Trees are an important part of your landscape. A well-manicured yard and beautiful trees add value to your home. To protect your home and property, you should hire a reputable tree service for all your tree needs.

Working with trees takes planning, proper equipment, and expertise to avoid injuring people and property. If you need tree removal, stump grinding, pruning, or regular maintenance, don’t try to do it yourself.

Before you hire a professional tree service, you want to make sure they’re the right fit for you. Here are 9 questions you should ask when hiring tree removal services.

1. How Long Have You Been in Business

Everyone has to start somewhere, but you don’t want an inexperienced tree company working on your property. Tree work can be dangerous, so make sure the service you choose has a fair amount of experience and a good track record.

Be sure to talk to your friends and neighbors and look at online reviews before making a decision to hire someone. The lawn service industry has many unqualified people who go door-to-door looking for work.

You want to avoid pop up businesses and go with a reputable company instead. Paying a little more for quality work is worth it in the long run.

2. What Services Do You Offer

Don’t hesitate to ask questions before hiring a tree service. Find out what services they offer. Ask about the services they do the most on a day-to-day basis.

Find out if they do work in the local area or in your neighborhood. Some lawn care services who say they do tree work may lack the proper training for certain jobs.

Make sure your needs are compatible with the services they offer. Doing a little research up front will help you hire the right company and avoid costly mistakes.

3. Do You Have Insurance

A professional tree service should carry insurance that covers injuries, accidents, and property damage. If they lack proper insurance, you may be liable if problems occur.

This could cost you much more than you expected to pay for their tree services. Using a cheap, uninsured tree service isn’t a risk worth taking.

Your trees and landscaping are valuable. You have the right to ask for proof of insurance.

You may be able to find information about their credentials on their website as well.

4. Can You Provide Testimonials

Be sure to ask if they can provide customer testimonials about their services. The answer should be a resounding, Yes!

They should be able to provide customer feedback describing or rating their service.

If they can’t provide positive testimonials or reviews, you should avoid hiring them. You have the right to ask for references and know what you’re paying for.

5. How Long Will the Job Take

A reputable company should be able to give you a general timeline for how long the job will take and how soon they can begin.

You want them to do a great job for you in the quickest time possible. But you don’t want a company that is only concerned with finishing quickly and moving on to the next customer.

Make sure you feel comfortable with the services they promise, the fees they charge, and the time estimate they give for completing the job.

6. Do You Give a Written Estimate

Many tree service companies offer online estimates for common services. Instead of accepting this estimate, you should ask for a detailed written estimate instead.

You want an estimate for the specific services you are asking them to do. An itemized estimate protects you from hidden costs and fees that could pop up later.

Keep in mind that some companies charge for mileage or travel time. In this case, hiring a local company is sometimes the best choice.

Try to avoid getting an estimate over the phone in case there are discrepancies in charges later. A written estimate is best.

Remember, the lowest estimate isn’t always the best. Instead, you want a fair price for a job well-done.

7. What Equipment Will You Use

Before the tree service shows up to your home, you should know what types of equipment they’ll bring along for the job. Some jobs require large power equipment and trucks that will drive across your lawn.

You should ask if their equipment will damage your lawn in any way. Of course, accidents are always possible. That’s why it’s so important to make sure they have proper insurance coverage.

8. How Will You Minimize Damage to My Yard

A professional tree service takes the necessary steps to protect your yard from damage. This is an important part of their job.

They should be able to answer this question and provide details about the precautions they take to minimize property damage. If they don’t have a plan in place, choose another company.

9. How Long Will the Job Take

Most tree services provide a variety of services. The time involved depends on the complexity of the service.

They should be able to let you know when they will start and finish the project. If they promise you a speedy process without understanding the complexity of the job, steer clear of the company.

Questions for Tree Removal Services

Trees are an important part of any landscape. And working with trees takes time, care, and expertise.

Whether your trees look sick, need a little care, or need tree removal services, you want to hire a reputable company for the job.

Asking questions about their experience, credentials, and process will help you feel confident about the company you choose.

Be sure to do your research, check the company’s website, and ask for references.

If you need tree removal services in Venice, FL or the surrounding area, our experienced team is ready to help. Contact us today.