How to Choose a Tree Service Company

Hiring the wrong tree service company can result in property damage, liability issues, or just poor work that costs you more money down the road. The challenge is that it's hard for homeowners to evaluate tree care expertise—you're not a tree expert, which is why you're hiring one.

This guide gives you concrete ways to separate qualified professionals from unqualified ones, even if you don't know a maple from an oak.

Start With the Non-Negotiables

Before you evaluate anything else, verify these basics. If a company can't provide them, move on—no exceptions.

Insurance (Both Types)

Tree work is dangerous. If a worker is injured on your property or your neighbor's fence gets crushed, you need to know you're protected. Require proof of:

• Liability insurance: Covers damage to your property or your neighbor's property. Minimum $1 million is standard.
• Workers' compensation: Covers injuries to workers. If a company doesn't have this and a worker gets hurt on your property, you could be liable.

Business Legitimacy

Verify the company is a real, established business:

• Physical address (not just a P.O. box)
• Listed phone number that someone answers
• Has been in business for at least a few years
• Can provide local references

Fly-by-night operations often lack these basics. They appear after storms, do subpar work, and disappear before complaints catch up with them.

Professional Credentials That Matter

ISA Certification

The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) offers the most recognized certification for tree care professionals. An ISA Certified Arborist has:

• Passed a comprehensive exam on tree biology, care, and safety
• Documented experience in the field
• Committed to continuing education

Not every good tree worker is ISA certified, and not every certified arborist is great at their job. But certification demonstrates a baseline of knowledge and professional commitment.

You can verify certification at treesaregood.org.

TCIA Accreditation

The Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) offers company-level accreditation. TCIA-accredited companies have been audited for safety practices, insurance, and business standards. This is a higher bar than individual certification.

State Licensing

Pennsylvania doesn't require a specific state license for tree work, but legitimate companies will have a general business license and may have pesticide applicator licenses if they offer treatment services.

What to Ask (And What Answers to Expect)

"How will you remove this tree?"

A qualified professional should be able to explain their approach: Will they climb or use a bucket truck? Will pieces be roped down or allowed to fall? Where will debris go? If they can't or won't explain their method, that's concerning.

"What could go wrong, and how do you handle it?"

Experienced tree workers know that surprises happen—rotten cores, hung branches, unexpected obstacles. A professional response acknowledges risks and explains contingencies. Dismissing all risk is a red flag.

"Who will actually do the work?"

Sometimes the person giving the estimate isn't the person doing the work. Ask whether the crew is employed by the company or subcontracted. Find out if the person you're talking to will supervise the job.

"Can you provide references for similar jobs?"

Any established company should have local references. Ideally, ask for references from jobs similar to yours—same type of tree, similar location challenges.

"What's included in this price?"

Get specifics: Does the quote include stump grinding? Debris removal? Cleanup? Log disposal? Make sure you're comparing equivalent scopes when evaluating multiple quotes.

Red Flags That Should Make You Walk Away

Door-to-Door Solicitation

Reputable tree companies stay busy through referrals and reputation. Door-knockers—especially after storms—are often unlicensed, uninsured operators looking for quick cash. They frequently overcharge, do poor work, and can't be found when problems arise.

High-Pressure Tactics

"This price is only good today" or "Your tree could fall any minute" are sales tactics, not professional assessments. A legitimate company will give you time to make an informed decision.

Wanting Full Payment Upfront

A deposit for large jobs is reasonable (25-50%). Demanding full payment before work starts is not. You lose all leverage if problems arise.

Cash-Only Requests

Strong preference for cash, especially with a "discount," often indicates a company avoiding taxes—and possibly operating without insurance.

No Written Estimate

Everything should be documented: scope of work, price, what's included, timeline. Verbal agreements leave too much room for disputes.

Topping Recommendations

If a company recommends "topping" your tree (cutting off the top of the canopy), that's a sign they don't know what they're doing. Topping is harmful to trees and is rejected by every legitimate arboricultural organization. A knowledgeable professional will suggest proper pruning techniques instead.

Evaluating Quotes

When you have multiple quotes in hand:

• Throw out the extremes. The highest and lowest bids both warrant skepticism. Very low bids often mean corners will be cut; very high bids may indicate the company doesn't want the job or is trying to take advantage.
• Compare scope, not just price. Make sure each quote covers the same work.
• Weight credentials and reputation. A slightly higher quote from a well-reviewed, properly insured company is usually worth it.
• Trust your interaction. Did they show up on time? Answer your questions? Seem knowledgeable? Your gut feeling about professionalism matters.

After You Hire

Once you've selected a company:

• Get the agreement in writing before work starts
• Don't pay in full until the job is complete and you're satisfied
• Document the condition of your property (photos of lawn, nearby structures) before work begins
• Make sure you can contact someone if issues arise during the work

The Bottom Line

Choosing a tree service company is about risk management as much as price shopping. The consequences of hiring an unqualified company—property damage, injuries, liability—far outweigh any savings from a cheap quote.

Take the time to verify insurance, check credentials, and get multiple quotes from established companies. The right company will be happy to answer your questions and demonstrate their qualifications.