The Truth About Tree Trimming Scams

As a residential or commercial property owner, you may be aware of the many scams that are out there. One common scam is tree trimming. This is when con artists prey on property owners who may not be familiar with the process of tree trimming and pruning and offer to do the work. In this blog post, we will discuss how to avoid being scammed by tree trimming services. We will also provide tips on how to find a quality tree care service company and a Certified Arborist to do the job right.

With these tips and proper precautions, tree trimming scam artists will be barking up the wrong tree!

How do Tree Trimming Scams Work?

Fraudulent tree trimming and pruning companies will enter residential or commercial neighborhoods and look for signs of vulnerability. They’ll check for unkempt yards or landscapes, handicap-accessible tags or ramps, and elderly people doing yard work. They’ll also scour online ads requesting tree trimming services or landscaping. In a case with 10 co-defendants, a fraudulent tree trimming company took almost $400,000 from a single victim in over six years.

How Do I Know if a Tree Trimming Service is Legitimate?

Insurance policies

Some tree trimming and pruning services do not carry any liability or worker’s compensation insurance policies or do not have an adequate amount. This means you may have a lawsuit on your hands. Check with the insurance company to guarantee the company’s insurance is up to date.

Company certification

When a tree trimming company gives you an estimate, request to see their certification. Often, tree service companies claim to be certified but are not. Follow up with your state’s certification board to ensure their certification is current.

Reputation

A company’s reputation is everything. Be sure to research the company, read reviews and ratings, and ask them for references to verify the validity of their tree care services. You can also contact the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if they have received complaints against the company.

Price

Be wary if tree service companies provide an estimate that is either too low or too expensive.

If the price is too good to be true, it often is. Companies may not have been in the industry for very long or may lack the proper certifications, experience, and insurance, meaning if an accident were to happen, you would be responsible for the repercussions.

If the tree care service asks for an exorbitant amount, avoid them at all costs. They may be overcharging you because they’re using unnecessary equipment or sending out too many employees for the job. If you’re unsure how much you should pay for tree trimming and pruning, get multiple estimates and calculate the average.

Payment

You should never pay upfront for any type of tree trimming and pruning service, as it is not guaranteed they will follow through. Only pay after the service is completed and you are satisfied with the results.

Door-to-door contractors

Do not ever conduct business with door-to-door contractors for projects like tree trimming and pruning. They are often frauds. Con artists will look at tell-tale signs of easy victims. They’ll take advantage of an area that experienced a natural disaster, look for handicap-accessible properties, people doing their own landscaping work, and senior citizens. This is when people are the most vulnerable and easiest to fall victim to tree trimming and removal scams. Always choose reputable local tree service companies to ensure the best results.

Why TreeNewal?

An inexperienced tree trimming service company may lack the required skills of an ISA Certified Arborist. They may trim or prune trees improperly, leading to long-term issues, unsightly limbs, safety hazards, and potentially decreasing your property value. Some tree trimming scam companies may not even complete the job at all.

That’s why it is paramount that you choose a local, well-respected tree care service for your tree trimming needs. TreeNewal Certified Arborists use modern tree trimming techniques to promote the overall health of your trees. We ensure that each cut enhances tree health while adding aesthetic value to your commercial or residential property. For unique tree trimming and pruning requirements, our tree surgeons consult on the best strategy to achieve optimal tree health and disease management and resolve any growth issues. We are proud to be one of the highest quality tree trimming services in Dallas/Fort Worth.

For all your tree trimming and pruning needs, contact TreeNewal for expert advice and service by our ISA Certified Arborists.

To learn more about The Truth About Tree Trimming Scams, call our Argyle and Southlake-based teams

at (817) 592-6846 or send us a message.

We’re a little different than the average tree services company.

Learn more about TreeNewal’s ISA Certified Arborists!

Our Dallas/Fort Worth-based tree doctors can explain how sustainable tree care services add more value to your bottom line.

Healthy trees, healthy lives.