Free the Trees: How to Choose a Tree Removal Service

Do you need a tree removed from your yard? If so, check out this guide to learn how to choose a tree removal service.

If you’re a homeowner with trees on your property, chances are you may need to hire a tree removal service at some point. Storms can bring trees down or they may be dangerously close to damaging your home in bad weather. Or maybe you’re tired of dealing with messy pine trees or you’d like trees removed to create more space and sunlight in your yard.

Whatever your reason for tree removal, you need to make sure you’re hiring a reputable business to do the job right. Many people, unfortunately, have been scammed by con artists going door-to-door posing as tree trimming and removal professionals.

Here are some tips on what to look for when choosing a reputable tree removal service.

Seek Favorable Reviews

Online reviews have made it easier than ever to vet tree removal companies. Reading what past customers have to say about a business can provide insight into their pricing, transparency, work quality, and more.

Did the company use safety precautions on previous jobs, clean up debris and after themselves, and have the proper equipment for challenging jobs? Reviews and testimonials can answer these questions for you.

Keep in mind that a company with one or two negative reviews out of several positive ones doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t use their services. But if a tree removal company has overwhelmingly bad reviews, it’s best to avoid them.

Check to see if the company is accredited with the Better Business Bureau. You can often find additional customer reviews there, and learn if any complaints or lawsuits have been filed against the owner of the business. All companies accredited with the BBB have also earned a letter grading (with “A” being the highest.)

Word-of-mouth can also help you find a great business to work with. Ask your family members, friends, co-workers, and neighbors if they’ve hired a tree removal company they were satisfied with.

Additionally, the company you’re interested in should be happy to provide you with referrals from satisfied customers.

Beware of Door-to-Door Solicitations

Be wary of anyone showing up at your door offering tree removal services. They are often not legitimate and usually prey on seniors, pointing out trees that they claim are rotten or that can damage your home during a storm. They may also patrol neighborhoods after bad weather searching for unsuspecting customers.

Even if the person is from an actual tree service removal business, a reputable company doesn’t need to solicit their business this way. And allowing someone to do spontaneous tree work is very risky because there’s a lot you need to consider first. Always do your research on them before agreeing to a contract with them.

Make Sure Tree Removal Companies are Licensed and Insured

A reputable tree removal service wants to protect its customers’ interests as well as the safety of its employees. Always choose a company that is fully licensed and insured. They should have both liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance.

Liability insurance means the company must cover the costs of any damage that happens to your home while they’re working on your property. Worker’s compensation insurance protects you from any liability should an employee from the tree removal service gets injured on the job.

The last thing anyone wants is a lawsuit or to get hit with unexpected expenses. Always ensure a tree removal company is properly licensed and insured.

Gather Multiple Quotes

Always ask for an estimate before agreeing to let a tree removal business do work. Don’t feel obligated to hire the first company that provides you with a quote. It’s a good idea to gather estimates from a few sources to determine which one has the fairest pricing and falls within your budget.

Beware of any quote that seems unusually high, as well as those that seem too good to be true. Gathering a few prices and learning more about the method each company uses to eliminate or trim trees will give you a better idea of what you should be paying.

Pay attention to extra fees that may provide stump grinding or other services. Make sure that everything a company plans on doing is what you actually need. You may want to let the stump grinding go for later on down the road and focus on having trees removed first.

Pay Only When the Job Is Complete

Unfortunately, another common scam in the tree removal industry is when a company stops showing up when they receive payment before the agreed-upon job is completed. Many homeowners have never heard from a company again after they’ve paid in full or made a substantial down payment.

A trusted tree removal service company will require payment only after the job is finished and the customer is satisfied. Don’t be fooled into forking over money because the owner claims he needs to pay his workers or has another excuse.

This is all the more reason to do your research when deciding upon which service company to use.

It’s Worth Doing Your Homework to Find the Right Tree Removal Service

Having trees removed from your property is often not a cheap service, which is why you want to do your research to ensure you get your money’s worth. Although it may take a little time to find the right tree removal service, you can then relax knowing your property is in safe hands.

Are you interested in having a few trees removed? Here at BAC Tree Service, we’re happy to provide free estimates. We offer a full range of tree services to homeowners and commercial clients throughout the greater Houston area.

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