Family Looks Up and Down
For a Tree-Removal Service

Our backyard-remodeling project -- one of the biggest expenditures our family will make this year -- kicked off last week with the hiring of a tree service to remove a dying sycamore tree.

The backyard slopes steeply toward the house and driveway and erosion is claiming the life of the large old tree, which sits very close to our home. The sycamore has been around a long time -- it still holds the tire swing Gerry played on when he was a young boy growing up in what was then his parents' home. We'll be sad to see the old girl go, but the tree is dying, Gerry is sick of having to constantly clear leaves and branches from the gutters, and it's located in an area where we plan to place a patio walkway. In addition to removing the tree, we want two small, unattractive evergreen trees removed and need to have some old stumps grinded.

I'd like to say getting our project started this month was our idea, but it wasn't. We'd put off beginning the backyard remodeling for months while squabbling over the specifics. (Expensive in-ground pool or a reasonably priced hot tub?) Then a few weeks ago, as if to say, "Get on with it already!" the sycamore dropped an enormous limb that crashed onto our garbage containers, scaring the bejeezus out of us and creating an unholy mess. Since the tree hangs over our home and driveway, we need to get it removed before something else -- or one of us -- is harmed.

While we wanted to move quickly, I didn't want to make the same mistake we'd made six years ago, when we hired a tree service that I'd randomly chosen from the phone book. The contractor seemed competent enough as he gave us an estimate on the cost of removing a big oak that had been gutted by termites. His price: $1,000, excluding the removal of the timber. Friends of ours who'd had similar work done thought it sounded like a good price, so we hired the contractor without bothering to ask for references.

On the day of the removal, he showed up with two employees -- his teenaged son and another guy who appeared to be a day laborer. After two hours of sawing away there was an enormous crash, accompanied by what felt like a small earthquake. The trio had accidentally dropped a huge limb onto our newly paved asphalt driveway, leaving a deep hole about three feet in diameter. The limb had also badly damaged a smaller chestnut tree on the way down.

After the job was completed, I asked the contractor about reimbursing us for the damaged driveway. He refused -- we had never bothered to get anything in writing, so we had no legal recourse. After increasingly heated phone conversations he agreed to accept $750 as payment for the project, and Gerry patched the driveway on his own.

Sharon Lilly, a spokeswoman for the International Society of Arboriculture, says we got off easy: If the contractor wasn't properly insured, we could have been held responsible if any injuries had occurred during the job.

This time around, I was going to do my homework. I called a few friends and asked what tree-removal services they would recommend. With a list of three potential candidates, I called to set up appointments for free estimates. Two contractors called back promptly to set up appointments, while another needed to be called a second time.

Our first estimate went smoothly -- the contractor looked over the property and agreed the tree should be removed as soon as possible. Gerry showed him around the property, pointing out the various stumps to be grinded. After about 15 minutes he gave us an estimate of the cost: $1,150, excluding the removal of the timber. (Gerry actually enjoys chopping up timber, and we have lots of friends with wood-burning fireplaces who'd love to have it.)

We asked to see proof of insurance, which he provided. He was also a member of the Tree Care Industry Association. Since he'd been recommended by one of our friends, we didn't bother asking for references.

The contractor who took his time responding to my call was also late to the interview. After taking a quick look around he gave Gerry an estimate of $1,200. When Gerry said he'd get back to him, the contractor told my husband his schedule was tight and that he should decide quickly. Annoyed by the guy's tardiness and his attitude, Gerry didn't bother asking anything else and tossed the estimate in the garbage as soon as the guy drove away.

The third contractor arrived on time and examined the tree carefully. He explained to Gerry how he would remove the tree, and the possible dangers involved if the job is done improperly. He also showed us his proof of insurance and a trade-group affiliation, and gave us a list of references without our having to ask for it. His estimate: $1,200.

Afterward, he walked around our property and offered some helpful advice. We'd recently planted a young weeping-willow tree in an open area in the front of our property, where we figured it would have plenty of room to grow. The contractor advised my husband to remove it immediately, warning that when that fast-growing tree matures into a 70-foot monster, its roots will wreak havoc on our sewer lines. His willingness to take the time to offer advice for free won him points with Gerry.

Although the first contractor's bid was lower, we decided to go with the third contractor. He seemed more knowledgeable than the other two, and with the tree so close to our home we didn't want to take any chances.

Ms. Lilly of the International Society of Arboriculture says most reputable arborists ask their clients to sign a contract. "Be sure to read the contract carefully," she says. "Don't be afraid to ask questions, such as: When will the work be started and completed? Who will be responsible for clean-up? Is this the total price? If I would like more to be done, what is your hourly rate?" Also, never pay for services in full until the job is done.

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