#1: How long has your Tree Company been in Business?

Experience, a strong safety record, and longevity in the tree industry are good indicators of a tree care company's qualifications.  Since Hurricane Sandy, commonly referred to as Superstorm Sandy which was the deadliest and most destructive hurricane in 2012 there has been a large increase in the number of "Tree Service Companies".

We use "Quotations" because these so-called "Tree Service Companies" are just that!  Superstorm Sandy caused over $70 Billion in damage across the United States and much of that was in Connecticut.

Every landscaper with a pick-up truck and a chainsaw was calling themselves a tree service and offering tree removal, stump grinding, tree felling and other kinds of tree work.

Unfortunately, this made it very difficult to tell the difference between a true tree company in New Canaan and the smooth-talking pick-up truck, unlicensed "Tree Service Company.

#2: Is the Tree Estimate the exact amount the Tree Work will cost?

One of the biggest problems that homeowners face when selecting the right tree work company to hire is telling the difference between the estimated price and the actual cost.  Most tree companies in Connecticut are upfront with their fees and give stick to the estimated price of work.  However, other tree workers will give a very low estimate to secure the job then halfway through the tree work project, they'll increase the price due to some technical factor that you're not supposed to understand.

Local homeowners can be faced with a higher-priced tree job than they were originally quoted for if they don't ask the right questions.

#3: Is the Tree Company licensed and insured?

It is imperative that homeowners in Connecticut request to see the tree company's license, proof of insurance, and other certifications.  Certifications to look for when trying to figure out if you're hiring the right tree company for the job are the ISA certification and TCIA accreditation.  Any tree service that is reluctant to provide its credentials should be avoided at all costs, especially since it is illegal to own and operate a tree service company without proper licensing.

#4: How long will the Tree Work take to complete?

CT Residents should always ask for an estimated time of completion when hiring a tree removal company for even the smallest project.  Often times tree services portraying themselves as affordable will stack jobs in order to keep the money flowing.  They'll ask for an upfront deposit at the start of the tree removal project and wait sometimes weeks to come back to finish the job.

Homeowners in Constitution State want things done quickly.  It's not uncommon for Nutmeggers to pay more for tree work that is completed quickly.  Be sure to discuss when the tree work will be completed getting your initial estimates.  The last thing you want to be stuck with is a tree halfway cut up laying in your backyard while the leaves start to change.

$5: Is the Tree Service Local to Connecticut?

There are many tree services in Connecticut, but often they'll advertise their tree services from 50 to 100 miles outside their location.  The average tree company has close to 10 employees each with very different roles.

Tree Companies usually keep a crew with roles such as:

• Tree Climber
• Crew Lead Tree Climber
• Tree Bucket Operator
• Foreman
• Sub Foreman
• Tree Groundsman
• Arborist
• Tree Crew Supervisor
• Class A/B Drivers
• Landscape Architect

If every single one of those employees needs to drive an extra 50 miles to do a big tree removal project at your house - it's going to be expensive.

Make sure to find out if your local tree service is actually local!