Why Hiring the Wrong Tree Company Is a Real Risk
After every major storm in Florida, the same thing happens: out-of-state crews pour into the area, knock on doors, offer low prices, do questionable work, and leave before anything goes wrong. Some of them aren't even real businesses — no license, no insurance, no way to hold them accountable.
But storm chasers aren't the only problem. Even in normal times, Florida has a mix of legitimate tree companies and unlicensed operators who'll take your money without the credentials to back up their work.
Here's what you need to know before you hire anyone to work on your property.
Ask for Proof of Insurance (And Verify It)
This is the single most important thing you can do. If a tree service doesn't carry:
- General liability insurance (covers damage to your property if something goes wrong)
- Workers' compensation insurance (covers their crew if someone gets hurt on your property)
...you are personally exposed if something goes wrong. The worker who falls off a ladder and breaks his arm can sue you if the company doesn't have workers' comp. The crew that drops a limb on your neighbor's fence can leave you holding the bill if there's no liability coverage.
Ask for a certificate of insurance — not just a verbal assurance. A legitimate company will have this ready and will give you the name of their insurance carrier so you can verify it's current.
In Florida, Tree Service Licenses Matter
Florida does not require a separate "tree service license" per se, but there are related requirements depending on the work being done:
- Contractor licensing: Any tree removal that involves structural work on a building may require a licensed contractor.
- Arborist certification: An ISA Certified Arborist has passed exams and maintains continuing education on tree health and safety. Not required, but a sign of serious expertise.
- Business license: Any legitimate business operating in Florida should have a valid business license.
At minimum, verify the company is a registered business — not just a person with a truck.
Specific Questions to Ask Before You Hire
These questions separate companies that know what they're doing from ones that are making it up as they go:
"Are you licensed and insured?" The answer should be immediate and confident. If they hesitate, ask for the certificate.
"What does cleanup include?" Some companies remove the tree but leave the debris. Others chip and haul everything. Make sure you know what you're paying for before work starts.
"Do you use subcontractors?" Some companies take jobs and then subcontract them out. The people who show up may have nothing to do with the company you hired. That's not always a problem, but you should know.
"Can I see your equipment?" A real tree company has real equipment — chippers, stump grinders, appropriate climbing gear, aerial lifts or cranes for larger jobs. If someone shows up to take down a 70-foot pine with a chainsaw and a ladder, that's a red flag.
"What happens if there's damage?" Ask how they handle it if something goes wrong. A real company has a clear answer. The answer should involve their insurance carrier — not a vague "we'll take care of it."
Red Flags to Watch For
- No written estimate or contract. Any legitimate company will put the job in writing.
- Cash only. Reputable companies accept checks or cards.
- Extreme pressure to decide immediately. Scam artists create urgency. Real companies give you time to decide.
- Price that seems too low. If someone quotes half the price of everyone else, ask why. Low bids often mean cut corners — or a crew that will disappear if something goes wrong.
- Topping trees. If a company recommends "topping" a tree (cutting off the upper canopy to reduce height), run. Topping is bad arboricultural practice that weakens trees and shortens their lifespan. Legitimate companies don't recommend it.
What a Real Tree Service Looks Like
Reed Tree Service has served North Florida and South Georgia since the beginning. We're licensed and insured, we put everything in writing, and we stand behind our work. Our crew shows up with real equipment — including crane services for complex jobs — and we clean up completely when the job is done.
We give you a straight answer about what your tree needs, whether that's removal, pruning, or something else. We don't upsell, we don't pressure, and we don't disappear after we cash your check.
Call us at (850) 570-4074 for a free estimate. We serve Tallahassee, all of North Florida, and South Georgia communities including Thomasville, Cairo, Bainbridge, Valdosta, and Moultrie.
Request an estimate online — we'll get back to you the same day.