When it comes to tree work and tree care, professional expertise is recommended to keep you safe and your trees healthy.

A general rule is if any tree work requires you to be off the ground a professional should be hired. Below are some recommendations when hiring a tree service.

Request Up-to-Date Certificate of Insurance

If they cannot provide this, keep looking. They should be properly insured so you will not be liable for damage, accidents or injuries.

Seek Credentialed Arborists

At minimum, qualified arborists should be certified through the International Society of Arboriculture or the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA). It is a good idea to require a Certified Arborist or Certified Tree Care Safety Professional (CTSP) to be onsite when tree work is being carried out to ensure that it is being done safely and properly.

Get a Detailed, Written Price Estimate

It is recommended to get at least three quotes. Prices can vary significantly depending on current workload, equipment available, methodology, location, etc. Estimates should include the following:

Specify Work Being Performed — Make sure you know exactly what the estimate is for. When removing trees, verify whether stump grinding is included, and where the debris is being disposed of. For pruning, confirm the extent of pruning; is it clearance pruning and canopy lifting, structural or form pruning, and/or removing all dead wood greater than an inch.

Industry standards — All tree work should meet ANSI A300 standards. If they are not aware of these it is recommended to find someone else. Topping trees is a harmful practice that should not be offered by qualified arborists.

Any site impacts — On some sites it is difficult to limit impacts to lawns, gardens and flower beds. Ensure both parties are clear on expected property impacts and clean-up, if applicable indicate where sprinkler heads are located.

Timeframe of Completion — Find out if the job will be done in three days or three months, and set deadlines.

Additional Tips

Avoid tree service professionals who:

Recommend topping of trees — This practice is unacceptable in the industry and harmful to trees. It also results in a more dangerous tree due to inevitable decay.

Don’t wear proper protective equipment — OSHA and ANSI standards require the use of certain safety equipment such as helmets, safety glasses, hearing protection, chainsaw pants, etc. If you do not see these onsite you are likely not dealing with a reputable company.

Solicit door to door — Be wary of anyone going door to door offering tree work, this is common with out-of-town companies who do not carry appropriate state license and insurances.

To find a local Certified Arborist visit treesaregood.org or treecaretips.org.