chainsaw put on the stump of a recently cut tree

If you are contemplating hiring a tree service company in Boston whether to remove a tree, clear ground for construction, prune shrubs or for any other reason, it’s important to feel comfortable with that company.

Tree work is often carried out at height and can be dangerous, but aside from ensuring the person doing the work is safe, there are other considerations, including your property and your liability. Below are 10 questions you should ask a potential tree service.

  1. Insurance – as we explained in our post Should My Tree Service Company Have Insurance? it is extremely important to ensure any company undertaking work on your property has the correct insurance for both General Liability and Workers Compensation. This protects you and your property.
  2. Credentials & membership – as we touched on in our post Are There Industry Organizations in Tree Care? There are several key industry organizations. Always check their credentials on the organization’s website and ensure they’re up-to-date with industry standards.
  3. Experience – how long has the company been in business and what jobs do they typically undertake?
  4. Reviews & references – do they have reviews and testimonies and are they happy to provide past customers who are happy to discuss their work?
  5. Equipment – what type of equipment will they use, and how will they protect your property from potential damage?
  6. Estimates & quotations – how are these provided and how long do they last?
  7. Personnel – are the people on their team qualified and experienced?
  8. Permits – as we explained in our post Do I Need a Permit for Tree Removal on my Property? Make sure the tree company understands any permitting requirements and has any documentation required before they start the work.
  9. Safety equipment – do they have and will use safety equipment if necessary?
  10. Knowledge – are they up-to-date with current practices on how to care for your trees? A good example is the use of spikes when pruning trees. This outdated practice actually causes damage to healthy trees and yet some tree service companies routinely use spikes

No matter which company you choose to undertake tree work on your property, feel confident and comfortable they are offering you the best, safest service while protecting their staff and your property.

Never feel intimidated to request copies of their insurance.

Any true professional will not find this offensive, many will offer these without your needing to ask and are happy to provide reassurance in any way they can. 

Don’t forget to reach out to past customers, but don’t rely on this only as some companies may only be offering you the details of customers they know are happy.

Check out reviews online too and read what other customers have to say about their work, attitude and pricing.

Be wary of people who turn up unannounced and knock on your door offering tree work.

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