Don't Just Pick the Cheapest Bid for Your Trees
You've got a tree that needs some work. Maybe it's overgrown, looking sickly, or just needs a good trim. So you start calling around, getting quotes. It's easy to just go with the lowest price, right? Well, I've been doing this a long time here in Milpitas, and I can tell you, that's a surefire way to end up with a headache, or worse, damaged property or a dead tree. Hiring a tree service isn't like buying a gallon of milk; there's a lot more to it than just the price tag.
What to Ask Before They Even Look at Your Tree
Before anyone even steps foot in your yard, you should be asking some basic questions over the phone. This helps weed out the amateurs and the fly-by-nighters right away.
Are you licensed and insured? This is non-negotiable. In California, a C-61 (D-49 Tree Service) license is what you're looking for. Insurance is critical. If they damage your house, your neighbor's fence, or one of their guys gets hurt on your property, you want to know their insurance will cover it, not your homeowner's policy. Ask for proof, and don't just take their word for it.
How long have you been in business? Experience matters, especially with big, old trees. Someone who's been around for a while likely knows what they're doing and has a reputation to uphold.
Can you provide references? A good company won't hesitate to give you names and numbers of past clients. Call them. Ask about their experience, if the work was done on time, and if there were any issues.
What's your approach to safety? Tree work is dangerous. They should have a clear safety plan, use proper gear, and understand how to work around power lines. If they don't sound serious about safety, that's a huge red flag.
What to Look for in a Quote (and What to Avoid)
Once you get past the initial screening, you'll have a few companies come out to give you an estimate. Don't just look at the bottom line. A good quote is detailed and clear.
It should be in writing. Always. A verbal quote isn't worth the paper it's not printed on.
Detailed scope of work. What exactly are they going to do?