Tree service quotes are among the most difficult for homeowners to evaluate because the work is technical, the quality indicators are invisible, and the price range for the same job can be enormous. A $400 quote and a $1,800 quote for removing the same tree can reflect very different insurance coverage, very different crew qualifications, and very different equipment — all of which are invisible until something goes wrong. Knowing what to ask in each quote makes comparison meaningful.

“When homeowners ask me why my quote is higher than the other one, I ask them two questions: did the other company show you their insurance certificate, and are they putting a certified arborist on the job? Most of the time, the answer to both is no. That’s where the difference is. It’s not in the wood chips.”

— Tomasz Kwiatkowski, ISA Certified Arborist and tree risk assessment qualified practitioner with 20 years of experience in residential and municipal tree management in the local area

Before Comparing Quotes

A tree arborist is cutting a branch.

Are you getting at least three quotes?

For any significant tree work — removal of large trees, work near structures, or comprehensive pruning — three quotes is the right minimum. The price and quality range is significant enough that fewer quotes give you insufficient basis for comparison.

Are all quotes based on the same scope?

Confirm each quote covers the same work: the same trees, the same pruning specification (percentage of crown to be removed, specific branches targeted), the same debris disposal, and whether stump grinding is included. A quote that excludes stump grinding and debris hauling is not comparable to one that includes them.

Questions About What’s Included

A skilled woman arborist cuts a large tree with a chainsaw outdoors, showcasing expertise in tree care.

Is debris removal and hauling included?

Wood chipping and debris removal is a significant portion of the job. Ask specifically whether all debris — wood chips, brush, logs — will be removed from your property, or whether material will be left behind.

Some homeowners want firewood from removed trees — ask in advance whether you can keep logs, as the crew may otherwise chip them.

Is stump grinding included?

Stump grinding is almost always a separate line item. Ask what depth the stump will be ground to — typically 15–20 cm below grade for standard stump grinding. Deeper grinding or complete stump and root removal costs more.

Will you rake and clean up the work area?

Stump grinding, wood chipping, and tree work in general generates significant debris — sawdust, wood chips, small twigs, leaf material. Ask whether the crew will rake and clean the immediate work area, or whether cleanup falls to you.

What happens if damage occurs during the job?

Ask specifically: if a branch damages my fence, roof, or garden during the job, how is that handled? The answer should reference their liability insurance and describe a clear process for reporting and resolving property damage.

Questions About Specific Scopes

For pruning: what percentage of the crown will be removed?

ANSI A300 standards generally recommend removing no more than 25% of a tree’s living crown in any one year. This is the professional standard for crown reduction and pruning. Ask what percentage of the crown will be removed and confirm it’s within ANSI A300 limits.

Also ask: will the pruning be targeted (removing specific dead, crossing, or structurally compromised branches) or reduction pruning (reducing the overall size of the crown)?

For removal: what is the plan for the felling or sectional removal?

For any tree removal near a structure, vehicle, or utility line, ask specifically how the tree will be brought down:

Straight felling: The tree is felled in a single direction. Requires adequate clear space. Not appropriate near structures.

Sectional (climbing) removal: The tree is removed in sections from the top down, with each section rigged and lowered by rope. More time-consuming and expensive, but necessary near structures, fences, and in confined spaces.

Ask which method is proposed and why it’s appropriate for your site conditions.

For stump grinding: how close to surface structures will you grind?

Stump grinders can damage pavement, patios, and other hard surfaces if not carefully managed near them. Ask how the crew will protect adjacent surfaces when grinding near them.

Questions About Payment

What is the payment schedule?

For tree work, payment at completion is the most common and most reasonable arrangement. Tree work is typically done in a single day (or a few days for large jobs), so there’s less need for milestone-based payments than in longer renovation projects.

Deposits above 25–30% are not standard for tree work. A company asking for full payment upfront for a significant tree removal should be viewed with skepticism.

Do you accept cheque or e-transfer?

Always pay by cheque or e-transfer. Cash-only tree services leave no paper trail and frequently have no insurance.

A Note on Post-Storm Emergency Pricing

After a major ice storm or windstorm, prices for tree service increase significantly due to demand. Some price increases are legitimate — crews work around the clock at premium rates during emergencies. Others are predatory.

Red flags in emergency pricing:
– Door-to-door solicitation in affected neighborhoods
– Full payment required upfront before work begins
– No written contract
– No insurance documentation provided

Even in an emergency, take the time to verify insurance before any crew touches your property. The damage from an uninsured crew is worse than waiting a day for a legitimate company.

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