Are you looking for the best tree removal service near me? Check out our guide as we look at how to choose the best local tree removal services today.
Landscaping with well-maintained, lush trees increases a home’s property value by 7-19%. Unfortunately, you can’t say the same for poorly-maintained treescapes.
A landscape dotted with rotting stumps, trees infested with bagworms, and dead branches dangling precariously overhead isn’t just bad for property values—it actually poses safety risks.
Hiring a professional tree service is a wise move, and it’s one that nets many positive returns. But, landscaping needs vary. You might need any of a range of services, including:
Tree cutting service
Tree removal
Stump removal
Tree trimming
Bagworm extermination
The question, “what’s the best tree removal service near me?” will have different answers for different people. To answer it for yourself, start with a checklist.
The “Best Tree Removal Service Near Me” Checklist
If you’re looking for the best value tree removal service in Southern Maryland, it’s wise to compare your options with a checklist.
The best local tree removal company offers the services you actually need at a price you can afford—without cutting any corners.
A high-quality tree removal service will have all five of these key traits. With this list, it’s easy to compare the tree removal service companies near you.
1. LTE Licensed Professionals
A high-quality tree service will only hire licensed tree experts (LTEs). Maryland requires LTEs to meet educational and certification requirements.
The requirements include horticultural and arboreal competency, which prevents specialists from making costly mistakes out of ignorance. The International Society of Arborists (ISA) offers a free directory of certified LTEs.
You can use it to find a certified LTE, or to verify a local tree service professional’s credentials.
2. Insurance Coverage
Make sure the tree service you choose has excellent insurance coverage. Maryland requires all LTEs to carry the proper amount of liability and property damage insurance.
When a tree service has this insurance, you won’t be held liable if a worker sustains an injury on your property. You can also rest assured knowing you’ll be properly compensated in the rare event that any property gets damaged.
3. OSHA-Compliant Equipment
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets standards that ensure workplace safety. For the tree care industry, OSHA mandates safe ladders, protective gear, and safety mechanisms on elevating work platforms.
The State of Maryland has a formal state plan (MOSH). MOSH builds on, and clarifies, the national OSHA requirements.
OSHA may require a tree service to meet regulations for tree care, and regulations for landscape and horticultural services. To learn if a specific business has a history of compliance, use OSHA’s Establishment Search page.
4. Compare Apples to Apples
Call different local tree services. Try to get at least three price quotes for the work you need to be done. Make sure each price quote reflects the true scope of the work.
Ask questions about the service’s approach to common issues. You might ask:
What do you do with tree waste?
What safety precautions do you take?
How do you maintain open channels of communication?
5. Reviews and Reputation
Read reviews of different local services to get a sense of their reputations. Look for:
Google reviews of local businesses
Online reviews of tree services in Calvert, Charles, or St. Mary’s county
Better Business Bureau ratings
In addition to Google reviews, look up services’ ratings on HomeAdvisor, Facebook, or Yelp. You can also learn about a business’ reputation among regional arborists through the Maryland Arborists’ Association (MAA) website.
Of course, you can always do things the old-school way: ask for professional references. LTE professionals should be happy to let you hear from their most satisfied customers.
Hire a Tree Care Professional
Whether you’re searching for “the best tree removal service near me,” or you need long-term general tree care, we can help you out.
At 855 Treeman, we know tree care services are an important investment in your home.
That’s why we take care to determine exactly what your landscape needs, and how to do that in a way that works for you. Contact us today for a free price quote.