How to Choose a Tree Service in Leander: 10 Questions to Ask First

Tree work is one of the few home services where a mistake can put a tree through your roof. Anyone with a chainsaw and a truck can call themselves a tree service, so it pays to ask a few questions before you hire.

10 questions to ask

1. Can I get the price in writing?

A real quote lists what's being done, tree by tree, and the total. Verbal prices lead to arguments.

2. What exactly is included?

Ask specifically about:

• haul-off of all limbs and wood,
• stump grinding (usually a separate line),
• cleanup (raking and blowing the yard, clearing the roof and gutters).

The cheapest quote often leaves one of these out.

3. How will you take the tree down?

For a tree near a house, fence or pool, it should come down in sections, lowered in a controlled way, not just dropped. Ask how they'll protect what's underneath.

4. Do you follow oak wilt rules?

For oaks, the answer should be: no pruning or wounding February through June except emergencies, and every cut gets painted. If they don't know what you're talking about, find someone else. See when to trim oak trees.

5. Will you top my tree?

The right answer is no. Topping (cutting a tree's crown back to stubs) damages trees and creates weak, dangerous regrowth.

6. Do you use climbing spikes on trees you're trimming?

Spikes are fine on a tree being removed, but they wound living trees. They shouldn't be used to trim a tree you're keeping.

7. What happens if something gets damaged?

Ask how they handle damage to your property, and get it in writing. Ask whether they carry liability coverage, and ask to see proof.

8. Who will be on the job, and who do I call?

You want one point of contact who answers the phone before, during and after the job.

9. Do I need a permit or HOA approval?

A good tree service will flag protected trees and remind you about HOA approval. See tree removal permits and HOA rules.

10. When will you start, and how long will it take?

Get a date. For non-emergency work, a reasonable wait is normal. Be wary of anyone who pressures you to decide on the spot.

Red flags

• Door-to-door after a storm, pushing you to sign today.
• Cash only, full payment upfront.
• No written quote.
• Recommends topping a healthy tree.
• Doesn't know about oak wilt.
• Price far below everyone else, with no explanation of what's included.

Frequently asked questions

What should I look for in a tree service? A written quote that lists removal, haul-off and stump grinding separately, a clear plan for protecting your property, knowledge of oak wilt rules, and one point of contact.

Is the cheapest tree service quote the best? Not always. Low quotes often leave out haul-off, stump grinding or cleanup. Compare what's included, not just the total.

Should a tree service top my tree? No. Topping damages trees and leads to weak, hazardous regrowth. Proper pruning is selective.

How do I avoid tree service scams after a storm? Get a written quote, don't pay in full upfront, get a local address and phone number, and avoid high-pressure, sign-today offers.

Ask us anything

Use the form below with photos of your trees. You'll get a written quote that spells out exactly what's included, and one person to call. More on our tree service.