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8 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Tree Service

Tree work is one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States, and a falling tree or limb in the wrong direction can destroy your home, your neighbor's property, or injure bystanders. The tree service industry has a high proportion of uninsured operators working without proper equipment or training. Insurance verification alone will eliminate a large percentage of the unqualified companies in your area.

8 QuestionsPrintable ChecklistAvg Cost: $200 - $3,000 per job

Questions to Ask

1Are you insured with both general liability and workers' compensation, and what are your limits?

Why It Matters

If a tree falls on your house, your neighbor's car, or a worker is injured on your property, you need the tree company's insurance to respond. This is the most important question you can ask.

Red Flag

They claim to be insured but can't produce a certificate, or they say workers' comp isn't needed because they use independent contractors.

Pro Tip

Call the insurance company listed on the certificate to verify coverage is active. Minimum recommended: $1M general liability, $500K workers' comp. For large tree removals near structures, $2M is better.

2Do you have an ISA Certified Arborist on staff?

Why It Matters

An International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist has passed an exam on tree biology, diagnosis, and proper pruning techniques. They can distinguish between a tree that needs removal and one that can be saved.

Red Flag

No one in the company holds an ISA certification, or they dismiss certification as unnecessary.

Pro Tip

Verify the arborist's certification at treesaregreat.org. A certified arborist should assess the tree before any work begins, not just the sales representative.

3What is your plan for felling or removing this tree, and what equipment will you use?

Why It Matters

Large trees near structures require specific rigging techniques, cranes, or piece-by-piece removal. A crew that plans to simply fell a tree in a tight space is taking an unacceptable risk with your property.

Red Flag

They plan to fell a large tree in one piece in a confined space, or they don't have a clear plan for directional felling.

Pro Tip

For trees near structures, ask about sectional removal (cutting pieces and lowering them with rigging). For very large trees, crane removal is the safest option. A clear plan should include a drop zone and escape routes.

4How deep will you grind the stump, and what happens to the grindings and the hole?

Why It Matters

Stump grinding depth determines whether you can plant in the same spot, lay sod, or build over the area. A shallow grind (4 inches) leaves roots that interfere with future landscaping. A deep grind (8 to 12 inches below grade) allows replanting.

Red Flag

They don't specify grinding depth, or stump grinding is not included in the quote and priced as a separate trip.

Pro Tip

Ask for 8 to 12 inches below grade if you plan to replant or install lawn. The grindings (a mix of wood chips and soil) can be used as mulch or should be removed and the hole filled with topsoil. Clarify who handles the fill.

5How will you protect surrounding trees, structures, and landscaping during the removal?

Why It Matters

Falling limbs, rigging lines, and heavy equipment can damage neighboring trees, fences, sheds, and garden beds. A professional crew plans the drop zone and uses protective measures to minimize collateral damage.

Red Flag

They have no specific protection plan, or they claim damage to surrounding landscaping is the homeowner's responsibility.

Pro Tip

Ask about plywood ground protection under equipment paths, how they'll rig branches near structures, and whether they carry enough insurance to cover accidental damage to your property or a neighbor's fence, roof, or vehicle.

6What is the full scope of debris removal -- do you chip on site, haul logs, and rake the area clean?

Why It Matters

Tree removal generates a surprising volume of wood, branches, and leaf debris. A quote that covers only cutting and dropping the tree leaves you with a yard full of material you'll need to hire someone else to remove.

Red Flag

The price covers cutting only, with chipping, hauling, and cleanup quoted separately at rates that double the original bid.

Pro Tip

An all-inclusive bid should cover: felling or sectional removal, chipping all branches, removing or stacking trunk wood, raking debris from the work area, and a final cleanup pass. Ask whether they leave wood chips for your garden beds if you want them.

7What is your timeline, and what happens if weather delays the work?

Why It Matters

Tree work is weather-dependent for safety. Wet conditions make climbing dangerous, and wind complicates rigging. A professional company should have a clear policy for weather delays.

Red Flag

They insist on working in dangerous weather conditions, or they have no plan for scheduling around weather.

Pro Tip

Ask about their cancellation and rescheduling policy. A professional company will reschedule for safety reasons and shouldn't charge you for weather-related delays.

8Do you follow ANSI A300 pruning standards?

Why It Matters

ANSI A300 is the industry standard for tree care. It prohibits topping (cutting main branches back to stubs) and specifies proper pruning cuts that promote tree health rather than damage the tree.

Red Flag

They recommend topping a tree, or they're unfamiliar with ANSI A300 standards.

Pro Tip

Topping is the most harmful thing you can do to a tree. It causes rapid, weak regrowth that's more dangerous than the original canopy. Any company that recommends topping should be avoided entirely.

Bonus Tips for Hiring a Tree Service

  • Schedule tree removal during the dormant season (late fall through early spring) if the job is not urgent. Most tree companies are less busy, prices are often lower, and the lack of leaves makes the canopy structure easier to assess and work with.
  • If a large tree is near your sewer or water line, ask the arborist whether root intrusion is likely after removal. Decaying roots leave channels that can collapse and damage underground pipes within a few years.
  • For pruning jobs, confirm the crew will make proper three-cut pruning cuts to prevent bark tearing, and verify they will not top the tree. Topping causes weak, hazardous regrowth and is considered malpractice by certified arborists.

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