BBB Tip: How to hire a reputable arborist or tree service company

Regarding tree care, some jobs are too big and dangerous for DIY. Tree trimming and tree removal are usually best handled by a professional arborist. But arborists do much more! They can help you revive a damaged tree, set up a newly planted tree for success, and advise on insect and disease control.

These tips will help you understand what questions to ask when evaluating potential arborists.   

Tips for hiring an arborist or tree service company

• Opt for a Certified Arborist when possible. Titles like “arborist” or “tree surgeon” don’t require special certificates or training. A Certified Arborist, on the other hand, is someone who has completed training with The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). ISA Certified Arborists receive continuing education and are well-versed in tree trimming, care, and removal. You can use the ISA’s website to find a certified arborist in your area or verify ISA credentials. Having certified arborists indicates a higher level of expertise, and you want to ensure you leave your trees in the best hands. 
  
  
• Look for companies belonging to industry organizations. It’s a good sign if a tree service company belongs to well-respected industry organizations, such as the American Society of Consulting Arborists and the Tree Care Industry Association. These companies are more likely to be familiar with the latest best practices, which is especially important if you need to save a tree or have it trimmed.
  
  
• Ask if they will perform the work according to industry standards. If the tree service mentions “tree topping,” “lion’s-tailing,” or using climbing spikes to prune a tree, the company does not follow industry standards. What’s more, those practices can injure or kill your tree. Sometimes, these techniques will be presented as a way to save you money. However, a tree pruned by one of these methods may require more expensive restoration work in the future to save it. A reputable tree service company should prioritize the health of the trees while performing the necessary services. 
  
  
• Ask if clean-up is included. Inquire about how they plan to clean up debris after completing the job. If you remove limbs or cut down a tree, you may need help dealing with the wood and/ or stump left behind. Be sure to ask if this is included and how much it costs.
  
  
• Find out about licensing and permits. Depending on your local regulations, certain tree services may require permits. Check with your city and county and your homeowners’ association to find out about any relevant permit or licensing requirements. Some communities have safe tree ordinances requiring businesses to obtain a local tax receipt. Your local tax collector’s office will have the most up-to-date information on local requirements. Most tree removal companies will pull permits for you, but you must confirm this with the company. Don’t skip this step. Fines for unpermitted work are expensive. Ensure that the company will handle the permitting process if needed.
  
  
• Get proof of insurance. Your homeowner’s insurance isn’t enough to protect you if someone gets injured doing tree work on your property. Always verify the company has personal and property damage liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. This will protect you and the company if something goes awry during the project. You can further inquire if workers on the job site are covered (subcontractors may need to hold their insurance, for example) and must use personal protective equipment. A truly professional company will consider the safety of its workers a top priority. This is crucial to ensure that you won't be held liable for any injuries to workers or damages to your property.
  
  
• Get multiple estimates. Once you’ve identified a few potential companies, it’s time to request quotes. Aim to get at least three quotes in writing and compare them based on the prices and what’s included in the service. Also, ask for comprehensive written estimates outlining the scope of work, costs, and potential additional charges. Make sure you understand what's included in the service before making a final hiring decision.
  
  
• Always sign a written contract. Do not permit work to start without a signed, written contract that includes start and completion dates, exact costs, specific work to be done, the means that will be used to protect your property, and what cleanup and debris removal will be done. Be sure to read the fine print carefully.
  
  
• Be safe when making payments and deposits. Never make a large payment or deposit upfront. Scammers may try to convince you to make a deposit and then never return to finish (or even start) the job. Instead, stagger your payments according to work stages. Leaf & Limb, a BBB Accredited Business, advises homeowners to “never pay for a tree removal or tree trimming project until you are 100% satisfied with the work.” Pay by check or with a credit card for added protection. Credit card payments provide some recourse should the job not be completed, as stated in the contract.
  
  
• Look for The Sign. BBB Accredited arborists often employ certified professionals with specialized tree care and preservation knowledge. With their specialized knowledge, you ensure that your trees receive proper care during trimming, pruning, disease management, and removal. By hiring a BBB Accredited arborist, you're investing in the expertise necessary to enhance the health of your trees and the beauty of your landscaping. 

For more information

Find a tree service professional near you. Read more about hiring a contractor.

Check out more information on landscaping and tree services on BBB's landscaping HQ.

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Read more about BBB Accreditation Standards and BBB Standards for Trust. Learn how to become a BBB Accredited Business.