The best way to choose a tree service is to ask for proof of insurance, a written estimate and local references before anyone starts work. A low price from a company with no insurance can turn into a crushed car or a broken fence, with nobody to call when it happens.
Dave Snyder has been doing tree work in Newton since 1981. In that time he has been called in to fix a lot of jobs that someone else started. Most of those problems could have been avoided by asking a few simple questions first.
Why it matters who you hire
Tree work is one of the most dangerous jobs there is. Big limbs are heavy, they fall fast, and they often hang over a roof, a driveway or power lines. When the work is done right, you never think about it again. When it is done wrong, the damage can cost far more than the job itself.
A bad cut can also hurt the tree for years. Trees that are topped or stripped of too many branches often decay, grow weak new sprouts and end up needing to come down anyway.
Warning signs of a bad tree company
- They knock on your door, often after a storm, and offer to do the work today.
- They want to be paid in full before the job is done.
- They offer to “top” your trees to make them safe.
- They won’t give you a written estimate.
- They can’t show you a current certificate of insurance.
- They climb with spikes on a tree that is only being pruned. Spikes wound a living tree and should only be used on a tree that is coming down.
7 questions to ask before you hire
1. Can you send me a current certificate of insurance?
Ask for both liability insurance and workers’ compensation. Liability covers damage to your property. Workers’ comp covers the crew if someone is hurt. Without it, an injured worker could look to you. A real company can email the certificate in a couple of minutes.
2. Do you have local references I can call?
A company that has worked in your town for years will have neighbors who can tell you how the job went. Reviews help too, but a phone call to someone down the street tells you more.
3. Will I get a written estimate?
The estimate should list which trees, what work will be done to each one, the price, and whether cleanup and stump grinding are included. If it is not in writing, it is easy for the price to change once the work starts.
4. Are you a member of a professional group?
Members of groups like the Massachusetts Arborists Association and the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) follow industry standards for safety and pruning. DJ Snyder is a member of both.
5. Who will do the work, and have they done this kind of job before?
Removing a large tree next to a house is a very different job from trimming a small one in an open yard. Ask how they will take the tree down, and whether they need a crane or a bucket truck to do it safely.
6. How will you protect my lawn, driveway and house?
Heavy trucks and falling wood can leave ruts, cracked walks and broken plants. A good crew plans where the wood will land, lays down mats when needed and tells you ahead of time what to expect.
7. Do you clean up and haul everything away?
Ask whether the price includes chipping the brush, removing the wood and raking up. Some low bids leave the cleanup to you.
Dave’s tip
If a company can’t show you proof of insurance, don’t let them start. It takes a real company two minutes to email it.
Get a second opinion on big jobs
Before a large tree comes down, it is worth having a professional look at it. Many trees that look dangerous can be saved with pruning or cabling and bracing, and a good arborist will tell you so. If removal is the right call, ask how it will be done. Trees over a house are often safest to take down with a crane.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to have a tree looked at?
At DJ Snyder there is no charge for the estimate. We come out, look at the tree with you and give you a written price.
Should a tree company have insurance?
Yes. Ask for a current certificate of insurance before any work starts, so you are not responsible if something goes wrong.
What is the difference between a tree service and a landscaper?
A landscaper takes care of lawns, beds and shrubs. A tree service works on trees, often high off the ground, with special equipment and training. For anything bigger than a small ornamental tree, hire a tree company.
Is it a good idea to hire someone who comes to my door after a storm?
Be careful. Storms bring out crews from out of town who may not be insured and may not be around later. Call a local company you can check up on.
Have a tree you are worried about? Request a free estimate and Dave or one of our crew will come take a look.
