Tree work is dangerous. Most homeowners find that out after someone drops a limb through their roof, or worse. Cutting corners on who you hire is a fast way to turn a yard job into a hospital bill or a lawsuit. Here's what you actually need to ask before letting anyone touch your trees.
Licensing & Insurance Questions
Ask for proof of general liability insurance and workers' compensation. Do not take their word for it. Call the insurance agent listed on the certificate to make sure the policy is active. If a worker gets hurt on your property and the company has no comp, that bill lands on you. Many states don't require a license for tree services. If yours does, confirm the license number and look it up online. No license where required? Hard pass.
Experience & References Questions
Ask how long they've been doing tree work specifically, not landscaping. A guy with a chainsaw and a truck is not a tree service. Ask for three recent local references. Call them. Ask if the crew showed up on time, if they cleaned up fully, and if any damage happened. Look at the trucks and equipment. Rusted-out rigs and duct-taped chippers tell you a lot about how they treat their gear and their jobs.
Pricing & Timeline Questions
Get at least three written estimates. If one quote is half the price of the others, that's a red flag, not a bargain. Ask what happens if the job takes longer than quoted. Some companies charge by the hour for cleanup, which can balloon fast. Be clear about what's included: removal, hauling, stump grinding, cleanup. Get a start date and an estimated finish date in writing. Verbal promises vanish the second a bigger job comes in.
Contract Questions
Read the contract before you sign. Is there a clause about damage to your property? If a branch hits your fence or a truck ruts your lawn, who pays? Look for cancellation policies and payment schedules. Never pay the full amount upfront. A deposit is normal, but more than half is a warning sign. The contract should list the tree species and locations, exactly what work will be done, and the total price. No exceptions.
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