Before hiring a tree service company, ask these key questions.
Your trees represent significant financial and aesthetic value to your Twin Cities property. Mature specimens can add thousands of dollars to home values while providing shade, privacy, and environmental benefits. Yet when trees require professional care—whether routine maintenance or emergency removal—many homeowners struggle to evaluate tree service providers. The consequences of choosing the wrong company can be devastating: property damage, personal injury, dead or disfigured trees, and unexpected costs that dwarf initial estimates.
At Minnesota Landscapes, we've been providing expert tree care services across White Bear Lake, Edina, Mendota Heights, and throughout the Twin Cities since 1996. Our founder, Rick Bliss, is a former Master Gardener and Certified Arborist who built our company on the principle that homeowners deserve transparent, professional tree care from credentialed experts who prioritize safety, tree health, and customer satisfaction.
This comprehensive guide provides the critical questions every Twin Cities homeowner should ask before hiring a tree service company—questions that will help you identify qualified professionals while avoiding costly mistakes.
This is the single most important question to ask any tree service provider. The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist credential represents the gold standard in professional tree care. This certification requires rigorous testing on tree biology, diagnosis, maintenance practices, safety procedures, and ethical standards. Certified Arborists must also complete ongoing continuing education to maintain their credentials.
Why This Matters: Tree care is complex, requiring understanding of plant physiology, disease identification, proper pruning techniques, and safety protocols. An ISA Certified Arborist has demonstrated knowledge that protects both your trees and your property. Non-certified individuals may use improper techniques that damage or kill trees, create safety hazards, or void warranties.
What to Look For: Ask to see the arborist's certification card or verify credentials through the ISA website. At Minnesota Landscapes, our team includes ISA Certified Arborists, and we're proud to display our credentials because they represent our commitment to professional excellence.
Beyond Basic Certification: Additional credentials that indicate advanced expertise include:
Our Operations Manager, Rick Morrison, holds ISA, ICPI, PLT, and Pesticide Applicator certifications—a combination that ensures comprehensive expertise across all aspects of landscape and tree care.
Tree work is inherently dangerous. Equipment failures, falling branches, and unexpected tree behavior create significant risks to property and people. The insurance question isn't optional—it's absolutely critical for your financial protection.
Required Coverage: Reputable tree service companies must carry:
What to Request: Don't just accept verbal assurances. Request certificates of insurance from both liability and workers' compensation carriers, and verify these documents are current. The certificates should list adequate coverage limits—minimum $1 million general liability is standard for professional tree services.
The Risk of Uninsured Companies: If an uninsured worker is injured on your property, your homeowner's insurance may become the primary coverage—potentially resulting in devastating financial consequences. Property damage from uninsured companies leaves you with no recourse for repairs.
At Minnesota Landscapes, we maintain comprehensive insurance coverage and provide certificates upon request. Our commitment to safety and professional operation means you can have complete peace of mind when we work on your property.
Minnesota's trees face region-specific threats that require specialized knowledge. Your tree service provider must understand these diseases, their identification, treatment options, and prevention strategies.
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB): This invasive insect has devastated ash tree populations across Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, EAB now affects most Twin Cities counties. Professional tree services must be able to:
Oak Wilt: This devastating fungal disease can kill oak trees within weeks and spreads through root grafts to nearby trees. Professional arborists must understand:
Other Regional Concerns: Knowledgeable arborists should also be familiar with:
Red Flags: Be wary of companies that can't discuss these issues knowledgeably or that propose treatments inconsistent with University of Minnesota Extension recommendations. Our certified arborists stay current on emerging threats and evidence-based treatment protocols through continuing education and professional development.
Professional tree work requires strict safety protocols and appropriate equipment. This question protects both workers and your property.
ANSI Standards Compliance: Reputable tree services follow American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A300 standards for tree care operations and Z133 standards for safety. Ask companies if they follow these industry standards.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): All workers should use:
Equipment Standards: Professional tree services maintain commercial-grade equipment including:
Site Safety Protocols: Ask about procedures for:
At Minnesota Landscapes, safety isn't just a priority—it's a core value. Our team receives regular safety training, and we never compromise on protocols regardless of project scope or timeline pressures.
Professional tree services provide written estimates that clearly detail all work to be performed. Verbal estimates or vague descriptions are red flags.
Essential Estimate Components:
Red Flags in Estimates:
Added Value: The best companies go beyond basic estimates to educate homeowners about tree care. Our team at Minnesota Landscapes provides estimates that explain why work is needed, how it benefits tree health, and what homeowners can expect as results.
Pruning technique separates professional arborists from "tree trimmers" who may seriously damage your trees. This question reveals technical knowledge and ethical standards.
Proper Pruning Practices: Professional arborists follow ANSI A300 pruning standards which specify:
Tree Topping—A Dangerous Practice: Tree topping (cutting main leaders or branches to stubs) is considered malpractice by professional arborists. Topping:
What to Listen For: Professional arborists explain pruning objectives—improving tree structure, reducing hazards, maintaining health—rather than simply "cutting it back." They can articulate why specific branches should be removed and how pruning supports long-term tree health.
