Hiring a Tree Service

Ask questions thoroughly and get estimates.

Carefully analyze all the information you can get when you're selecting a tree service and don't be pressured into something you don't need.

Before you hire a tree service company, decide what you want done to your trees, because the services performed by different companies varies considerably.

Services offered…

Tree service companies offer services such as, cabling and bracing, insect and disease spraying, fertilization, pruning, tree removal, stump grinding, cavity filling, and related services.

Full-service vs part-time

You may find that you will want a full-service company because the employees are generally better trained. A full-service company can perform more than one type of operation, and if at a later date, additional service is needed or your trees have a different problem, you can call on the company with which you are familiar.

Check references

Once you decide which service you need for your trees, decide on which company you want and check it out. Ask for references... the hour or so you spend checking out a tree service is not likely to make any difference in whether your trees live or die.

Liability insurance…

Ask about the type and amount of liability insurance the company carries. Many tree trimmers have little or no liability insurance. If you hire a company which doesn't carry liability insurance, you will be responsible for injuries or damages incurred to or by the tree trimmers while they're working on your property.

Get estimates…

Get a written estimate from more than one tree service. Ask what the price includes because you can get varying prices depending on whether the tree service company cleans up the mess, whether the wood will be left or resold and in the case of spraying the trees, who will provide the water. Five-hundred gallons of water through your water meter could be an expensive hidden cost.

Carefully analyze all the information you can get when you're selecting a tree service and don't be pressured into something you don't need.

For more information on hiring a tree service; contact your local County Extension Office.