Before hiring a tree service, confirm they carry liability insurance and workers' comp, ask for proof of licensing and credentials, check references and reviews, and get a detailed written estimate. Get at least three bids to compare, and avoid anyone who knocks on your door demanding cash up front.
Ask every company these — the good ones will answer without hesitation.
They should carry both general liability and workers' compensation. Ask for a certificate of insurance.
Requirements vary by area — ask what licensing they hold and confirm it's current.
ISA certification signals real expertise, especially for pruning, diagnosis, or valuable trees.
Recent local references and verifiable reviews show a track record you can trust.
Get the full scope and price in writing before any work starts — no verbal-only quotes.
Clarify whether stump grinding, brush removal, and cleanup are part of the price or extra.
Confirm the site will be left clean and who's responsible for the debris and logs.
For trees near structures, ask how they'll rig and lower limbs to avoid damage.
Understand when they can start and how long the job will take.
Reputable companies don't demand large cash deposits up front — be wary if they do.
Tree work has a wide price range, and a single quote gives you nothing to compare it to. Getting at least three bids shows you the fair market price for your specific job, reveals who's overcharging, and lets you weigh professionalism alongside price — not just pick the first number you hear. It's the single easiest way to avoid overpaying.
It helps to know what tree removal typically costs before you compare, so you can tell a fair bid from a lowball or an overcharge.
Post your job once and receive up to three bids from local, insurance-verified pros — free, no phone tag, no obligation.