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Tree service quote comparison checklist
Got two or three quotes for tree work? Put them side by side. For each company, mark what you checked: insurance, a written quote, cleanup, the stump, an arborist, reviews and the deposit. You get a simple score and a sheet you can print. Nothing you type leaves your browser.
By Umair Nawaz, founder of Lirevon Updated How we test tools
Your comparison
Fill in the checklist above to see your comparison.
The score counts the items you marked Yes, out of 7. It does not judge the work or the price. Lirevon does not rank or recommend any tree company. Short explanation, not legal or insurance advice.
How the score works
- Score = the number of items you marked Yes, out of 7. Each item counts the same.
- Must-haves = proof of insurance and a written quote. If either one is No or not checked yet, the company is flagged, whatever the score.
- Still to ask = every item that is No or not checked yet. Use it as your list for the next phone call.
- Price is shown only so you can compare. A lower price with a lower score may simply leave out cleanup or the stump.
Safety first
- A tree or limb on a power line: stay far away and call your electric utility. Call 911 if there are sparks, fire or anyone in danger.
- Do not climb the tree, and do not use a chainsaw on storm-bent or broken wood. That wood can be under tension. Leave it to a trained, insured crew.
- If a tree is on the house, get everyone out of the rooms under it and call 911 if anyone is hurt or trapped.
Questions about comparing tree quotes
How many quotes should I get for tree work?
Two or three written quotes is a good rule. It shows you a fair range and helps you spot a quote that leaves things out. Ask each company to see the tree in person, since access, what is under the tree and how a truck can reach it all change the work.
What insurance should a tree service have?
Ask for proof of general liability insurance and workers' comp. The best proof is a certificate of insurance sent to you by the company's insurance agent, with the company name and current dates on it. This is a short explanation, not insurance or legal advice.
Why does a written quote matter?
A written quote shows exactly what you are paying for. Without one, it is hard to settle a question about cleanup, the stump or damage to your lawn later. If a company will not put it in writing, that is a red flag.
Is cleanup usually included in a tree quote?
It depends on the company. Some haul away everything, some leave the logs, and some leave wood chips. Ask what happens to branches, logs and chips, and make sure the answer is written on the quote.
Is stump grinding included in tree removal?
Often it is a separate line or a separate job. Ask whether the stump is included, how deep it will be ground and what happens to the grindings. Our stump removal options page explains the choices.
Do I need a certified arborist?
For pruning, tree health questions or a tree you want to keep, a certified arborist on staff is a big plus. For a simple removal, an experienced, insured crew may be fine. Either way, ask who will look at your tree and who will do the work.
How much deposit is normal for tree work?
It varies by company and job size. Ask what the deposit is for and get it in writing. Be careful with anyone who asks for most of the money before work starts, wants cash only, or will not give a receipt.
How should I check a tree company’s reviews?
Look them up on Google Maps. Read the recent reviews and the low ones, and read how the owner replied. A real business name, a local phone number and a steady history of reviews are good signs.
What does the score mean?
It is a simple count of how many checklist items you marked Yes, out of seven. It does not judge the quality of the work or the price. Lirevon does not rank or recommend any tree company. The score only helps you see what you still need to ask.
Is anything I type sent to Lirevon?
No. The checklist runs in your browser. What you type is only kept in this browser on this device, so it is still there next time. Use the Clear button or clear your browser data to remove it.
Keep reading: how many quotes to get, what a written estimate is, what a certificate of insurance is, and the tree care guide for your state.
This page is general information. It is a short explanation, not legal or insurance advice. Lirevon does not do tree work and does not list, rank or recommend any tree company.