Looking for a good tree removal service can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack. This happens especially when you are stuck with a dead tree that is threatening to crash into your house. You feel helpless, not knowing what to do, which is why we have designed this comprehensive guide for you. In this, you will learn how to find a good tree removal service company without getting scammed or putting your property at risk. We will tell you which red flags to avoid so you can hire the best company out there. 

Why You Might Need a Tree Removal Service

Tree removal isn’t just for trees that look ugly.

Sometimes, it’s a matter of safety.

A tree that declines or tilts may topple onto dwellings, vehicles, or electrical cables. You might decide to eliminate a tree when you are planning your landscaping projects or want to free up room for plantings.

Common reasons people search for tree removal near me include:

• Dead or diseased trees
  
  
• Trees damaged by storms
  
  
• Overgrown roots messing with foundations
  
  
• Trees leaning toward power lines
  
  
• Clearing space for patios or sheds

Don’t delay if your tree is showing any of these symptoms. The longer you delay, the 

What Makes a Tree Removal Service “Good”?

Not all tree services are created equal. Some are just a guy with a chainsaw and a truck. Others are full-time professionals with training, insurance, and decades of experience.

Certified Arborists

A certified arborist has profound knowledge about tree biology, pruning and tree removal best practices. Hire companies or arborists that are certified by the ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) or TCIA (Tree Care Industry Association).

They do not just hack trees for cash, but they know what they are actually doing. 

You can verify certifications through recognized websites. 

Insurance 

Yep, it does matter. A proper tree removal service must have:

• Liability insurance – Covers damage to your home
  
  
• Workers’ comp – Covers injuries on your property.

You can even get sued if any of the workers get hurt. Always see proof before you hire someone.

Solid Reputation

Good tree removal companies should have:

• Real Google reviews
  
  
• Verified testimonials
  
  
• A professional website
  
  
• No history of scam reports
  
  

You can search their name with the words “scam” or “review” and see what pops up.

Step-by-Step: How to Find a Good Tree Removal Service

This is the meat of it.

Follow these steps so you won’t get burned:

Step 1: Search Local First

Start by Googling:

• tree removal service near me
  
  
• tree removal [your city]
  
  
• certified arborist [your city]
  
  

You can see a few listings on Google Maps, Yelp, and Angi. Read multiple reviews, not just one. If everyone says they are late or messy, then believe it. 

Step 2: Ask for License & Insurance

Don’t be shy. It’s your house and your money.

Ask these two most important questions:

• “Are you licensed to operate in this state?”
  
  
• “Can you send over your insurance info?”

Authentic and legit companies will send documentation before you even ask twice.

Step 3: Check Certifications

A certified arborist isn’t required for every job, but it is a must for complex or dangerous tree removals.

Look for TCIA or ISA accreditation to ensure your company complies with the regulatory policies with your trees.

 Step 4: Get Multiple Estimates

This is not optional but an obligation.If you only get one quote, how do you know it’s fair? You should call 3 different companies and ask them to come out and inspect the tree.

Pro tip: Ask them to break down the quote, like this:

Now you can make a proper comparison. If a quote is way lower, that means they are skipping some steps or planning to upsell later 

Step 5: Ask for References

Any good company will gladly give you names of past clients.

Call one or two and ask:

• Did they show up on time?
  
  
• Was the cleanup done properly?
  
  
• Did they stick to the quote?
  
  
• Would you hire them again?
  
  

Also, go beyond their website. Check real reviews. Avoid services that have:

• No reviews
  
  
• Fake-looking reviews (all 5-stars, no detail)
  
  
• Tons of 1-star ratings

Step 6: Get It in Writing

Before anything gets chopped, demand a written contract.

It should include:

• Scope of work (removal, stump grinding, etc.)
  
  
• Total cost (not “estimate only”)
  
  
• Timeline
  
  
• Cleanup plan
  
  
• Who’s responsible for permits?

Don’t pay everything upfront. Ask for a deposit and avoid such companies that ask for cash-only upfront.

Cost of Tree Removal Services: What to Expect

Tree removal pricing isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on the size of the tree, location, hazards, and equipment needed.

 Red Flags to Avoid When Hiring a Tree Removal Company

Not every tree service is legit. Some signs you look observe:

• No written contract
  
  
• “We’ll figure out payment later.”
  
  
• No online presence
  
  
• No business license or insurance
  
  
• Unmarked trucks or no uniforms
  
  
• They show up uninvited after storms.
• Pressurize you to make fast decisions
• Not telling complete information about the quote.
  
  

A lot of scammers come after storms, offering a budget-friendly way to remove trees. Never fall for it. Ask them questions about their services so you can determine their authenticity but this is still not enough.

Sample Contract Checklist

Before signing anything, your tree removal agreement should include:

• The full scope of work (tree removal, stump removal, cleanup)
•  A fixed price or hourly rate
•  Estimated completion time
• What happens to the debris and logs
  
  
•  A clause stating they carry insurance
• Signature from both parties
  
  

Do not rely on verbal promises or agreements. Make sure you have a written contract or risk getting ghosted halfway through.

Alternatives to Tree Removal

Not every tree needs to be chopped down.

If the tree isn’t diseased or a danger, you might consider:

• Tree trimming or pruning – Safer, cheaper, and keeps the tree healthy by removing dead or diseased branches.
  
  
• Cabling or bracing – Adds structural support to weak branches and stabilizes the tree.
  
  
• Pest treatments – Kills the bugs and not the whole tree
  
  
• Consult an arborist – This is always the best option. By hiring a professional, you can avail comprehensive evaluations of the tree. Arborists can tell if the tree can be saved or not. If it can, they will guide you on how to save it.
  
  

Conclusion

In a nutshell, learning about how to avail a good tree removal service is not just about saving money. It is more about protecting your loved ones and your surroundings. So, whenever you want to hire, always keep a lookout for any signs of red flags and ask the right questions to verify their credibility.

Struggling with your trees? Do you desire removal by a professional? Select Tree Cutting BX, a company with ISA certification, to improve your property. We have decades of experience with removing all kinds of trees. Contact our arborists today for simple service.