Questions to ask a tree service before you hire, and the answers to listen for
Updated · KeystoneProGuide editorial team
Why ask questions at all?
Because the answers tell you more than the price does. A company that can show its insurance, describe how it will prune and explain who calls the utility is one that has thought about your job. The questions below are grouped by subject, and each comes with the reason it matters. For the broader checks on credentials and registration, see how to choose a tree service.
Questions about insurance and the crew
"Can I see your current certificates of liability and workers' compensation insurance?" The Tree Care Industry Association, the companies' own trade association, suggests asking for both at the first meeting. Look at the policy dates and the business name.
"Who will be climbing, and are they your employees?" Pennsylvania's Department of Labor and Industry requires workers' compensation cover from any employer with even one employee at risk of injury in the state, but sole proprietors and general partners are excluded. If the company plans to bring in subcontractors or day labor, ask whose insurance covers them.
"Are you an ISA Certified Arborist, or is one in charge of this job?" Penn State Extension suggests asking whether the person is a member of a professional society such as the International Society of Arboriculture, or an ISA Certified Arborist, and says the best arborists are both. ISA says its certified arborists must keep up continuing education to keep the credential.
Questions about how the tree will be pruned
"Will you prune to the ANSI A300 standard?" Penn State says a qualified arborist should mention it. A300 is the national standard for tree pruning, and PECO says its own crews follow it.
"Will you top the tree, or cut it back to stubs?" The answer you want is no. Penn State's Master Gardeners say an ISA-certified arborist would never recommend topping, and Penn State's pruning guide suggests looking elsewhere if "topping" or "rounding over" appears in a bid.
"Will you use climbing spikes?" Only if the tree is coming down. The Tree Care Industry Association says spikes damage the tree.
"What exactly will you cut?" Penn State's contract checklist asks for the type of branches, their size range, where in the crown, and how much is to be removed, for example all dead branches over a stated diameter. "Trim the tree" is not a specification.
Questions about safety on the day
"How will the tree come down, and what is at risk if something goes wrong?" ISA says pruning or removing large trees can be dangerous work. A company should be able to say whether it will climb, use a bucket truck or bring a crane, and how it will protect the roof, fence and driveway.
"Is there a wire near the tree, and who arranges for it to be dropped?" PECO says it does not do non-emergency trimming around the service wire to your meter and will disconnect it, at no charge, while a contractor works. PPL says the same area is the owner's responsibility and asks for a call before work around the wire. Ask who will call the utility and when, and expect the house to be without power until the line is reconnected.
"Will you call 811 before grinding the stump?" Pennsylvania One Call says a hired excavator should make its own call, and that you can ask to see the contractor's eleven-digit One Call serial number. One Call also says utilities may not mark privately owned lines, such as power to a pool or grill, an invisible fence or sprinkler pipes. Tell the crew where yours run.
Questions about rules and permits
"Does this job need a permit from my town, and will you apply for it?" Rules differ from town to town; what Pennsylvania and its towns require explains why. Agree in writing who gets the permit.
"Do you hold a spotted lanternfly permit?" Penn State Extension says businesses that move regulated articles, vehicles or equipment in the quarantine need one. Logs, stumps and other tree parts are regulated articles.
"If you are spraying or injecting anything, what is your pesticide business licence?" The Department of Agriculture licenses businesses that apply pesticides for customers, and requires at least one certified applicator and insurance.
"What is your home improvement contractor number?" Registered contractors must show it as PA followed by digits.
Questions about money and cleanup
"What is included in the price?" Ask about stump grinding, chipping, hauling, and whether firewood is cut and stacked or the wood left in rounds. Penn State lists cleanup, debris disposal and firewood among the things a contract should state.
"What is the total, and when do you want to be paid?" The Federal Trade Commission advises against paying the full amount up front and against final payment until the work is done to your satisfaction. Penn State's Master Gardeners put it shortly: "Never pay in advance."
"Will you put all of this in writing?" The FTC says the contract should include every promise made in conversation and have no blank spaces. For home improvement work over $500, Pennsylvania requires a written, signed contract with a right to cancel.
"Can I speak to recent customers?" Penn State suggests asking bidders for references and for places where you can see their work. Businesses that serve your area are on the tree services directory page.
Sources
- Hiring a Tree Care Company, Tree Care Industry Association
- Workers' Compensation Compliance, Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry
- Why Hire an Arborist?, International Society of Arboriculture (TreesAreGood.org)
- Managing Hazards and Risk, International Society of Arboriculture (TreesAreGood.org)
- Helping Trees Recover After Storms, Penn State Extension
- Pruning Landscape Trees, Penn State Extension
- When to Call an Arborist, Penn State Extension (Allegheny County Master Gardeners)
- Tree Trimming Assistance, PECO
- Line Clearing, PPL Electric Utilities
- FAQs Homeowners, Pennsylvania One Call System
- Private Lines, Pennsylvania One Call System
- How You Can Comply with the Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine Regulations, Penn State Extension
- Pesticide Application Businesses, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
- How To Avoid a Home Improvement Scam, Federal Trade Commission
- Frequently Asked Questions: Home Improvement Contractor Registration, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General