletic, and remains clear and distinctive at any size.

Customized for Adventure

The typography needed to be refined to resonate with potential employees and clients, and also reflect the nature of Arborwood’s work. We chose a bold italic sans serif with natural curves, complemented by distinctive hooks and a custom A for added personality and recognition.

Staying flexible

Breaking up the word “Arborwood” gave us the flexibility to develop dynamic logo variations that creatively adapt the branding to any space or application.

You don’t always need to start from scratch. Sometimes it’s about keeping the heart of your brand and letting go of what no longer fits. The key is staying current and clear while holding onto the recognition you’ve worked hard to earn. The Capture team is ready to help you navigate those tough decisions.

BEFORE
AFTER

When we decided to do a brand refresh, we wanted to maintain what we had but modernize it without losing its essence. The Capture team was fully onboard, excited, and yes, they had great coffee too. Working with Capture has been nothing short of exceptional. We always felt like rockstars, and whenever there were small hiccups, they communicated promptly and fixed them without hesitation. Their artistry, ability to listen, and talent for bringing our vision to life are outstanding. We couldn’t be happier with the results.

Andrew Hordyk
Owner

Apparel | vehicle graphics

On the job site

It was important to Arborwood to provide clothing that prioritized safety while also giving employees something they could be proud to wear. The various logo arrangements allowed us to create distinctive designs that fit each piece. Arborwood spends a lot of time on the road, so vehicle graphics are also an important touchpoint that Capture designed to support a staggered rollout of the new brand.

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