Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Tree Service Company

This should be your first and most important question. You want to make sure they are properly insured and that you will not be liable for any damage, accidents or injuries that may occur during the job.

Try to hire a company with experience. A company that has completed large commercial jobs and municipality or other government work is most probably a qualified company! Will they be working close to electrical wires? If so, they will need to prove such experience and have the proper tools and equipment.

Any reputable company will be happy to share a list of satisfied customers. Ask for customers that they have done work for in the past month or so; you don't want ancient history.

Get written estimates from at least three equal companies to compare prices and understand the scope of the job, which leads to the next question.

You DO NOT want massive power equipment driving over your lawn or landscape causing damage. If they are going across your lawn, make sure they know the locations of sprinkler heads, utilities or other objects that may be damaged. What is their policy if they damage something and is it acceptable to you? It may be a good idea to take pictures before they begin so you have a record just in case there is damage. Make sure you understand how they will clean up during and after the job.

This is one reason why getting an estimate is VERY important. One company might say 3 days while another company says 3 hours. I would be worried if two companies quote the job to take 2-3 days and one says 2-3 hours, unless they explain how or why it will take them less time to complete it; they may just have more equipment or a significantly larger crew. Also, I would be concerned if a contractor shows up, asks for other bidders quotes and automatically underbids every other contractor without analyzing the job at hand themselves.

Do they have the appropriate equipment and gear? What do their company vehicles/equipment look like and is it in presentable condition? If they don't take care of their equipment, inspect or register their vehicles, do you think they will take care of your tree and property? Do they have a website? Design and content can give you a sense of their professionalism. That can give you an idea of how they operate their business.

Unless you're removing the trees, demand they not use spikes, they can cause unhealthy wounds.

This is a poor pruning practice that unfortunately many inexperienced tree companies use. This would indicate that you should continue your search for a professional tree service company.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that PPE be used for any tree care operations. A reputable tree care company will require their workers to be protected.