Hiring a tree service should make your home safer not put you, your property, or your wallet at risk. But not every “tree company” is the real deal. Some groups show up with a chainsaw, a pickup truck, and no training, no insurance, and no safety standards. These risky crews often work fast, cut corners, and leave behind damage that costs far more than the job itself.
Knowing how to tell a legit tree company from a dangerous chainsaw crew can save you thousands of dollars and protect your home from accidents. It can also help keep your trees healthy, prevent property damage, and reduce long-term risks from storms or unstable branches.
Understanding the Difference Between Pros and Pretenders
A legit tree company uses certified arborists, trained climbers, and safety gear. They follow strict cutting methods, follow local laws, and carry full insurance. A risky crew usually shows up with cheap tools and offers fast, low-priced jobs. The work may look okay at first, but it often leads to damaged trees, yard destruction, broken fences, or worse injuries.
Tree work is dangerous. That’s why choosing the right people matters.
Signs a Tree Company Is Legit
They Have Certified Arborists
A real tree service has someone trained and tested by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). An ISA Certified Arborist understands tree biology, safety standards, pruning rules, and how to protect tree health.
Proof of Insurance
A legit company should provide:
- General liability insurance
- Workers’ compensation insurance
This protects you if someone gets hurt or something gets damaged. A risky crew may say “we’re careful,” which is not the same as being insured.
Written Estimates and Clear Pricing
Professional companies give written quotes before starting any job. The estimate explains:
- What will be removed or trimmed
- How debris will be handled
- Total cost
- Timeline
- Equipment being used
Risky crews give vague numbers and may raise prices later.
Professional Equipment
A real tree company uses:
- Ropes and harnesses
- Safety helmets
- Climbing saddles
- Chippers
- Bucket trucks
- Stump grinders
- Rigging systems
Crew members should never climb trees using spiked boots unless the tree is being removed. That’s a sign of poor training.
Real Reviews and an Established Reputation
A legit business has:
- Strong online reviews
- Photos of real jobs
- A website or social profile
- A known presence in the community
A risky crew may have no traceable history.
Red Flags That Signal a Risky Chainsaw Crew
Extremely Low Prices
If the quote seems too good to be true, it usually is. Cheap crews often:
- Skip safety steps
- Use untrained workers
- Leave behind dangerous stubs
- Cause hidden damage
- Disappear after the job
They may also lack insurance, which puts you at risk.
No Insurance
This is a major red flag. If someone gets hurt on your property, you could be legally responsible.
No Safety Gear
Workers should use helmets, ropes, gloves, ear protection, and eye protection. If they show up in sneakers and T-shirts with a chainsaw, that’s a major warning.
Door-to-Door Soliciting After Storms
Scammers often show up after storms offering “fast tree removal.” Many are not trained or insured. They may do unsafe work or take payment and disappear.
No Written Contract
Risky crews avoid paperwork so you can’t hold them accountable.
Asking for Payment Up Front
Professional tree companies never demand full payment before the work is done.
How to Choose a Safe, Reliable Tree Company
Ask About Certifications
Look for someone trained in tree science, such as:
- ISA Certified Arborist
- Tree Risk Assessment Qualified (TRAQ)
These certifications show real knowledge—not just someone with a chainsaw.
Request Proof of Insurance
Ask for documents showing active insurance coverage. A real company will provide it quickly.
Compare Multiple Estimates
Don’t choose the cheapest option. Compare:
- Services offered
- Safety methods
- Equipment
- Total cost
Value is more important than price.
Review Their Equipment and Safety Practices
Professionals use:
- Ropes
- Harnesses
- Protective gear
- Rigging systems
- Bucket trucks (when needed)
If the team climbs trees with spikes during a trimming job, that’s a problem.
Common Tree Problems That Require Professionals
Hazardous Tree Removal
Trees leaning or dying can fall without warning. Professionals know how to remove dangerous trees safely.
Large Branches Near Power Lines
Never hire an unqualified crew for work near electrical lines. It can lead to severe injury or outages.
Storm-Damaged Trees
Broken or hanging limbs require expert rigging and controlled removal.
Diseased or Weak Trees
Tree diseases like oak wilt, Dutch elm disease, or anthracnose need a trained eye for diagnosis.
Root or Foundation Issues
Roots can cause damage under sidewalks or driveways, and removing them incorrectly can make trees unstable.
Why Certification Matters
ISA Certification Shows Real Training
An ISA Certified Arborist understands:
- Tree biology
- Proper pruning
- Safe climbing
- Disease signs
- Structural defects
- Risk assessment
This level of knowledge protects both your trees and your home.
They Follow National Tree Care Standards
Professional arborists follow guidelines like the ANSI A300 pruning standards, which prevent harmful practices like topping.
Safe Practices a Legit Tree Company Always Follows
Proper Pruning Techniques
Real pros avoid injuries to the tree and make cuts that support long-term health.
Controlled Rigging
They use ropes to lower heavy branches safely, preventing damage.
Wear Protective Gear
This includes:
- Helmets
- Gloves
- Eye protection
- Ear protection
Clear Communication
They explain what they’re doing before they start and keep you updated.
What a Legit Tree Estimate Should Include
Scope of Work
Details about what trees or branches will be removed.
Safety Methods
How the crew will protect nearby structures.
Equipment Being Used
Bucket truck, chipper, ropes, rigging systems.
Clean-Up Plan
Chipping branches, removing logs, raking debris.
Total Cost
A clear, upfront price.
Timeline
When the work will start and finish.
How Insurance Protects You
General Liability Insurance
Covers damage to your home, cars, or property.
Workers’ Compensation
Covers workers if they get hurt while working on your property.
Why It Matters
Without insurance, you may be responsible for injuries or damage—even if you didn’t cause the accident.
What Happens When You Hire the Wrong Crew
Costly Repairs
Fixing roof damage or broken windows can cost thousands.
Unsafe Cutting
Bad cuts or tree topping can kill trees or make them fall later.
Unfinished Jobs
Some risky crews take payment and leave before finishing.
No Accountability
Without a contract or insurance, you have no protection.
Conclusion
Tree work is dangerous, complicated, and requires real training—not a cheap chainsaw and a pickup truck. Choosing the wrong crew can put you at risk for major property damage, hidden costs, and serious safety problems.
A legit tree company has clear insurance, trained workers, safety gear, certified arborists, and a reputation built on real work—not empty promises. A risky chainsaw crew often shows up with low prices, vague answers, and no protections.
By learning the signs, asking the right questions, and choosing a company with proven skills, you can keep your home safe, keep your trees healthy, and avoid expensive mistakes. A good tree service doesn’t just cut branches—they protect your property and your peace of mind.
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