Don’t Be A Victim Of Tree Removal Service Scams | Weatherford, TX
You may have a sick or damaged tree on your property that needs to be removed. Or maybe the tree is too close to a power line or in the way of new construction work. Whatever the reason, you will need a professional tree removal service provider to take care of it. Trees can be dangerous, and you should never attempt to cut a tree on your own.
Unfortunately, shady companies and scammers who want to take advantage of people have made it hard to find a reputable tree care company. The tree service industry has suffered a lot from fraudsters, and there have been cases where fraudulent tree service providers try to rip off innocent homeowners.
Often scammers will offer you a reduced price if you pay them upfront. Thinking they are saving money, many people fall for this trap. This is just one of the many signs you are dealing with a shady company. Watch out for more warning signs to avoid falling victim to tree service scams in Weatherford, TX.
Avoid Door-to-Door Salespeople
Some door-to-door contractors are scammers. They travel from town to town, conning unsuspecting homeowners, and mainly target seniors.
A legitimate tree removal service provider gets their customers through advertisements and referrals by satisfied customers. Additionally, peddlers need to obtain a license from the local authorities.
Confirm the Company’s License
Ask the tree removal service provider for their license. If they hesitate or take offense, run. Ensure you verify their license with the local license board and that it has not expired.
They should also have credentials from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), or another reputable trade association.
Verify Their Insurance
It is not enough if the tree removal service provider says they are insured. It would help if you asked their insurance agency for the certificates, as some companies can produce fake policies. Make sure they have both liability insurance and workers’ compensation.
Tree removal is a dangerous job, and if the workers are not insured, you might end up paying for damages to your property and injured persons.
Be Wary After a Disaster
Scammers take advantage of natural disasters to make easy money off desperate homeowners. A tree blocking the road or lying on your house will need immediate removal, and you might not have much time to decide.
Still, you will need to ask for a license and insurance if you opt for a door-to-door tree removal service provider.
Don’t Let Them Pressure You
Except during an emergency, removing a tree is not something you can decide on in the spur of the moment. There are a lot of factors that you will need to consider. Some localities also require you to obtain a permit to remove certain trees.
No good tree removal service would bug you to make a hasty decision. Take your time to research several companies and compare their prices and services.
Do Not Pay Upfront
Scammers will ask you to pay immediately, claiming the offer is only valid for a day or some other excuse. You should never pay upfront or pay a deposit. They might take the money, and you will not hear from them again.
Or they might not fully finish their job and leave the cleanup to you. Only pay when the job is completed, and you are satisfied with their work.
Avoid Falling for Low Prices
Tree removal is dangerous and takes a lot of work; sometimes, special equipment is needed to remove a tree safely. Anyone offering meager prices wants your money and may not have the experience or equipment necessary to do the job.
Avoid Overly Expensive Companies
The same goes for those charging extremely high fees. Ensure you get estimates from at least three or four tree removal service providers in your area. The quotes may differ depending on what services are included.
Prices will also vary depending on the type and size of the tree being removed. Make sure you only look for tree service companies around Weatherford, TX, and not from different states, as prices vary from place to place.
Check Their Reputation
A fraudulent contractor will not have a physical address or any online presence. Check for reviews from other customers and take note of complaints. Ask the tree removal service provider for references and how long they have been in business.
You might also find helpful information in your local community. The business should also be accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and have a good rating on well-known home improvement sites.
Only Settle for Written Estimates
Do not hire anyone who won’t give you a written contract. A written agreement will contain all the services you agreed on, the costs, and how long the job will take. Ensure it also details the cleanup process. Things like stump removal need to be mentioned. Don’t hesitate to ask them questions.
Be sure they are aware of any special requests and have them included in the contract. Since scammers want to make money as quickly as possible, they won’t take the time to give you a written quote and listen to your needs.
Report Scammers
If you come across a shady tree care company, report them to the local authorities and the Consumer Protection Division.
S&P Tree Service Is Your Trusted Tree Professional
Finding the right tree removal service provider can be a difficult task. But we are here to help. S&P Tree Service is a member of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), and our tree specialists are licensed, bonded, and insured. We take great care in providing quality services to all of our clients.
Besides tree removal, we also offer tree installations, tree care, 24/7 emergency services, and stump grinding. If you want to learn more about our services in Weatherford, TX, don’t hesitate to call us at S&P Tree Service today.