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How to Hire a Tree Service or Arborist
1. Demand proof of insurance — not a promise
This is the non-negotiable one. A legitimate company carries general liability (covers your house) AND workers’ compensation (covers their crew). Ask for certificates sent directly from their insurer — a real pro hears this request weekly and has it handled in minutes. If an uninsured worker is injured on your property, you can be personally liable.
2. Look for ISA certification
The International Society of Arboriculture certifies arborists through examination and continuing education. Certification is not legally required to run a saw, but it is the clearest signal that someone understands tree biology — which matters for trimming, health assessments, and anything you want to survive the visit. On timber.bid, companies can display ISA certification, state licence and insurance on their profile — those are self-reported by the company, so ask for the certificates themselves before hiring.
3. Check your state’s licensing rules
A handful of states (and many cities) require tree contractors to hold a specific license; most don’t. Our state-by-state directory covers all 50 states — check yours before hiring.
4. Get competing bids in writing
Prices for the identical job routinely vary 2–3x. A written scope should say: exactly which trees, whether the stump is included, whether wood and debris are hauled, and what happens if something breaks. Posting the job once and letting companies bid gets you this comparison without a week of phone calls.
5. Know the red flags
Walk away from any of these:
Door-to-door solicitation right after a storm ("we’re working next door")
Large cash deposit before any work starts
No written estimate, or a price that’s a fraction of every other bid
Recommends "topping" a tree — a discredited practice that ruins tree structure
Won’t provide insurance certificates or references
Wants to climb with spikes on a tree you’re keeping (spike wounds harm healthy trees)
Let vetted local pros bid on your job
Post your tree job once — companies near you bid, and the credentials they have provided show right on their profiles.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an arborist and a tree service?
A tree service is a business that performs tree work; an arborist is a trained tree-care professional. The best hires are tree services that employ ISA Certified Arborists — you get safe rigging and correct tree-health decisions.
Should I pay a deposit for tree work?
Small deposits for scheduled work can be normal, but large upfront cash payments are a classic scam pattern. On timber.bid, payment is held and only released as the job completes.
How many quotes should I get for tree work?
At least three. Identical jobs commonly see bids varying by 2–3x, and the comparison also reveals which companies actually understood the scope.
Related guides
How Much Does Tree Removal Cost?
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Stump Grinding Cost & Removal Guide
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Emergency Tree Removal After a Storm
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