Make sure you’re barking up the right tree
Tackling any tree issues is a lot more straightforward if you know how to find a good tree removal service. Whether you need to remove a dying tree or find a company that can relocate a tree to a different part of your yard, consider following the below advice to find the best service for you.
A tree removal service is similar to hiring a remodeling contractor: They’ll change the landscape to your liking just as a remodeling contractor would change a room. Before you hire a pro, consider what you’d like your yard to look like first.
A tree removal service can:
Thin and prune trees and shrubs at the right time of year: An experienced tree removal service will know what trees to cut back and when, and use their knowledge of tree or shrub growth patterns to ensure beneficial cuts.
Remove stumps: Cutting down a tree doesn’t get rid of the root system underneath it. A tree removal service can complete the harder work of getting the stump and most of the roots out with specialized tools.
Clear land: If you need to put up an additional building on your property or want to create a garden, a tree removal service can level the ground so that you can have more space to do what you want.
Before you hire your pro, make sure to assess your land and consider how you want it to look once the job is done. Follow these guidelines for hiring a tree removal service.
Think about how you’d like your landscape to look after your tree service is complete and to tell that to your potential tree service provider. That could mean removing one or several trees or pruning existing trees for health and appearance. You don't need to know every detail, but having a good idea of your goals is important.
Prepare yourself to explain to your arborist or tree service what work you’d like them to perform. Though the company you hire may have additional ideas, use your plan idea as a starting point.
Hiring a tree service instead of doing the work as a DIY project is a good idea because of the potential hazards of working on trees near power lines or structures. Not to mention, felling a tree takes some serious knowledge and skill to do the job correctly.
Start by asking your friend with the admirable oak tree or your aunt who is always remodeling her yard who they use for their tree service needs. Ask them about who they brought in, what the company did, their experience, and if they’d recommend them.
Ask and receive referrals for customers in the area from each tree removal service that offers you an estimate. Ask each referral about their experience working with the company, whether the yard was clean when they left, the time to complete the work, and any other questions that are on your mind.
Check sites like Angi for consumer reviews and even to find pros in the first place. You may also choose to follow up by checking the Better Business Bureau website for information regarding how the company handles complaints when they happen. While online reviews don’t tell the whole story, they can be useful.
Getting at least three estimates is the best approach whenever you hire any company to perform a service inside or outside your home. Service companies of all types know that you’ll be price-checking and that they’re competing for your business based on several factors. The practice is accepted and understood, so you don’t have to feel guilty turning down service and going with someone else.
Obtain the three estimates from companies that are willing to come to your home and see what your trees need, are eager to answer your questions without hesitation, and can offer advice about the next steps if necessary.
Ask each tree service that you interview for a list of their credentials. Professional organization credentials help ensure that the company you’re considering has a history of professionalism and takes the time and money necessary to ensure its staff is trained and knowledgeable.
Verify the credentials by going to the certifying organization’s website and performing a search. Credentials for tree service companies may include ISA certification, Certified Tree Care Safety Professional certification, or Tree Care Industry Association accreditation, and it’s common for companies to hire at least one International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist.
Tree service companies are subject to several regulations regarding licenses and insurance. Depending on where you live, tree removal companies may need one or more of the following licenses or registrations.
State business license
Local business license
Contractor license
State or local company registration
Each state or municipality has a website where you can look up the companies you’re considering to verify their license, if applicable.
Also, at minimum, ask each tree company to produce proof of insurance, including general and professional liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance. Some states also require that tree services have a bond as well as be insured.
Once you’ve hiring the removal service, make sure to get the quoted price in writing. Only accept written price quotes when hiring your tree service or arborist. Even for a small tree project, you’ll want a record of the services that are part of the agreement. The scope of the project can change if unforeseen circumstances come up. Having proof of your contract with the company can save money and avoid having unpleasant discussions. As always, communication is the name of the game.
Be careful of prices that are too low: Prices that seem too good to be true probably are, and services that charge much higher than competitors should have a good reason for doing so. Legitimate tree services must protect themselves from losing money if something unexpected happens, but the price buffer in the estimate should be reasonable and explainable.
Be careful if you’re hiring during an emergency: If you need emergency tree service quickly, you may feel like you’re in a vulnerable situation, especially after a disaster. It’s not unusual for less-than-reputable tree service companies to knock on doors after a storm looking to sell their services in a hurry. Don’t fall for the fast-talking salesperson. To avoid feeling trapped or getting caught up in the urgency, call your insurance company and ask which companies they recommend for emergency service.
Once you’ve narrowed down your options to a few finalists, ask each tree company for more details about how they work. Here are a few questions to ask:
What methods will be used to remove the tree?
Will they need to bring heavy equipment onto your property, and if so, what steps do they take to protect your lawn?
Are services like stump grinding and debris removal included, or do they cost extra?
How long will the removal process take?
When looking for a tree removal service near you, you ultimately want a service that can get the job done safely and efficiently. It’s important to consider whether your tree removal pro is knowledgeable and communicates well so that you can be sure they understand your vision. Consult multiple tree removal professionals to compare price quotes, check credentials, and ask the necessary questions to find the right service provider for the job.
Regardless of the type and scope of work you hire a tree service to perform, wait to pay them in full until the job is complete. Most reputable tree companies won’t ask for any payment until your project is complete.
In some cases, such as large landscaping jobs, you may have to place a deposit before work starts.
If you pay a deposit to any type of contractor, refrain from offering the final payment installment until after you inspect the work and decide that it meets your expectations.
If your tree removal pro does a great job, be sure to write a review and serve as a reference to help others who may need the service in the future.
