Tool
Competitor review gap
By Umair Nawaz, founder of Lirevon Updated How we test tools
Type your Google rating and review count, then the same for up to three tree companies near you. See how far behind or ahead you are, how many reviews a week it takes to pass each one in 90 or 180 days, and how many customers to ask. The example numbers are made up; replace them with real ones from Google Maps.
Related: Review velocity, Google Business Profile, Review requests, Local Dominance offer, Reviews guide.
Estimate only. Assumes each competitor keeps adding reviews at their last-90-day pace and that your new reviews are 5 stars. Google shows ratings rounded to one decimal, so a 4.86 shows as 4.9 and small changes may not show.
The formula
- Gap today = their review count − your review count
- Their pace = their reviews in the last 90 days ÷ 90 (per day)
- Reviews you need to pass them in D days = their count + their pace × D − your count + 1
- Reviews a week = reviews you need ÷ (D ÷ 7)
- Customers to ask a week = reviews a week ÷ share who leave a review
- Your rating after = (your rating × your count + 5 × new reviews) ÷ (your count + new reviews)
The review requests in our system text every customer when a job is marked done, so asking does not depend on memory.
Questions owners ask
How does the review gap calculator work?
It compares your review count with each competitor. To pass one in 90 or 180 days, you need their current count, plus the reviews they will likely add in that time based on their last 90 days, minus yours, plus one. Divided by the number of weeks, that is your weekly target.
Where do I find a competitor's recent reviews?
Open their Google Business Profile on Google Maps, open the reviews and sort by newest. Count the reviews from the last 90 days. Note the date of the newest review for "days since last review".
Why does "days since last review" matter?
It shows if a profile is active. A company with many reviews but none for months may be easier to catch than the totals suggest. Customers also look at how recent the reviews are.
How many customers do I need to ask?
The plan divides the reviews you need each week by the share of customers who leave a review when asked. That share is your own number; the default is only a starting point, so change it. Track it for a month and update it.
Why does the tool mention rounding?
Google shows the rating to one decimal. A 4.75 and a 4.84 can both show as 4.8. Small rating changes may not show at all, while review count and recency are easy for customers to see.
Can I buy reviews or offer a reward for them?
No. Fake reviews are against Google's rules and the FTC has rules against fake and paid-for reviews. Asking real customers after real jobs is the only safe way. We never write or buy reviews. This is a short explanation, not legal advice.
Is more reviews the same as ranking higher?
Not by itself. Google says local results depend on relevance, distance and prominence, and reviews are part of prominence. Reviews also help the customer choose once they see you.
Is anything I type sent to Lirevon?
No. The tool runs in your browser and remembers your inputs on this device only. Nothing is sent to us.
How many Google reviews does a tree service need?
There is no fixed number. What matters is how you compare with the tree companies near you. In our October 2026 check of 6,842 tree companies on Google Maps, the median review count was 44, so use that as a rough guide and compare with your nearest rivals.
How often should I check my competitors?
Once a month is enough for most owners. Update their review counts and the reviews from the last 90 days, then see if your weekly target has changed.
Related tools and pages
- Google review target calculator: reviews needed to reach a rating.
- Google Business Profile builder: write your services, description and posts.
- All free tools, our services, pricing, free audit and the 30-second check.