You had three companies come out to quote a tree job, and now you’re sitting on three different numbers, three different explanations of what needs to happen, and no easy way to tell who actually knows what they’re doing. Or maybe it’s simpler than that—a storm just came through, a tree is down on your property, and a truck you’ve never heard of is already in your driveway offering to “take care of it today.”
Either way, hiring a tree service is one of those decisions where the wrong call can cost more than money. Tree work involves heavy equipment and chainsaws at height, and if it’s done badly, there’s real risk to your house, your neighbor’s fence, or the people doing the work. A few minutes of checking before you sign anything goes a long way.
What to do first: get more than one estimate, and don’t feel pressured to decide on the spot, especially right after a storm. What can wait: cosmetic trimming and non-urgent removals can be scheduled out—there’s rarely a reason to rush those decisions. What to avoid: don’t hire based on whoever shows up first, and don’t let anyone talk you into a large upfront cash payment before any work has started.
How to Evaluate a Tree Service (and What to Watch For)
Check insurance before anything else. Tree work is dangerous, and if a worker gets hurt or a branch takes out a fence on an uninsured job, you can end up liable. Ask for a current certificate of insurance, and if you want to be thorough, call the insurer directly to confirm it’s active.
Ask about credentials. An International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist has completed specific training and follows a professional code of ethics—it’s a real credential, not just a job title. Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) accreditation is another marker worth asking about. Not every reputable company will have these, but it’s a fair question to ask, and how a company answers it tells you something.
Get a written estimate, not a verbal number. A real estimate should spell out the scope of work so you can compare it line by line against other quotes. Verbal-only pricing with no paper trail is a red flag.
Be cautious about upfront payment. It’s reasonable for a company to ask for a deposit on a larger job. It’s not reasonable to be asked for full payment before any work has started—that’s a common pattern in tree service scams, particularly after storms.
Watch for storm-chasers. If someone you’ve never contacted shows up at your door within a day or two of a storm offering to clear your tree “right now,” slow down. Legitimate companies get busy after storms too, but pressure to decide immediately, with no time to check anyone out, is the pattern scammers rely on.
Know what bad tree work looks like. If a company suggests “topping” a tree (hacking off the top to reduce height), “lion’s-tailing” (stripping interior branches and leaving foliage only at the tips), or if the crew climbs a healthy tree using spikes instead of ropes, that’s not how the Better Business Bureau says a professional handles tree health—it’s how you end up needing more expensive work later to undo the damage.
FAQ: Hiring a Tree Service in Staten Island
How do I know if a tree service is really insured?
Ask for a certificate of insurance directly, and if you want extra confidence, call the insurance provider listed on it to confirm the policy is active.
Should I always get multiple estimates?
For anything beyond a small, straightforward job, yes. It gives you a sense of fair pricing and lets you compare how thoroughly each company explains the work.
Is it safe to hire someone who shows up at my door after a storm?
Not automatically unsafe, but treat it as higher risk than a company you found yourself. Ask the same questions you’d ask anyone else—insurance, written estimate, references—before agreeing to anything.
What if a company asks for full payment before starting?
That’s worth pausing on. A deposit is normal for larger jobs; full payment upfront, especially in cash, is one of the most common patterns in tree service scams.
What’s the difference between a “tree service” and a certified arborist?
“Arborist” and “tree service” aren’t protected titles by themselves—anyone can use them. An ISA Certified Arborist has completed specific coursework and testing through the International Society of Arboriculture, a step beyond the general label.
How do I know if a company is using unsafe or outdated techniques?
Ask what method they’ll use before the job starts. Topping, lion’s-tailing, and climbing spikes on a living tree that isn’t being removed are all signs the crew isn’t following current industry practice.
Do I really need a written contract for a tree job?
Yes, for anything beyond very minor work. A written estimate protects both sides if there’s ever a disagreement about scope, cost, or timeline.
How much does hiring a tree service typically cost?
It varies enormously based on the job—size, number of trees, access, and complexity. A free, in-person estimate is the only way to get a number that actually applies to your property.
Call to Action
Whether you need a tree removed or ongoing tree care, G&R Tree Service has been doing this on Staten Island for 15+ years. Glen Gabel, the owner, is present at every job site, and we’re fully insured. We’re also Staten Island’s most-reviewed tree service on Google Maps, so you don’t have to take our word for it—and if you want more on finding the right company, here’s our take on what to look for in a specialist. Estimates are always free.
