Stop Overpaying for Tree Removal
Use this checklist to compare quotes apples-to-apples, catch hidden fees, and make sure you're getting a fair price for the work.
What's Inside
- 15 questions to ask every tree service before hiring
- Hidden fee checklist - know what to look for in the fine print
- Quote comparison worksheet for side-by-side analysis
- Insurance verification steps to protect yourself
- Cost factors that legitimately increase or decrease price
Guide Preview
Before You Call: Gather This Info
Having this information ready makes every quote conversation faster and more accurate: - Tree species (if you know it) - hardwoods cost more than softwoods - Approximate height - compare to your house (1 story ≈ 10-12 ft, 2 stories ≈ 20-24 ft) - Trunk diameter - measure at chest height (4.5 feet from ground) - Location - distance to house, garage, power lines, fences - Access - can a truck get close? Gate width? Steep terrain? - Stump - do you want the stump ground too, or just the tree removed? - Wood - do you want to keep the firewood, or have everything hauled away?...
15 Questions to Ask Every Tree Service
Insurance & Credentials: 1. Can you provide a certificate of insurance? (liability + workers comp) 2. How long have you been in business locally? 3. Are you licensed to work in my township/city? The Job: 4. Will you visit the site before giving a final quote? 5. What equipment will you use? (bucket truck vs. climbing) 6. How will you protect my lawn/driveway from equipment? 7. How will debris be handled - chipped on site or hauled? 8. Is stump grinding included? If separate, how much? 9. What happens if you discover the tree is worse than expected? (hollow, etc.) The Quote: 10. Is your quote written and itemized? 11. What's included vs. what costs extra? 12. Do you charge for the estimate vi...
Hidden Fees to Watch For
Read the fine print. These are common add-ons that inflate the final bill: - "Plus disposal fees" - Can add $200-$500. Ask if hauling is included. - "Stump grinding quoted separately" - Often not included. Expect $200-$800 extra. - "Additional charge for branches over 6 inches" - Common on large trees. Clarify limits. - "Emergency surcharge" - Legitimate for true emergencies, not for scheduled work. - "Travel fee" - Rare for local companies, common for out-of-area contractors. - "Permit fees" - Usually your responsibility, but ask who handles it. - "Crane rental" - If needed, this should be in the original quote, not a surprise....
Quote Comparison Worksheet
Use this to compare quotes side-by-side: | Factor | Company A | Company B | Company C | |--------|-----------|-----------|-----------| | Total price | $ | $ | $ | | Insurance verified? | Y/N | Y/N | Y/N | | Written quote? | Y/N | Y/N | Y/N | | Stump included? | Y/N | Y/N | Y/N | | Full cleanup included? | Y/N | Y/N | Y/N | | Debris hauling included? | Y/N | Y/N | Y/N | | Equipment (bucket truck?) | | | | | Timeline | | | | | Payment terms | | | | | Guarantee/warranty | | | | | Years in business locally | | | | | Google review rating | | | | The cheapest quote isn't always the best value. Compare what's actually included....
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