How to Hire a Tree Service

The Local Knowledge Test

Ask: “What are the specific challenges for tree care in our Utah climate zone?”

What you should hear: Knowledgeable discussion of local species, soil conditions, elevation effects, and seasonal timing considerations. After decades of working throughout Utah’s diverse microclimates, we can tell you that tree care in Park City requires different approaches than work in West Jordan.

Warning Signs Based on Real Experiences

The Storm Chaser Pattern

We see an influx of out-of-state contractors after major storms, often with lower licenses standards from other states. These operators typically:

• Offer immediate service (legitimate local companies are usually busy with existing customer emergencies)
• Quote significantly below market rates
• Request full payment upfront
• Disappear after taking deposits

Our recommendation: Wait for local, established companies even if it means a longer timeline. Emergency stabilization is often sufficient until proper service becomes available.

The “While We’re Here” Upsell

Legitimate tree services assess your entire property and provide comprehensive estimates upfront. Be cautious of companies that discover “urgent additional work” once they’ve started.

From our experience: When we identify additional concerns during our initial assessment, we discuss them before any work begins. Surprises mid-job are rare and typically involve safety discoveries that require immediate attention.

Getting Estimates That Actually Protect You

Our Proven Estimation Process

After thousands of estimates, we’ve developed an approach that protects both homeowner and contractor:

1. On-site assessment: We photograph concerning areas and explain our recommendations in person
2. Written documentation: Every estimate includes specific tree locations, detailed scope of work, and clear pricing
3. Timeline clarity: We provide realistic scheduling that accounts for weather, permitting, and crew availability
4. Post-work expectations: We specify cleanup standards and follow-up care recommendations

Comparing Estimates Effectively

Look beyond price. We’ve seen homeowners choose low bids only to face:

• Hidden costs that emerge mid-project
• Damage to landscaping or structures
• Incomplete cleanup requiring additional expense
• Poor pruning that necessitates corrective work

Evaluate total value: Consider insurance coverage, cleanup inclusion, disposal methods, and warranty terms.

Utah-Specific Considerations We’ve Learned

Elevation and Species Expertise

Working from the Salt Lake Valley floor to mountain communities has taught us that altitude dramatically affects tree behavior. Cottonwoods near the Jordan River require different treatment than aspens in Park City. Generic approaches often fail.

Utility Coordination

Utah’s growing communities create complex utility interactions. We’ve developed relationships with Rocky Mountain Power and other utilities through decades of coordinating safely around power lines. This institutional knowledge prevents dangerous mistakes.

Seasonal Timing Insights

Utah’s extreme seasonal variations create optimal windows for different tree services. For example:

• Pruning deciduous trees: Late winter before bud break
• Conifer work: Late spring through early fall
• Emergency removals: Any time, with weather considerations

Companies without local experience often recommend inappropriate timing.

The True Cost of Quality

Investment vs. Expense Perspective

After decades of follow-up visits, we’ve observed clear patterns:

• Professional pruning typically extends tree lifespan and reduces future costs
• Proper removal techniques protect surrounding landscape and structures
• Quality cleanup prevents pest issues and maintains property aesthetics

Cheap often becomes expensive: We frequently provide corrective services for work performed poorly by low-bid contractors.

Emergency Response Value

Established local companies provide ongoing relationships valuable during storms or urgent situations. We prioritize existing customers during high-demand periods—a benefit you can’t get from transient operators.