Hiring a Tree Service? Key Questions to Ask Before You Decide

Trees are an essential part of any landscape, adding beauty, shade, and value to your property. However, maintaining them properly can require professional help, especially when dealing with large trees or complex tasks like pruning, tree removal, or disease management. Hiring a reliable tree service is crucial for ensuring the health of your trees and the safety of your property, but with so many options out there, how do you know which company to choose?

This blog will guide you through the key questions you should ask when hiring a tree service. By getting the answers to these questions, you can make an informed decision and ensure that the company you hire is reputable, qualified, and able to meet your needs.

1. Is the Company Licensed and Insured?

The first and most important question to ask when hiring a tree service is whether the company is licensed and insured. Tree work is dangerous, and without the proper insurance and licensing, you could be held liable for accidents, injuries, or property damage that occurs during the job.

Licensing

Ensure that the tree service you hire is properly licensed to operate in your state or local area. Licensing requirements vary depending on where you live, so check your local government’s regulations. A licensed tree service shows that the company has met the necessary qualifications and adheres to local laws and safety standards.

Insurance

There are two types of insurance that a reputable tree service should carry:

• Liability Insurance: This covers any damage to your property that may occur during the job. If a branch falls on your house or a piece of equipment damages your lawn, the liability insurance will cover the cost of repairs.
• Workers’ Compensation Insurance: Tree work is hazardous, and workers can get injured on the job. Workers’ compensation insurance protects you from liability if a worker is injured while working on your property. Without this insurance, you could be responsible for medical bills and legal fees.

Always ask for proof of insurance before hiring a tree service. A reputable company will have no problem providing documentation of their insurance coverage.

2. What Are the Company’s Credentials?

In addition to being licensed and insured, a reputable tree service should have the necessary credentials and certifications to demonstrate their expertise. Professional tree care requires specialized knowledge, and companies that are certified by recognized organizations are more likely to provide high-quality service.

Certifications to Look For

• International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certification: ISA-certified arborists have undergone rigorous training and testing to ensure they understand proper tree care techniques and industry standards. Hiring an ISA-certified arborist means you’re getting a professional who is committed to maintaining the health and safety of your trees.
• Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) Accreditation: TCIA-accredited companies follow strict safety and quality standards. This accreditation indicates that the company prioritizes best practices in tree care, safety protocols, and customer service.
• Certified Arborist: In addition to general ISA certification, some arborists may specialize in certain areas, such as tree risk assessment or urban forestry. These certifications show an extra level of expertise.

Having certified professionals on staff ensures that the company understands the latest techniques in tree care, as well as how to safely remove or prune trees without causing unnecessary damage to your property.

3. What Services Does the Company Offer?

Before hiring a tree service, it’s important to make sure they offer the specific services you need. Tree care encompasses a wide range of tasks, and not all companies provide the same services.

Common Tree Services

• Tree Pruning and Trimming: Regular pruning keeps trees healthy by removing dead or diseased branches, improving the tree’s structure, and encouraging proper growth. Ensure the company uses proper pruning techniques that benefit the tree, rather than causing damage.
• Tree Removal: Removing a tree is a complex task that requires careful planning and execution. Whether the tree is dead, dying, or causing a safety hazard, make sure the company has experience with safe tree removal practices.
• Stump Grinding and Removal: After a tree is removed, you may want to have the stump ground down or removed entirely. Some tree services offer stump grinding as part of their removal package, while others charge extra for this service.
• Emergency Tree Services: Storms, high winds, and other emergencies can cause trees to fall or become damaged. Check whether the company offers emergency services and how quickly they can respond to urgent situations.
• Tree Health Care and Disease Management: If your tree is showing signs of disease or infestation, you’ll need a company that specializes in diagnosing and treating tree health issues. This may involve pest control, fertilization, or disease treatment.
• Cabling and Bracing: If your tree has structural weaknesses, the company should offer cabling and bracing services to provide additional support and prevent breakage.

Make sure to ask about the company’s experience with your specific type of tree and whether they have expertise in the services you require. Specialized trees, such as palm trees or fruit trees, may require different care than more common varieties.

4. How Will They Handle Cleanup and Disposal?

Tree care, especially pruning or removal, can leave behind a lot of debris, including branches, leaves, and stumps. A professional tree service should include cleanup and disposal as part of their service. Ask the company how they handle cleanup after the job is done.

What to Ask About Cleanup

• Debris Removal: Will the company haul away all debris, or will they leave it for you to dispose of? Some companies include complete cleanup in their service, while others may leave you with piles of wood chips or logs to deal with.
• Wood Chips or Firewood: If you want to keep the wood chips or firewood for personal use, ask if that’s an option. Many tree services are happy to leave behind wood chips for landscaping or firewood for your home.
• Stump Removal: If stump grinding or removal is included in the service, ask whether they’ll remove the grindings or leave them for you to use as mulch.

