Tree work is one of the most dangerous trades in the country, and unfortunately it's also one of the easiest to fake your way into. A pickup truck, a chainsaw, and a Facebook page is all it takes to look like a tree company — and homeowners pay the price when something goes wrong on their property.
Before you sign any contract, work through this short checklist. It takes ten minutes and it can save you from a nightmare.
1. Verify the Tree Expert License. In Maryland, any company doing tree work for hire is legally required to hold a Licensed Tree Expert (LTE) number. Ask for it, then look it up on the Maryland DNR licensee database. Our license is LTE: 002779 — yours should be just as easy to verify.
2. Confirm both general liability AND workers compensation. General liability covers damage to your property. Workers comp covers injuries to the crew. If a company is missing workers comp and a climber gets hurt on your job, you can be personally liable for medical costs. Always ask for current certificates of insurance, not a verbal assurance.
3. Get the quote in writing. A real company will walk the property, point out the work, and hand you a written scope and price. Anyone quoting blind over the phone is either inexperienced or planning to upcharge once the chainsaws are running.
4. Ask how they handle cleanup. 'Full cleanup' should mean raking, blowing, and hauling — not a pile of chips left on your lawn. We include cleanup on every job unless you specifically ask us to leave wood for firewood.
5. Check reviews on multiple platforms. One glowing five-star Google profile with twelve reviews from last month is a yellow flag. Look for a track record across Google, Facebook, Yelp, and Angi over multiple years.
6. Trust your gut. If the crew arrives in unmarked vehicles, refuses to show paperwork, or pressures you to decide on the spot, walk away. Reputable companies are happy to give you time to think.
We're always glad to send our LTE number, insurance certificates, and recent references before you commit. Call (443) 206-3980 and we'll have everything in your inbox within the hour.
