How to Choose the Right Tree Removal Company

12 Questions To Ask Before Hiring Professional Tree Service Company

How to Choose the Right Tree Removal Company

Selecting the right tree removal company for your needs is an important decision. With the safety issues, environmental impact, and breakdown of costs involved, you want to make sure you choose a reliable, experienced, and reputable company.

When researching professional companies, there are 12 key questions you should ask to help guide your decision:

1. How Much Experience Do You Have?

An established company with many years or decades of expertise is ideal. You want a tree company that has seen and handled just about every tree scenario possible. They will know how to assess different tree risks, properly remove trees, and handle any surprises that pop up. Be sure to ask:

  • How long have you been in business?
  • How much experience does your qualified arborist have?
  • Do you have certified arborists on staff?

2. Are You Properly Licensed for Tree Removal?

Tree removal can be very dangerous work. It requires specific expertise, knowledge and training. Make sure any tree company you consider has the proper licenses for your state and city. Common Australia licenses include:

  • Business license
  • Contractor’s license
  • Tree care license from Queensland Government

3. What Insurance Coverage Do You Carry?

Reputable tree companies will carry several types of compensation insurance for protection, including:

  • Public liability insurance – Protects you if they damage your home
  • Workers compensation – Covers injuries to crew members
  • Property damage coverage

Make sure they have adequate coverage amounts. Ask for proof of current policies.

4. Do You Belong to Any Professional Organizations?

Membership in Australian industry associations shows a commitment to continuing training and staying current on best practices. Reputable groups include:

  • Arboriculture Australia
  • National Arborist Association of Australia
  • Queensland Arboricultural Association

5. What Are Your Safety Protocols?

Tree removal involves dangerous equipment and working at great heights. You want to confirm companies follow strict safety measures to prevent injuries, including:

  • Safety training protocols
  • Use of protective gear – hard hats, gloves, eye protection, etc.
  • Traffic control methods for roadside work
  • Emergency protocols

6. Do You Follow Eco-Friendly Practices?

Responsible tree companies will follow environmentally sustainable workflows, such as:

  • Proper tree pruning guidance to protect tree health
  • Disposing of debris in ethical ways
  • Planting new trees to replace ones removed
  • Limiting soil disruption

7. What Kind of Guarantee or Warranty is Offered?

The best companies will stand behind their work. Make sure they offer a satisfaction guarantee or warranty to come back and address any issues. Common terms range from 90 days up to a year.

8. What Specific Services Do You Offer?

Every project is different. Make sure a tree company offers the specific solutions you need, such as:

  • Tree trimming and pruning
  • Safe tree removal services
  • Stump grinding
  • Emergency storm response
  • Disease treatment
  • Crane services for tight access trees

9. Can You Provide References From Previous Customers?

Insist on seeing references from past home and business clients. Follow up with them to ask questions like:

  • Were you satisfied with the work? Why or why not?
  • Was the crew professional and courteous?
  • Did they complete the work on schedule and budget?
  • Would you hire this company again?

10. What Do Your Online Reviews Look Like?

Do some searching for online customer reviews of any potential tree care company you consider hiring. Look across multiple sites like Google, Facebook, and industry listing websites. Make sure they have consistently positive comments over many years. Beware of feedbacks that seem overly negative or fake.

11. Do You Provide Free Tree Removal Quotes?

The company should provide a free quote after assessing your specific tree needs. Be wary of those that give estimates without coming on site or via phone only. Quotes by photo alone often end up being inaccurate once the work begins.

12. How Responsive and Clear Is Your Communication?

From the initial call to work completion, you want a company that communicates clearly at every step. They should answer questions promptly, coordinate timing with you, and set clear expectations before starting work.

12 Questions To Ask Before Hiring Professional Tree Service Company

Carefully Pick Companies Before Letting Them on Your Property

Choosing a reliable tree removal company takes research and asking the right questions. Make sure you check licenses, insurance coverage, safety records and customer service reviews before allowing any company to begin tree removal work on your yard. Taking the time upfront helps ensure you hire a true professional, gives you a peace of mind and protect your home or business from unnecessary risk.