When to call a tree company, and how to pick one

Fine to do yourself

• Pruning small branches you can reach from the ground with hand pruners or a pole saw
• Mulching and watering
• Picking up small fallen branches

Call a professional

• Any work that needs a ladder and a saw
• Limbs over the house, garage, driveway or a neighbor's property
• Anything near a power line (the utility handles lines themselves)
• Removing a whole tree, or grinding a stump
• A tree showing the warning signs, or one damaged in a storm

How to check a tree company

• Ask for current certificates of liability and workers' compensation insurance, sent from their insurer. A nice truck and an official-sounding name are not proof.
• Look for an ISA Certified Arborist on staff for pruning and tree health work.
• Get a written estimate that names the trees and describes the work, and compare two or three.
• Be wary of anyone who knocks on the door, pressures you to decide on the spot, or quotes far below everyone else.
• If they recommend topping, don't hire them.
• Ask for references and the company's full name, address and phone number, and check them.

How Show Me Tree Pros helps

Companies on Show Me Tree Pros carry labels, such as Vetted and Insured, for what we have checked ourselves; How vetting works explains each one. One request reaches several local companies, so you can compare written bids.