For tree service owners
How do I handle a lead that wants a tree quote by text only?
Short answer
Ask for several photos and a few details, give a rough range clearly labeled as an estimate, and offer a site visit for a firm written price. Do not lock in a price for work you have not seen.
By Umair Nawaz. Published October 25, 2026. General information, not legal, tax or insurance advice.
The longer answer
Photos help, but they hide lean, decay, tight access and wires. Ask for pictures from several sides, one that shows the tree next to a house or fence for scale, and one that shows what is under and around it.
Give a range based on what you see, and say clearly that it is an estimate. Offer a quick site visit for a firm written quote. A short visit protects you from underbidding a hard job.
If you see anything near power lines or signs of a dangerous tree, tell the customer you need to look in person, and never give an advance price. If wires are down, they should stay far away and call the utility and 911.
More answers for owners
- How do I handle change orders on tree jobs?Read the answer
- How do I keep a truck and trailer stocked and ready?Read the answer
- How do I keep good climbers and crew members?Read the answer
- How do I keep my tree service crews busy on rainy days?Read the answer
- How do I keep track of estimates that did not turn into jobs?Read the answer
- How do I keep track of missed calls and callbacks at my tree service?Read the answer
Own a tree service?
See where your calls and leads slip away
A free audit of your Google profile, website and missed-call handling. See what we set up and pricing.