Hiring a tree company: scope the tree, access and cleanup

Provide the tree’s location, approximate size if known and whether you want an assessment, pruning, removal or stump work. Mention nearby structures, fences, roads or utility lines. Photos can help an initial conversation but do not establish the condition of the tree or replace a professional site assessment.

Ask about the assessor’s arborist qualifications and the crew’s experience with comparable access and tree sizes. Verify any claimed certification with its issuer and local licensing requirements separately. University of Minnesota Extension advises checking credentials and insurance; a company name or a general tree-service advertisement does not establish either.

Have the proposal identify the particular tree, pruning scope or removal, access equipment and protection of surrounding property. Ask who arranges required permissions and utility coordination. Specify whether logs, branches, chips and the stump are removed, retained or priced separately, including how any disturbed ground will be left.

Confirm how weather or site conditions could postpone work and who approves changes after assessment. Ask for the contractor’s payment and cancellation terms in writing. Keep the scope, qualification and insurance documents, approved additions and final invoice. A tree company’s assessment is distinct from a guarantee against every future tree failure.