The cheapest bid is often the riskiest. Asking the right questions up front separates a safe, insured pro from a fly-by-night crew that could leave you liable for damage or injury.
Before hiring a tree service, confirm they carry liability insurance and workers’ comp, employ or use an ISA-certified arborist, provide an itemized written quote that includes cleanup and stump grinding, and have verifiable local reviews. Never pay in full up front or hire door-to-door storm chasers.
Here are the 15 questions to ask. For the full hiring playbook, see how to hire a tree removal company.
Insurance & credentials
- Are you fully insured — liability and workers’ comp — and can I see current certificates?
- Do you have an ISA-certified arborist on staff?
- Are you licensed and locally established (real address, not just a cell)?
- Who is liable if a limb damages my house or my neighbor’s property?
- Will you pull any required permit? (Some cities require one to remove a tree.)
The quote & the work
- Is the quote itemized and in writing?
- Does it include stump grinding, debris hauling, and cleanup — or are those extra?
- How will you protect my lawn, fence, and nearby plants?
- Will you need a crane or special equipment (and is that included)?
- What’s the timeline and the payment schedule?
Trust & track record
- Can you share recent local references or reviews?
- What’s your plan if weather or an unexpected hazard changes the job?
- Do you guarantee cleanup and a hazard-free site at the end?
- Will the crew that quoted the job be the one doing it?
- Can I get everything in a signed agreement before work starts?
Red flags to walk away from
- Door-to-door “we’re working in your area” pressure (especially after storms).
- Demands for large cash payment up front.
- No proof of insurance, or only a P.O. box and a cell number.
- Vague, hand-scribbled quotes with no detail.
- Recommending topping a tree (reputable arborists avoid it).
Don’t forget price context
Knowing the going rate keeps you from over- or under-paying. See the tree removal cost guide, the cost calculator, and whether to tip the crew.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the most important question to ask a tree service?
Proof of liability insurance and workers’ comp — it protects you if something goes wrong.
Should I get it in writing?
Always — an itemized, signed quote prevents surprise charges and scope disputes.
How many quotes should I get?
At least three for the same scope, so you compare apples to apples.
Is the cheapest quote a good idea?
Often not — suspiciously low bids tend to skip insurance, cleanup, or stump grinding.
Disclaimer: General guidance only. Verify local licensing and insurance requirements. Not legal advice.
Jack Turner
