How to Select a Quality, Professional Tree Service

By following some simple criteria, you can be certain to select a tree service company in Allentown, PA that is professional and does high-quality work.  This disciplined approach to evaluating tee contractors is necessary as the industry is fraught with unqualified, uninsured, and unprofessional companies.   Using one of these companies could expose you to financial and legal risk.  Don't take that risk by not doing your homework.  Below are several simple research criteria you should use when evaluating tree service companies.
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Insurance

​Tree care companies should carry two types of insurance.  First, they should have a worker's compensation policy provided by the state that protects their workers should they get injured on the job.  As you may know, absence this coverage, if someone is injured on your property, as the property owners, you will most likely be held responsible and need to cover the medical costs associated with the injuries.  Second, they should have adequate liability coverage should an accident happen during the performance of the work and some of your property is damaged, such as a roof or windows.  Again, without the coverage, as the home or business owner, your policy would have to cover the cost of the damages.   Therefore, when talking to local tree contractors, always ask to see copies of these two insurance policies.  A large tree removal or tree trimming can be dangerous work - always ensure your contractor has the property coverages to complete the work safely, from a financial and legal perspective.  

Internet Reviews and Personal Reference

Online reviews can provide you with a general overview of the professionalism and quality of the business.  Websites like Yelp, the BBB, and Google all have customer reviews that you should consider.  More importantly, first-hand, personal references are the best.  As for at least 3 past customers who you can call.  These references should be no older than 3 months.  Lastly, family and friends are another great sources of information, however, they won't always be available if they haven't used a tree service company recently.  

Written Quote

​Never accept a verbal quote.  You risk scope change and/or price escalation after the work is done.  Always insistent on a written estimate that details work scope and price.  A written estimate is also necessary to compare competing bids to ensure like-work has been bid.  Sometimes the scope of the work bid may vary from quote to quote, and you don't want to not be comparing apples-to-apples.

​Making a Decision and Other Advice

​Based on the above information, you should then be able to make an informed decision.  One word of caution is to be wary of a quote that is exceedingly low.  This is almost always a red flag as they either don't understand the nature of the work you want to be performed and/or are taking unnecessary shortcuts in the performance of the job.   Also, never put down more than 50% to the price, paying the balance only after the job has been completed to your satisfaction.  Unscrupulous tree companies have been known to only complete a portion of the job and then skilling out with your money if you paid 100% upfront.  

In following these simple guidelines you should have no problem in selecting a quality tree service company in the Lehigh Valley area.  Call Allentown Tree Service LLC for a quick, free quote for any tree service work you need.  We are confident we exceed all of the above criteria and more.