7 Key Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Tree Removal Company

You’ve moved into a house, but there are trees around it. If you haven’t already noticed any issues, you might have been made aware of the problems that can come from having trees too close to the house.

From roots burrowing their way into your sewer line and causing a problem issue to the danger of them falling on your roof during a storm, there are many reasons to get rid of them.

When contacting a tree removal company, it’s important to know what questions to ask. You want a company that you can trust working in your yard to improve the quality of your home and your safety.

Make sure you ask these seven questions.

1. Are Their Licenses up to Date?

Anyone can claim they’re a tree removal specialist.

Do tree removal companies need to be licensed? The answer is yes.

This is no easy task, and you want to make sure that whoever you hire is qualified to do the job of removing the trees. Check that their licenses have been acquired and are up to date.

2. What About Their Insurance?

It’s not just licenses that are important. You want both licensed and insured tree removal.

If something goes wrong and there’s property damage — or worse, an injury — you don’t want to be liable for those repair or medical costs.

With the average tree removal company in the USA spending $400-$1500 every year for $1 million in insurance, the cost of insurance is well worth it. There’s no excuse for a company not to have it.

3. Can They Give a Detailed Quote?

Make sure a detailed quote can be given upfront. Ask if there’s a chance of any nasty unexpected costs creeping up.

It’s also important to ask how long the quote will last. If you’re shopping around at different companies, you don’t want to return to one only to find out their quote no longer applies.

4. Does the Job Require a Permit?

Occasionally, a job might require a permit. It’s best to ask this upfront.

Not only can a permit change the cost of the job, but it can also often change the timeframe. If your job is urgent, make sure you find out what permits are required and how long it’ll take to acquire them.

5. How Commonly Does Your Company Deal With This Problem?

It’s okay to ask what experience the company has with certain tree services. Namely, you should ask about their experience with your particular problem.

After all, you want to be sure that this is something the company is confident in dealing with.

6. What Equipment Will Be Used?

Some freelancers will often expect the customer to provide equipment, or fork out for the cost of hiring some. Make sure the company has their own — ask what they intend to use, and check that this equipment is already in their possession.

It’s another unexpected cost that can crop up later, and that’s the last thing you want.

7. What Is the Cleanup Process?

Ensure you’re both aware of the cleanup process.

Will the company clean up the mess, or will you? Will you have to hire someone else to remove the debris?

It’s often overlooked in contracts, but it shouldn’t be.

Make Sure You’re Covered With Your Tree Removal Company

The services of a tree removal company are often vital. It’s important that you have one you trust and that you’re comfortable having a conversation with.

You want to be clear on exactly what’s going to happen, both during and after.