Hiring the right tree company isn’t just about finding someone with a chainsaw and free time. Tree work is dangerous, technical, and can cost you thousands in property damage or, worse, destroy a healthy tree when done wrong.
If you’ve ever wondered how to hire a reputable tree company, this guide breaks down exactly what to look for, what to avoid, and how to ensure your trees get safe, proper care.
Think of this as your “no more sketchy tree guys” survival guide.
Why It’s Important to Hire the Right Tree Company
Tree work is one of the most dangerous professions in the country. Every year, homeowners get burned by hiring the wrong “tree service” from storm chasers with no insurance to low-bid crews that top trees, butcher branches, or leave half the job unfinished.
When you hire an unqualified tree company, you risk:
- Damage to your home or fence
- Injury to workers on your property (which you could be liable for!)
- Killing your trees with bad pruning practices
- Paying twice to fix sloppy work
Good tree work protects your property and safety, and promotes the long-term health of your trees.
Bad tree work creates problems that take years to undo—if they can be undone at all.
What to Look for When Hiring a Tree Company
Here’s where to start when evaluating a tree company like a pro.
ISA Certified Arborists
The ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) is the gold standard in the tree care industry.
When a tree company has an ISA Certified Arborist, it tells you one thing:
👉 They actually know what they’re doing.
A certified arborist has:
- Formal education in tree biology
- Training in proper pruning and risk assessment
- Knowledge of diseases, pests, soil health, and tree structure
- A commitment to industry standards and continuing education
Proper Liability Insurance + Workers’ Compensation
This is not optional.
This is the line between “safe hire” and “financial nightmare.”
A reputable tree company will show proof of:
- General liability insurance
- Workers’ compensation coverage
Why it matters:
- If a worker is injured on your property and the company has no workers’ comp, YOU could be legally responsible.
- If a branch crashes through your window, liability insurance covers the damage—not your homeowner’s policy.
Never hire a company that hesitates to show insurance.
Legitimate professionals hand you the paperwork before you even finish asking.
Good Reviews and Established Reputation
Before hiring any tree service, do some digging:
- Google reviews
- Facebook feedback
- Nextdoor recommendations
- BBB ratings
Look for:
- Consistent reviews over several years
- Photos of real work
- Details about professionalism, safety, and cleanup
Red Flag:
New company, no website, no address, no reviews = don’t risk it.
Written Quotes With a Clear Scope of Work
A real tree company gives detailed, written estimates—not scribbled numbers on a napkin.
A legitimate quote includes:
- Exact work being done
- Location of cuts
- Equipment being used
- Cleanup and haul-away plans
- Safety precautions
- Whether an arborist is present
- Price breakdown
Written quotes protect you from hidden fees and “surprise” add-ons.
If someone refuses to put it in writing, they’re not a professional.
What to Avoid When Hiring a Tree Company
Just as important as knowing what to look for is knowing what to run away from.
Suspiciously Low Bids
If three companies quote $1,200 and one quotes $400…
You’re not getting a “deal.” You’re potentially inviting a problem.
Low bids often mean:
- No insurance
- No workers’ comp
- Inexperienced climbers
- Poor equipment
- Bad pruning practices
- Cleanups left unfinished
Cheap tree work becomes expensive tree work really fast.
Tree Topping (Major Red Flag!)
If a tree company recommends topping, they are NOT qualified.
Period.
Tree topping:
- Damages tree structure
- Increases risk of disease
- Causes weak, unstable regrowth
- Can kill a tree outright
Certified arborists follow ANSI pruning standards—topping is never one of them.
Door-to-Door Solicitors After Storms
Storm-chasing “tree crews” pop up every hurricane season.
Most are:
- Uninsured
- Untrained
- From out of town
- Cash-only
- Gone by morning
If someone knocks and says “I can cut that tree for cheap,” shut the door and back away slowly.
No Contract, No Credentials, No Safety Plan
If a company can’t provide:
- Written contract
- Proof of insurance
- Physical business address
- Photos of past work
- Safety standards
…they’re not a business.
They’re a risk.
Questions to Ask Before You Hire
Use this checklist when interviewing a tree company—print it, save it, screenshot it:
- Do you have an ISA Certified Arborist on staff and on-site?
- Can you show proof of liability insurance and workers’ comp?
- Do you follow ANSI A300 pruning standards?
- Will you provide a written estimate and scope of work?
- What safety equipment does your crew use?
- How long have you served this area?
- Can I see photos or reviews of similar work you’ve done?
If they stumble on these questions, move on.
How to Compare Tree Companies the Smart Way
When comparing quotes:
- Don’t judge by price alone
- Compare certifications, experience, and reputation
- Look for companies with experience in your tree species (oaks, pines, sycamores, etc.)
- Higher bids often reflect insurance, safety, and professionalism
A good tree company protects your home and your trees.
A bad one creates damage you’ll pay for later.
Why Hiring a Professional Tree Company Protects Your Trees
Professional tree companies do more than cut branches.
They understand the biology, long-term health, and structure of your trees.
Professionals:
- Prune correctly (no topping!)
- Protect the root system
- Prevent disease spread
- Identify hidden hazards
- Preserve the natural shape and stability of your tree
Healthy trees add value to your home—poorly pruned trees cost money, safety, and beauty.
Making the Smart Choice for Your Trees
Choosing the right tree company protects your wallet, your property, and—most importantly—your trees. When you hire a certified, insured, reputable team, you get better results, safer work, and healthier trees for years to come.
Before hiring anyone, remember:
- Look for ISA Certified Arborists
- Confirm liability + workers’ comp
- Check reviews and reputation
- Demand a written quote
- Avoid tree topping
- Reject suspiciously low bids
Smart choices = healthy trees.
If you want tree work done safely, correctly, and professionally, request a quote from a trusted team.
Contact Jones Road Tree Service for a written estimate from a fully insured crew with ISA Certified Arborists on staff.
