Choosing a tree service in Northern New Jersey is a decision that can impact your property’s value and safety for years to come. While it may be tempting to choose the lowest bid or fastest available company, making the wrong choice can result in irreversible damage to your trees, expensive removals, or even liability issues if accidents occur.
Understanding what makes a qualified tree service – and knowing the red flags to watch for – will help you protect your landscape and trees.
Key Takeaways:
- In New Jersey, any tree service must register with the Board of Tree Experts and employ either a Licensed Tree Expert (LTE) or Licensed Tree Care Operator (LTCO), with LTEs qualified for more specialized work.
- When choosing a company, look for professional qualifications like ISA Certified Arborists, appropriate insurance coverage, and top-of-the-line equipment to guarantee quality and safety.
- Hiring an unqualified or disreputable tree service can lead to financial risks from uninsured damages, safety hazards from improper work practices, and long-term health consequences for your trees.
- A reputable tree service will provide detailed written quotes, carry both insurance and bonding, and have verifiable credentials you can check through the New Jersey Board of Tree Experts website.
- Working with a licensed and qualified tree service might cost more initially, but it will protect you from liability issues and ensure that your trees receive adequate care that will not damage them in the long run.
Why Does Proper Licensing Matter in New Jersey for Tree Care?
New Jersey has some of the strictest requirements for tree care companies in the country, and for good reason. Tree work is inherently dangerous and requires extensive knowledge of tree biology, physics, and safety protocols. Any contractor performing tree care services in New Jersey must register with the New Jersey Board of Tree Experts, but registration alone isn’t enough.
There are two different qualifications a tree care worker can earn, depending on the type of work they do. These licenses are:
- Licensed Tree Care Operator (LTCO): An LTCO performs services like pruning, removal, and stump grinding.
- Licensed Tree Expert (LTE): LTEs can perform more specialized work, such as hazard assessments, cabling and bracing, or consulting services.
“The distinction between LTCO and LTE is really important because many companies advertise by saying things like, ‘registered with the Board of Tree Experts,’ without actually holding the necessary qualifications to do the work they say they’ll do,” – Casey Walentowicz, owner of Aspen Tree.
PRO TIP: Check out our previous blog article to learn more about the difference between an LTCO and an LTE.
Due to the Tree Experts and Tree Care Operators Licensing Act, any company performing tree work must employ at least one LTCO or LTE, depending on the type of services they provide.
Look for a tree service that offers regular training to its staff.
Signs of a Reputable Tree Care Company
You shouldn’t settle for the first offer you see or for the first company that responds to you. Some of the ways to tell if a contractor is reputable and able to perform the work you need include:
- Professional Qualifications: Any tree service working in New Jersey should have an LTE or LTCO on its staff. You should also ask if it employs an ISA Certified Arborist and what training programs it offers to improve its staff’s knowledge and abilities.
- Proper Insurance Coverage: Even reputable tree services can have accidents that can cause damage or injuries. Ask to see a company’s certificate of insurance before hiring them for the first time.
- Top-of-the-Line Equipment: Having the right tool for the job helps make tree care more efficient and increases safety. Determine if a contractor has access to the right equipment for the job, whether that be a tree removal crane, bucket truck, or woodchipper.
- Detailed Quotes: A tree service should provide you with a detailed written quote explaining the job’s scope, how they plan to complete it, and the price. Avoid a company that tries to give you a verbal quote or remains evasive about the cost of the service.
3 Dangers of Hiring the “Best Deal”
Some homeowners try to save a few dollars by going with the cheapest option for tree care. However, you take numerous risks when hiring the cheapest tree care company possible.
1. Financial Risks
If a contractor does not have insurance and an accident occurs (such as when a crane fell on a house in Montville in late 2024), you may be responsible for paying to fix the damage or help with someone’s medical bills. Your homeowner’s insurance likely won’t cover these expenses.
You may also find yourself facing legal fines if the tree service company you work with does not obtain permits or obtains them improperly.
2. Safety Hazards
A reputable tree service will take all precautions to avoid any damage to your tree or the rest of your property. However, a disreputable contractor won’t provide its employees with the same training and equipment to mitigate the safety risk of the dangerous parts of tree care, such as removal and pruning.
3. Health Consequences for Your Trees
Not only will you pay the consequences of cheap tree care, but so will your trees. When you let someone who isn’t an LTE or LTCO work on your Northern New Jersey trees, they are in danger of suffering numerous long-term consequences. Some of the ways cheap tree care can harm your trees include:
- Improper or over-pruning of your trees
- Leaving your trees susceptible to insects and diseases
- Leaving a tree imbalanced from pruning, making it more prone to uproot during severe weather
- Killing a tree
If someone has done substandard tree work on your property, you may be facing the unfortunate reality of expensive tree removal and losing the benefits that trees provide.
A reputable tree service will likely have access to equipment like a tree removal crane.
Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing a Reputable Tree Service Company
We’ve compiled some of the most common questions about distinguishing a reputable tree service company from one that you should steer clear of.
Should I get multiple quotes for tree work?
Yes, we recommend getting multiple quotes for tree work before choosing a tree care company. You should compare the quotes and the scope of services to see which one best meets your trees’ needs.
What is the difference between bonded and insured?
Insurance covers the tree care company in case of accidents or damages, while a surety bond protects the client. If the company fails to complete the job or causes issues, the bond ensures the client is financially covered.
What recourse do I have if I’m unhappy with the work a company provides?
If a tree service company performs substandard work or damages your trees and property, you can file a complaint with the Board of Tree Experts. The Board will then investigate the matter; however, they can only take action on companies registered with the Board.
Can I verify if a company is actually licensed to work in New Jersey?
Yes, please visit the New Jersey Board of Tree Experts website and search their database of registered companies. You can verify credentials, as well as check if there have been any disciplinary actions against the company.
Aspen Tree Has the Proper Qualifications and Insurance for Tree Work in Northern New Jersey
When it comes to protecting your trees’ health and your property’s value, working with a licensed tree care company isn’t just a legal requirement in New Jersey – it’s an investment in your property’s future. At Aspen Tree Service, we combine our LTE credentials with decades of experience to deliver tree care that meets the highest professional standards.
Ready to work with Northern New Jersey’s leading tree care experts? Call us at 201-939-8733 or request a quote online today.
