Most people wait until a storm drops a branch on their roof before they start looking for a tree service. That’s the worst time to pick a crew. A little legwork now saves you from getting ripped off or sued later.
Licensing & Insurance Questions
Ask for proof of insurance before they even give you a quote. You need two things: general liability and workers’ comp. If they don’t have workers’ comp and a guy falls off a limb in your yard, you’re paying his hospital bills. Call the insurance company yourself to verify the policy is active. A license isn’t always required depending on where you live, but if your city or state demands one, make sure they’ve got it. Don’t take their word for it.
Experience & References Questions
Ask how long they’ve been in business under their current name. A guy who changes company names every two years is hiding something. Get at least three references from jobs done in the last year. Call them. Ask if the crew showed up on time, if they cleaned up the mess, and if any damage happened to the yard or house. A good tree service pro will have a list ready. If they hesitate or get defensive, walk.
Pricing & Timeline Questions
Get at least three written estimates. If one quote is way lower than the others, ask why. Cheap often means no insurance or a rush job that leaves stumps and mess. Ask for a breakdown of the price: labor, equipment, disposal fees. Find out what happens if the job takes longer than expected. Some crews charge by the hour, others by the job. By the job is safer for you. Get a firm start date and estimated finish time in writing.
Contract Questions
Read the contract before you sign. Look for a clause about property damage — who fixes a broken fence or a crushed gutter. Make sure the contract lists exactly what trees or limbs are being removed, and what happens to the wood and debris. If they say “we’ll haul everything,” get that in writing. A handshake deal is worthless when the stump grinder shows up and you’re arguing over an extra hundred bucks.
Compare local tree services side by side on RatingsNearMe before you commit to anyone.