A reputable company will leave your property clean and free of debris, with no mess for you to manage afterward.

5. Can They Provide References or Reviews?

A company’s reputation is one of the best indicators of the quality of service they provide. Ask for references from past clients or check online reviews to get a sense of what to expect from the company. A trustworthy company will be happy to provide references or direct you to reviews from satisfied customers.

Online Reviews

Look for reviews on third-party websites like Google, Yelp, Angie’s List, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Reading through reviews can give you insight into the company’s professionalism, quality of work, and customer service. While no company is perfect, consistently positive reviews are a good sign of reliability.

References

In addition to online reviews, ask the company for a list of references you can contact directly. Speaking with previous customers can help you get a clearer picture of what it’s like to work with the company. When speaking to references, ask questions like:

• Did the company arrive on time and complete the job as promised?
• Were you satisfied with the quality of the work?
• How was the cleanup process after the job was completed?
• Would you hire this company again?

References and reviews can help you feel more confident about your choice and give you a better understanding of the company’s strengths and weaknesses.

6. How Much Will the Service Cost?

Cost is an important factor when hiring a tree service, but it shouldn’t be the only consideration. The cheapest quote isn’t always the best, as low-cost services may cut corners or lack proper insurance and credentials. On the other hand, an extremely high price doesn’t guarantee superior work. It’s important to get a fair price for quality service.

Request Multiple Quotes

Before hiring a tree service, get quotes from at least three different companies. This will give you a better idea of the average cost for the job and help you identify any outliers. Make sure the quote is detailed and includes a breakdown of costs for labor, equipment, cleanup, and any additional fees.

Beware of Hidden Fees

Ask about any potential extra charges, such as fees for travel, disposal, or emergency work. Some companies may charge extra for difficult-to-reach areas, large trees, or hazardous conditions. Make sure you understand all costs upfront to avoid surprises later.

Payment Terms

Clarify the payment terms before agreeing to the service. Some companies require a deposit, while others may not expect payment until the job is completed to your satisfaction. Avoid contractors who demand full payment upfront, as this can be a red flag.

7. What Safety Measures Will They Take?

Tree work is inherently dangerous, especially when dealing with large trees, power lines, or hazardous conditions. A reputable tree service will prioritize safety and have protocols in place to protect both workers and your property.

Safety Equipment and Procedures

Ask the company about the safety equipment they use and the procedures they follow to ensure a safe work environment. This may include:

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Workers should wear helmets, gloves, eye protection, and safety harnesses when necessary.
• Rigging Equipment: For tree removal or pruning large branches, the company should use proper rigging equipment to control the descent of heavy limbs and prevent damage to your property.
• Power Line Safety: If your trees are near power lines, ask how the company will safely navigate the situation. Removing or pruning trees near power lines requires specialized knowledge and equipment.

Safety should always be a top priority, so make sure the company you hire takes it seriously.

8. What Is the Timeline for the Project?

Understanding the timeline for your tree service project is essential for planning and managing expectations. Ask the company how long the job will take and when they can start the work.

Availability

Tree services can be in high demand, especially after storms or during certain seasons. Ask about the company’s availability and how soon they can begin the work. If you need emergency tree service, clarify how quickly they can respond.

Project Duration

For larger projects, such as tree removal or extensive pruning, ask how long the work will take. Make sure the company provides a realistic estimate and that you understand how weather conditions or other factors could affect the timeline.

9. Will They Protect Your Property?

A good tree service company should take precautions to protect your property from damage during the job. Tree removal or pruning can be messy, and without proper care, equipment or falling branches could harm your lawn, garden, or home.

Property Protection Measures

Ask the company what steps they’ll take to protect your property. This may include:

• Using mats or boards to prevent heavy equipment from damaging your lawn or driveway.
• Ensuring that falling branches are controlled to avoid damage to your home, fencing, or landscaping.
• Cleaning up thoroughly after the job is complete.

10. What Is the Follow-Up Process?

Lastly, ask about the company’s follow-up process. Will they check in with you after the work is completed to ensure your satisfaction? Will they provide advice on tree care moving forward? A professional tree service should be committed to customer satisfaction and willing to address any concerns that arise after the job is done.

Hiring a tree service is an important decision that can impact the safety, health, and appearance of your property. By asking the right questions and thoroughly vetting potential companies, you can ensure that you hire a reputable, experienced contractor who will do the job correctly and safely.

Michael Cynar On   /   Tree Services   /   Leave a comment