Recent extreme weather conditions in Washington State have left many properties with damaged trees, creating new safety concerns for homeowners. The saturated soil from previous flooding has made even sturdy trees potentially unstable.
Beware of Uninvited Service Offers
In the aftermath of storms, when tree removal services are in high demand, consumer protection organizations caution residents against hiring companies that approach them unsolicited. These door-to-door operators often request cash payments upfront.
Kevin Brasler from Checkbook.org, a nonprofit organization that provides independent evaluations and pricing research, emphasizes the risks involved. "These people who go door to door, even if you have a tree lying across your yard and they'll offer to take care of it, don't hire these companies. They usually are con artists. They'll say, 'If you give me five hundred dollars, I'll be back with my crew — they're just around the corner.' You'll never see them again," Brasler said.
Even if the work is completed, hiring unqualified personnel could leave property owners liable for accidents or additional property damage.
Essential Hiring Guidelines
When selecting a tree service provider, experts recommend homeowners take proactive measures to ensure both safety and financial protection:
Obtain multiple estimates for comparison purposes. Research indicates that prices among qualified local companies can differ significantly for identical services.
Confirm that the company holds proper licensing and carries adequate insurance coverage, including both liability and workers' compensation policies.
Be cautious of requests for substantial upfront deposits. Most legitimate tree care businesses require payment only after completing the work satisfactorily.
Price alone shouldn't determine your choice. Neither the highest nor lowest bid necessarily reflects service quality.
Brasler advises that thorough research, careful comparison of options, and avoiding rushed decisions are crucial when hiring after storm events. Checkbook.org offers resources for finding reputable service providers, though some information requires subscription access.
