Here today and gone tomorrow, the fly-by-night tree removal companies roll out every time there is a disaster. Here in Texas, they were out in full force after Hurricane Ike, and now they are out to make a few quick dollars in the wake of the 2011 drought that hit Texas and several other Southern states.
Is the tree removal service you interview giving you tree removal cost quotes that sound amazingly cheap? They can quote these too-good-to-be-true cheap prices because they have not invested in important elements that are vital to safety-minded and security-minded tree removal companies. Here are the indications that you are dealing with a disreputable service:
Not Bonded or Insured
Fly-by-night tree removal operations fail to be bonded or insured. Be aware that if they have an accident cutting down your tree, you will be stuck paying for the damages.
Poor Equipment and Lack of Experience
Instead of experienced professionals, these tree removal operations enlist family and friends and use whatever equipment they already happen to have on hand, rather than hiring experienced professionals and investing in the right kind of equipment to safely do the job. If they have not invested in proper equipment and personnel, you can bet that they did not bother with bonding and insurance. This leads customers to risk a double-danger: Bad equipment and inexperienced servicemen leads to bad accidents, which could lead to you paying for the medical bills of the uninsured, unbonded tree cutter.
They are not a member of the BBB, Angie's List, etc.
Reputable tree removal companies will affiliate with organizations and services that manage accountability systems for arbor care and customer service. Southeast Texas Trees, LLC is an award-winning member of both the BBB and Angie's List, and is a member in good standing of several arborist organizations. All other reputable tree removal companies will seek to be a part of these respected organizations, and so these organizations are terrific resources for you. Use them to look for your local tree removal service, for they will help you to safely take down your dead trees.
