How to Choose a Tree Care Service
Last updated November 2025
Collect Customer Feedback
In our surveys of consumers, we find that many roofing outfits get favorable reviews by a high percentage of their customers. But, unfortunately, some tree care services get very poor scores, receiving “inferior” overall ratings by at least 20 percent of their surveyed customers. Carefully check online reviews for companies you consider and make sure nearly all ratings are positive.
Complaint Histories
Also check for recent complaints with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Even a few complaints might indicate a company is unwilling to resolve disputes.
Payment Policy
Check with companies to see if they will accept payment after the job is finished, which gives you leverage to ensure work is done properly and on time. Most companies will allow you to withhold the entire amount until completion, but a few require customers to pay at least half earlier. If possible, make all payments by credit card, which allows you to dispute the payment if things don’t go as planned.
Insurance
Check whether a company’s liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance are current. Ask to see certificates of insurance, and call to verify coverage. If a company is not properly insured, it may not be able to compensate you for harm it causes you or your property, and may not be able to pay for injury to its own workers or other people, or for damage to your neighbors’ properties. If the company doesn’t pay, you may be liable—even for injuries to the company’s own workers. This is a serious concern because high-powered equipment, heavy branches and trunks, lofty heights, and proximity to power lines make tree work dangerous.
