Decisions
How to hire a tree service
Updated · Guide by TreeRemovalServices.net
Short answer
Get at least two written quotes. Verify liability and workers' compensation insurance directly with the insurer. Ask whether an ISA Certified Arborist is involved, and make sure the quote spells out exactly what's included: cleanup, wood, stump, and permits. Walk away from anyone who wants full payment up front, suggests topping, or climbs healthy trees with spikes for pruning.
What to verify
- Certificate of insurance for general liability and workers' compensation, sent directly from the insurance agent to you
- Credentials: ISA Certified Arborist; TRAQ for risk assessments; TCIA accreditation for companies
- State or local licensing where it exists. Some states and cities license tree work; many don't
- Business address, reviews over time, and how long they've operated in your area
What a good quote includes
- Which trees, identified clearly (photos or marked on a sketch)
- Exact work: removal, pruning type and objective, stump grinding depth
- Cleanup: brush chipped and hauled, wood hauled or left, raking
- Equipment access and any lawn protection
- Permits: who obtains them and whether fees are included
- Price, payment terms, and schedule
Red flags
- Door-to-door after a storm with pressure to sign today
- Full payment before work starts
- Recommending topping a healthy tree
- No proof of insurance, or a certificate you can't verify
- Using climbing spikes on a tree that's being pruned, not removed
Questions to ask on the phone
- Will someone look at the tree in person before quoting?
- Who will be on site, and is an ISA Certified Arborist involved in the decision?
- Do you follow the ANSI A300 pruning standard and the ANSI Z133 safety standard?
- How will you protect the lawn, driveway and fences, and who pays if something is damaged?
- When would work start, and how long will it take?
- What payment schedule do you use? A deposit is common; full payment up front isn't.
Comparing two quotes
Put the quotes side by side and check that they describe the same job: the same trees, the same pruning objective or removal, the same stump depth, and the same cleanup. The lowest total is only the best deal if the scope matches. Otherwise it's often the one that left something out.
Common questions
Why does workers' comp insurance matter to me?
Tree work has a high injury rate. If an uninsured worker is hurt on your property, you could face claims. Workers' compensation coverage protects both the worker and you.
What is an ISA Certified Arborist?
A tree-care professional certified by the International Society of Arboriculture, with continuing education. You can verify certification at treesaregood.org.
Editorial note: this guide is general information written for homeowners. It isn't a substitute for an on-site assessment by a qualified arborist, or for legal or insurance advice.