How To Properly Hire A Tree Care Provider

 How to Find a Tree Care Provider

Hiring a tree care provider can seem like a daunting task. With several classifications

ranging from tree surgeons, removal experts, arborists, and even tree toppers, the

industry is filled with a wide range of options when selecting the right company for your

project. Whether you need tree pruning, removal, stump grinding, remedial work for

damaged trees or even a project arborist, choosing the right tree care company is

crucial. Poor tree work can be dangerous, illegal (if the tree has protection) and poor-

quality work can potentially cost you more in the long run.

This article will help you understand:

- How to find a reputable and qualified tree care provider

- How to verify a company’s credentials and licensing

- What questions to ask before agreeing to the work

- How to avoid surprises or hidden fees

What Are Some Common Differences Between Tree Care Providers?

There is a wide range of individuals in the tree care industry who classify themselves as

tree surgeons, removal experts, or an arborist service. There is a clear gray area

between these classifications that all customers should be aware of before signing a

contract.

A professional tree service provider is trained to climb trees and use tools to manage

or remove a tree safely, using a selection of devices and equipment. Many services are

well trained in operations like tree removals, stump grinding, and minor trimming, yet

many lack the advanced knowledge required for proper tree maintenance and

preservation.

Although several companies will refer to themselves as an arborist service, it is

important to understand the difference between a general tree service and an actual

ISA certified arborist. Depending on the type of project, it is essential to know what level

of expertise you should be looking for.

- ISA Certified Arborist

An ISA Certified Arborist is an individual who has passed an exam administered by

the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and maintains their credential through

ongoing training and education. These professionals receive higher levels of education

and training, enabling them to properly identify tree species, pests, diseases, fungal

issues, and structural defects. Certified arborist possess advanced knowledge of tree

pruning and preservation, climbing techniques, and generally uphold a higher standard

of professionalism within the tree care industry.

Registered Consulting Arborist

Some projects may also require a Registered Consulting Arborist, who is an

individual certified through the American Society of Consulting Arborist (ASCA). These

individuals are highly qualified tree experts who provide objective advice and analysis

on tree health, safety, and preservation. Unlike practicing arborist who perform physical

tree work, consulting arborist specializes in written reports, formal assessments, and

expert testimony. Their clients may include homeowners, municipalities, developers,

engineers, attorneys, and insurance companies.

Why These Distinctions Matter:

Unfortunately, most people outside of the tree care industry are unfamiliar with the

differences between these roles, so all professionals often get grouped together with

generic names like tree toppers, tree cutters, or tree surgeons. Understanding these

distinctions is crucial when choosing the right professional for your needs.

Finding a Good Tree Care Provider:

1. Check for Proper Licensing:

In the state of California, a contractor’s license is required for construction or home

improvement projects with a combined cost of $500 or more, including labor and

materials. A license is also required for any work involving employee labor. You can

verify an individual’s license by visiting the Contractors State License Board (CSLB)

website and using the “check a license” tool. www.cslb.ca.gov It is also advised to verify

the individual holds all appropriate city business licenses as well.

2. Check for Certifications and Memberships:

While most tree services will claim to be “arborist” not all hold the proper credentials.

Verify that the individual has an active ISA Certified Arborist credential. A convenient

tool for locating and verifying a certified arborist is by visiting www.treesaregood.org

3. Verify all insurances:

In California, contractors are required to have:

- A contractor’s license bond

- General liability insurance to protect your property

- Workers compensation insurance for any employed workers

Ask the company or sales representative to provide copies of all required certificates

and licensing documentation. A reputable provider will have no problem showing proof

of coverage.

4. Experience, referrals and examples of past work:

It is recommended that customers view all associated websites and read all reviews of

the business. Ask for past customer referrals and photos of similar work from the

individual. A genuine arborist will be quite apparent from their knowledge and

experience during a consultation.

What Questions Should Be Asked Before Hiring a Tree Service?

1. Is the quote written and itemized?:

A professional quote should clearly detail the exact work that will be performed - such

as tree pruning, removals, stump grinding. Any tree pruning items should include

specific notes describing the scope of work (e.g., weight reduction, deadwood removal,

crown thinning, elevation pruning, etc.) Cleanup and debris removal should also be

discussed and included in writing so that there are no unexpected issues when the crew

is finished. Avoid verbal quotes; always obtain a written, itemized scope of work before

signing a contract.

2. What qualifications & training do you and your crew have?:

Ask the sales representative what certifications they hold and inquire whether the crew

performing the work holds any certifications specific to the work they are doing.

Certifications such as tree climber training, ISA arborist credentials, and documented

safety training are strong indicators of a high-quality, professional service.

3. Are you insured?:

Verify that the company carries adequate coverage so you are not held liable if

something goes wrong—such as property damage or worker injuries. It is the property

owner’s responsibility to confirm that the contractor has current general liability

insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. Request copies of both certificates.

Remember, homeowners can be held legally and financially responsible if an uninsured

worker is injured on their property.

4. Are Permits Required and Who Will Handle Them?:

Many municipalities have strict regulations and permitting requirements for tree

removals and tree pruning. If your tree is protected or the work is in a conservation

area, you will likely need city approval and permitting before any work begins. A

reputable tree company should be familiar with local laws and permitting requirements.

Ask whether the company will obtain the necessary permits or if it will be the property

owner’s responsibility.

How to Avoid Hidden Cost & and Ensure Quality Work

Always ask for written and itemized quotes:

Make sure that the estimate includes everything: the full scope of work, labor cost,

insurance coverage, cleanup responsibilities, debris removal, and any additional fees.

Ask about access:

Discuss how the crew will access the trees, whether equipment can easily reach the

work area, and if neighboring properties might be affected. Ask whether traffic control,

road closures, or pedestrian safety measures will be needed, as these can impact the

overall cost and planning.

Confirm who does what:

Clarify exactly what the company will remove once the job is complete. Will they take

away all wood, woodchips, stump grinding debris, sawdust, or large logs? What level of

cleanup is included? These details should be clearly stated in the estimate.

Get more than one quote:

Obtaining at least three quotes is often recommended—not only to compare prices but

also to assess the company’s professionalism, communication, turnaround times, and

customer reviews. The lowest price is not always the best value.

Conclusion:

When searching for a qualified tree care provider, the goal is not simply to find the

lowest price. Instead, ensure the company is properly certified, adequately insured, and

capable of providing a detailed, written scope of work. Your trees are valuable assets to

your property, and choosing the right service is essential to maintaining their health,

safety, and longevity. By following the guidance in this article, you can confidently select

a reputable provider and ensure that both you and your trees receive the highest quality

of care.