10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Arborist

You're not a tree expert—that's why you're hiring one. But how do you evaluate expertise you don't have? These ten questions help you separate qualified professionals from unqualified operators, even if you can't tell an oak from a maple.

A good arborist will answer these questions readily and thoroughly. Evasive or dismissive answers are red flags.

1. "Are you insured, and can I see proof?"

Why it matters: Tree work is dangerous. If someone is injured on your property or your property is damaged, you need to know you're protected.

What to look for:

• General liability insurance (minimum $1 million)
• Workers' compensation insurance
• Current certificates—policies can lapse

Red flag: Can't or won't provide documentation. Claims they "don't need it" or that their coverage "is being renewed."

2. "Do you have ISA certification or other credentials?"

Why it matters: The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist credential indicates tested knowledge of tree biology, care, and safety. It's not a guarantee of quality, but it shows professional commitment.

What to look for:

• ISA Certified Arborist number (you can verify at treesaregood.org)
• TCIA (Tree Care Industry Association) accreditation for the company
• State pesticide applicator license if treatment services are offered

Red flag: Claims expertise but has no verifiable credentials. Many excellent tree workers aren't certified, but inability to demonstrate any professional affiliations warrants more scrutiny.

3. "Can you explain what work you're recommending and why?"

Why it matters: A qualified arborist should be able to explain their assessment in terms you understand. If they can't explain why they're recommending specific work, they may not actually understand tree care.

What to look for:

• Clear explanation of the problem or goal
• Reasoning behind their recommended approach
• Willingness to answer follow-up questions
• Alternatives if applicable

Red flag: Vague answers like "it just needs to come down" without explanation. Dismissive responses to questions. Pressure to decide immediately without explanation.

4. "Who will actually perform the work?"

Why it matters: Sometimes the knowledgeable person giving the estimate isn't the person who shows up to do the work. You want to know who will be on your property.

What to look for:

• Employees vs. subcontractors
• Supervision by the estimator or another qualified person
• Training and experience of the crew

Red flag: "We'll send whoever's available." Vague answers about who actually does the work. Heavy reliance on day laborers or constantly changing crews.

5. "Can you provide references from similar jobs?"

Why it matters: Past performance is the best predictor of future performance. Local references let you verify quality and professionalism.

What to look for:

• References from jobs similar to yours (same type of tree, similar situation)
• Local references you can actually contact
• Online reviews that corroborate what they tell you

Red flag: No references available. Only references from out of the area. Defensive reaction to the request.

6. "How will you protect my property during the work?"

Why it matters: Tree work involves heavy equipment, falling debris, and potential for damage. A professional plans for this.

What to look for:

• Plans for protecting lawn, landscaping, and structures
• How they'll handle debris and cleanup
• Equipment they'll use and where they'll stage it

Red flag: No mention of property protection. Dismissive attitude toward potential damage. No clear plan for cleanup.

7. "What happens if something goes wrong?"

Why it matters: Experienced arborists know that surprises happen—hidden decay, unexpected obstacles, weather changes. How they handle problems tells you a lot.

What to look for:

• Acknowledgment that tree work has inherent risks
• Contingency plans for common problems
• Clear process for communicating issues during the job
• Insurance coverage for damage (ties back to question 1)

Red flag: "Nothing will go wrong." Denial of any risk or uncertainty. No plan for communication during the job.

8. "What's included in this price, and what's not?"

Why it matters: Tree service quotes often exclude things you might assume are included. Getting specifics prevents surprises.

What to ask about:

• Stump grinding or removal (usually extra)
• Debris removal and cleanup
• Log disposal vs. leaving wood for you
• Permit fees if required
• Any potential additional charges

Red flag: Vague about what's included. Verbal-only quotes. "We'll figure it out when we get there."

9. "When can you do the work, and how long will it take?"

Why it matters: Scheduling tells you about the company's organization and demand. Timeline helps you plan.

What to look for:

• Reasonable scheduling window (very busy companies often do better work)
• Realistic time estimate for the job
• Clear communication about scheduling process

Red flag: "We can do it today"—unless it's a genuine emergency, this suggests they're not busy for a reason. Extremely vague timelines. No follow-up communication about scheduling.

10. "Can I get this in writing?"

Why it matters: A written estimate protects both parties. It documents what was agreed and prevents misunderstandings.

What should be in writing:

• Detailed scope of work
• Price and payment terms
• What's included and excluded
• Timeline
• Company contact information

Red flag: Reluctance to put anything in writing. Pressure to commit verbally on the spot. "My word is my bond"—professional relationships are documented.

Bonus: Questions NOT to Ask

"Can you beat this other quote?"

Price shopping by asking companies to undercut each other incentivizes cutting corners. If a quote is significantly lower, ask why—don't ask others to match it.

"Can you do it cheaper if I pay cash?"

This invites tax evasion and often correlates with companies that cut corners on insurance. A legitimate business's price is their price.

"Can you just top it?"

Topping is harmful to trees. Asking for it signals you might not accept professional advice. If a company agrees to top your tree, that's a red flag about them.

How to Use These Questions

You don't need to interrogate every potential arborist with all ten questions. Use them strategically:

• Always ask #1 (insurance)—this is non-negotiable
• Ask #3 and #8 to understand what you're actually getting
• Use #5 and #7 to gauge professionalism and experience
• Always get #10 (written estimate)

Pay attention to how they answer as much as what they answer. A professional will appreciate thoughtful questions. Someone who's defensive or evasive is telling you something important.