Questions to Ask a Tree Removal Contractor

You are standing in the yard after a storm

You are standing in the yard after a storm, looking at a split trunk or a limb resting on the roof, and you need to know who to trust with the chainsaw. The questions you ask before hiring a tree removal contractor decide whether the job is safe, clean, and legal, so start with these: Are you insured, how do you handle the wood and debris, and will you pull the permit if one is needed?

The short version

Here is the short version of what to cover on the phone and in person:

• Ask for proof of insurance and check that it covers property damage and worker injuries.
• Ask how the crew will protect your lawn, driveway, and anything under the tree.
• Ask what happens to the wood, branches, and stump, and whether removal is in the written price.
• Ask who pulls the permit and who pays the fee.
• Ask for a written estimate that lists every task and every cost line.

Are you insured?

Ask directly for proof of liability insurance and workers' compensation, and ask to see the certificate before any work begins. This is the single most important question because tree work is dangerous and a falling limb or a dropped log can damage your house, your car, or a neighbor's fence. If a worker is hurt on your property and the contractor lacks workers' comp, you can be the one paying the medical bills. If a tree lands on your roof and the contractor lacks liability coverage, you can be the one paying for the repair. A legitimate contractor will expect this question and will provide the certificate without hesitation. Ask that your name be added as an additional insured on the policy for the day of the job, which is a common request that costs nothing. Do not rely on a verbal yes; ask to see the document and read the policy limits.

How will you protect my property?

Ask how the crew will protect your lawn, driveway, and anything under the tree, and look for a plan that includes plywood or boards under the work area and a spotter for the drop zone. A 60-foot oak can weigh several tons, and the crew will be cutting it in sections, lowering them with ropes, or letting them fall in a controlled direction. That process can tear up grass, crush sprinkler heads, and leave ruts in a soft yard. Ask whether they use a crane or a bucket truck, because a crane adds cost but can lift heavy pieces over your house instead of dropping them. Ask whether they will rake and clean up the small branches and sawdust, and whether they will haul away the large wood or leave it if you want firewood. Ask about the path they will use to bring equipment in, and whether they need to drive over a septic field or a buried utility line. A written plan for protection is a sign that the contractor has done this before.

What happens to the wood and the stump?

Ask what happens to the wood, the branches, and the stump, and get the answer in writing because cleanup is where estimates often change. Some jobs include hauling everything away, some leave the firewood stacked, and some leave the stump for you to grind later. Stump grinding is a separate service with its own equipment and its own price, so ask whether the quote includes grinding below grade and whether the sawdust is removed or spread. Branches and brush can be chipped on site or hauled to a disposal site, and that hauling cost shows up on the final bill if it was not in the estimate. Ask whether the crew will repair any lawn damage caused by the equipment, and ask how they handle a tree that is taller than the space it falls into, which often requires a crane or a climber. The written estimate should list every line: tree removal, limb removal, cleanup, stump grinding, and disposal. If a line is missing, ask what it costs before the work starts.

Who pulls the permit?

Ask who pulls the permit and who pays the fee, and in Tallahassee the answer may be that you need one for a tree over a certain size or in certain zones. The city's tree protection ordinance regulates the removal of large trees, and cutting one without a permit can bring fines and a requirement to plant replacements. A contractor who is familiar with local rules will tell you whether your tree needs a permit and will handle the paperwork for you. Ask whether the permit fee is included in the written estimate or added as a separate line. Ask what the city requires for replacement trees, because that can add cost after the removal. Do not assume a dead or dangerous tree is exempt; the ordinance has specific criteria for hazard trees, and you may need an arborist's report to prove the danger. A contractor who says no permit is needed without checking the tree's size and location may be guessing, so ask them to confirm with the city before the scheduled date.

What is the written estimate?

Ask for a written estimate that lists every task and every cost line, and do not accept a verbal price or a bid that says 'tree removal' without detail. The estimate should include the number of crew members, the equipment they will use, the hours they expect, and the exact scope of work: which limbs, which trunk, which cleanup. Ask what happens if the tree is larger than expected once they start cutting, because some contractors add a surcharge for a tree that turns out to be hollow or rotten. Ask what happens if the weather delays the job, and whether your deposit is refundable. Ask for the total price in writing before any work begins, and ask whether that price includes taxes and disposal fees. A written estimate protects you from a final bill that is double the verbal quote, and it gives you a document to compare if you are getting multiple bids. Ask how long the estimate is valid, because prices for fuel and disposal can change.

The self-check list before you call

Before you call any contractor, look at the tree and the space around it so you can describe the job accurately and ask the right questions. Use this list to gather what a contractor will need to know:

• How tall is the tree, and how close is it to your house, a power line, or a fence?
• Is the tree leaning, and which direction does it lean?
• Are there dead branches or cracks in the trunk?
• Is the ground soft or uneven, and is there a clear path for equipment?
• Do you want the wood left for firewood, or hauled away?
• Do you want the stump ground, and do you want the sawdust removed?

Severity triage

Not every tree problem needs an immediate call, so use this triage to decide how soon to act:

• Watch: A tree with a few dead branches but no lean and no cracks can wait for a scheduled trim. Monitor it after heavy wind or rain.
• Soon: A tree with a visible lean, a crack in the trunk, or roots lifting on one side should be assessed within a few weeks. A tree growing too close to your house or a power line also falls in this category, because it can cause damage over time.
• Now: A tree with a large split, a limb hanging by a thread, or a trunk that is already resting on a structure needs immediate attention. If the tree is touching a power line, call the utility company first and stay away from the line. If the tree is on your house, do not go inside the damaged area and call a contractor who can respond to storm work.

What to ask when you call us

When you call us, ask the same questions you would ask any contractor, and we will answer them directly. We will tell you whether your tree needs a permit and whether we handle the paperwork. We will give you a written estimate that lists the work and the cost lines, and we will explain what happens to the wood and the stump. We will describe how we protect your lawn and your property, and we will show you proof of insurance before we start. You are hiring us to do a job that involves heavy equipment and falling timber, and the questions above are the way to make sure the job is done safely and cleanly.