10 Tips on How to Choose the Right Tree Service

According to a recent news release from the Better Business Bureau, "the tree service industry was the sixth most complained about industry at  your BBB last year. So what can you do to protect yourself when hiring a tree service? How do you choose the right company?

1. Insurance: Make sure the company has liability and workers compensation insurance. These certificates need to be sent from the insurance agencies directly to you. This assures the insurance is current and in effect.
2. Bettter Businiss Bureau: Make sure they are accredited with the BBB. Check their rating. 
3. Reputation: What kind of reputation do they have?Ask the company for references. Do they have online reviews in a variety of places?
4. Too Cheap?: If the price is too good to be true, it probably is. We are all looking for bargains, but if a tree service is giving you a very low price, it may be because they have little experience, and most likely because they have no liabilty and workers compensation insurance.
5. Too Expensive: Do not let a smooth talking salesman convince you that $9000 is a reasonable price for removing an easily accessible oak tree i your front yard.
6. Multiple Estimates: How will you know if the price is too high or low? Get at least three estimates. Try to meet with the salesman. This will enable you to ask questions and judge the company's expertise and professionalism.
7. Compare Apples to Apples: Compare what is actually being offered. Insurance? Removal of all debris? How long? 
8. Avoid Door-to-Door Contractors: The BBB and a number of district attorneys offices across the country warn against this.  The guy with a pick up and a trailer probably does not have insurance and definitely is not professional. Tree service is not something you want to do on the spur of the moment. There are too many variables involved.
9. Use Caution After a Disaster: Natural disasters usually bring the con artists out in droves. Unfortunately, if you have a tree on your house and no electricity,this may be one time you have to hire someone who stops by