Tree Cutting in your Yard: The Cost of Getting it Wrong

Let's assume that you've already been through all of the research, soul-searching, and advice-gathering that goes into the weighty decision of cutting down a tree. You know you want to remove it. You don't really need the guidance of a certified arborist to help you make the decision. The tree has to go. Now it's time to get the best price, and get it done...right?

Stop!

Tree cutting is not like a haircut or manicure. The cost of doing it wrong has consequences that can ruin your life, not just your appearance for the next few days or weeks. Let's consider what could happen if the wrong contractor does it.

• Insurance. If the contractor cutting the tree is not insured expressly to perform tree work (not landscaping), then he will not be covered in the event of property damage, injury, or loss of life on your property. This leaves you exposed to the liability for this. Check for liability, workers' compensation, auto, and umbrella. All should be specific to tree service.
• Credentials. This is not something that simply adds cost to the job. Credentials are your assurance that your contractor has studied the dangerous task that he is about to perform. Without credentials, you are rolling the dice with your home.
• Equipment. Tree cutting cannot be safely done without the right tools and equipment. The low bidder may not have the right equipment for the job. Do not be afraid to ask.
• Professionalism. Should anything go wrong, it is the professionalism of the contractor that will make the difference between inconvenience and tragedy in a tree cutting operation. Look at the way that your service representative presents the company. Professionalism is worn on the sleeve. You will know it when you see it.

If you doubt any of these competencies in the contractor that you are considering, then it is quite possible that you are about to be the next sad story in tree cutting gone wrong. What is the cost of getting it wrong? Property damage could be enormous. Injury or loss of life is possible. Worst of all, the property owner can be held responsible for this if the contractor is improperly insured.

Remember that you are responsible for ensuring that your tree care firm is qualified to perform the work. Sources like Service Magic do not require the above standards. Do your homework, compare prices, but beware the cost of the low bidder!

See also: Pros vs Amateurs