How do I choose a tree service?

Start with a short list of local companies that do the kind of work you need. Removal, pruning, stump grinding and storm cleanup are not always the same job, so ask what each company does most.

Ask each company for a written quote that says what gets cut, how much is removed, what happens to the stump, who cleans up, and when the work will happen. Be careful with a quote that is only a number on a card.

Ask for a certificate of insurance and check it. You want to see general liability and, if the company has employees, workers' compensation. If a company cannot show proof, move on. This is general information, not legal advice.

Read recent reviews and look at photos of finished work. One bad review is not a dealbreaker, but a pattern of complaints about damage or cleanup is a warning.

Notice how the company treats you before the job. Do they call back, show up on time and explain things clearly? That is a good sign of how the work will go. You can find local pros on Google Maps and read their reviews.