Hiring an Arborist

When receiving quotes for a tree care project there are many things to be aware of, along with being wary of.

One of the main reasons we decided to create our own tree care business was due to seeing many other tree care providers engaging in unethical behavior. Very poor quality work, upselling unnecessary work or removals, lying about conditions of trees to make more money, overcharging for services, no license or insurance, and uneducated or inexperienced workers performing extremely hazardous work are all things you do not want in a tree care company working on your property. Unfortunately because the Tree Care industry is largely unregulated there are an incredible amount of these shady business practitioners out there. These are observations from years of working within the industry, and while some may seem like common sense, you would be surprised how few people perform their due diligence in selecting an professional arborist.

Here’s a more concise and professional version of the points you provided:

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1. Ensure Proper Insurance

Always hire an arborist with adequate liability insurance. Without it, homeowners could be liable for damages and worker injuries. If the arborist offers professional advice, verify they also carry errors and omissions insurance.

2. Choose an ISA Certified Arborist

Work with an ISA Certified Arborist. Certification requires at least three years of experience and passing a comprehensive exam, demonstrating expertise in tree care. Verify credentials at treesaregood.org, using the certification number.

3. Confirm Licensing

Ensure the arborist is licensed, either by the Construction Contractors Board (CCB) or the Landscape Contractors Board (LCB). Be aware that a CCB license doesn’t guarantee arboriculture expertise. Only an LCB Arborist-Only license allows tree work and requires ISA certification.

4. Avoid Multi-Service Providers

Be cautious of arborists who offer unrelated services, like roof or fence repairs. A professional arborist should specialize solely in tree care.

5. Steer Clear of “Free” Consultations 

Avoid free consultations, which often lead to unnecessary upselling. A professional assessment from a certified arborist typically costs $150–$300 and can save you thousands by preventing unwarranted tree removals.

6. Reconsider Lead Services (Angi, Thumbtack, etc.)

These platforms do not verify insurance or licensing and often attract lower-quality contractors. Use them cautiously and be diligent when selecting an arborist.

7. Beware of Door-to-Door Solicitors

Never trust door-to-door solicitors claiming your tree is hazardous. They often use fear tactics to pressure you into unnecessary work. Instead, visit Find An Arborist to locate certified professionals.

8. Research the Company’s Reputation

Check the company’s website, social media, and reviews. Lack of online presence or negative reviews can be a red flag. Ensure their services align with your specific needs, such as preservation pruning or large tree removals.

9. Don’t Choose the Lowest Bid

While the lowest bid can seem appealing, it often indicates poor quality, lack of experience, or insufficient insurance. Certified arborists invest in training, equipment, and insurance, which justifies their rates of $100–$150 per hour. Choose a reputable company that meets your expectations rather than basing your decision solely on price.