If a company proposes topping or uses terms like "we'll whack it back" or "cut it way down," immediately seek other providers. These practices may provide short-term height reduction but guarantee long-term problems.
Our team approaches every pruning job with tree health as the primary objective, using techniques that maintain natural form while addressing homeowner concerns about size, clearance, or view obstruction.
Past performance indicates future results. Reputable tree service companies happily provide references and can show examples of completed projects.
What to Request:
Questions for References:
Community Reputation: Long-established local companies have reputations to protect. At Minnesota Landscapes, we've served Twin Cities communities since 1996, building relationships across Woodbury, Apple Valley, Cottage Grove, and throughout the metro. Our work in neighborhoods from Minneapolis to Afton speaks to our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
Warning Signs:
The best tree service providers offer complete tree health management, not just reactive services when problems become critical.
Comprehensive Services Should Include:
Tree Health Assessment: Regular evaluation of tree condition, growth patterns, and potential issues before they become serious
Disease and Pest Management: Identification and treatment of common Minnesota threats including Emerald Ash Borer, Oak Wilt, and other diseases
Fertilization Programs: Soil testing and nutrient supplementation to maintain tree vigor
Cabling and Bracing: Structural support systems for trees with weak attachments or split leaders
Lightning Protection: Installation of systems protecting valuable specimens
Seasonal Care: Understanding optimal timing for different services (dormant season pruning, growing season treatments)
Emergency Response: Availability for storm damage and hazardous tree situations
At Minnesota Landscapes, our comprehensive approach means we can serve as your long-term tree care partner rather than just responding to emergencies. This proactive approach often prevents expensive problems while maintaining tree health and property value.
Understanding scheduling and problem-solving approaches helps set realistic expectations.
Timeline Considerations:
Communication Expectations: Professional companies:
Problem-Solving Approach: Ask how companies handle unexpected issues:
Our team at Minnesota Landscapes prides itself on clear communication and professional project management. We set realistic expectations upfront and keep clients informed throughout every project.
Single-service providers focus on immediate jobs. True tree care professionals think long-term about tree health and property value.
Ongoing Care Benefits:
Preventive Maintenance: Regular inspections catch problems early when treatment is simpler and less expensive
Optimized Timing: Scheduled services occur at ideal times for tree health (dormant season pruning, appropriate treatment timing for pests and diseases)
Cost Predictability: Maintenance programs often include preferred pricing and priority scheduling
Relationship Benefits: Ongoing relationships mean the arborist knows your trees' history, previous treatments, and specific site conditions
Comprehensive Approach: Programs can include pruning, fertilization, pest monitoring, disease treatment, and seasonal adjustments
Customized Plans: Every property has unique needs based on tree species, age, site conditions, and homeowner goals. Quality companies develop tailored programs rather than one-size-fits-all packages.
At Minnesota Landscapes, we offer customized tree care programs for clients across St. Paul, Eden Prairie, Eagan, and throughout the Twin Cities. These programs include regular assessments, seasonal maintenance, priority emergency response, and preferred pricing—providing comprehensive care that maintains tree health and property value year-round.
Certain warning signs should immediately disqualify tree service companies from consideration:
Door-to-Door Solicitation: Legitimate companies are busy with scheduled work and don't need to cold-call neighborhoods
Out-of-State Plates: "Storm chasers" follow severe weather, perform substandard work, and disappear when problems arise
No Physical Address: Companies should have verifiable business locations, not just cell phone numbers
Pressure Tactics: Claims that trees are "dangerous" and require "immediate" work should be verified by independent arborists
Unrealistic Promises: Be skeptical of guaranteed growth rates, promises trees won't die, or claims of miracle treatments
Cash-Only Operations: Legitimate businesses accept standard payment methods and provide receipts
No Written Contracts: Professional services always provide written agreements
Trimming "Specialty": Terms like "we only do removals" or "we specialize in topping" indicate lack of proper training
When Twin Cities homeowners need tree services, they choose Minnesota Landscapes because we provide:
Credentialed Expertise: ISA Certified Arborists with Master Gardener backgrounds and decades of experience
Comprehensive Services: From routine pruning to emergency storm response, disease management to new tree selection and planting
Safety-First Operations: Full insurance coverage, ANSI standards compliance, and rigorous safety protocols
Local Knowledge: Nearly 30 years serving Twin Cities communities means deep understanding of regional tree species, threats, and optimal care practices
Transparent Pricing: Detailed written estimates with clear scope of work and no hidden fees
Professional Communication: Responsive, clear communication from first contact through project completion
Quality Assurance: Work performed to highest professional standards with attention to both tree health and property protection
Long-Term Relationships: Many clients have worked with us for years, trusting us to maintain their landscape investment
Comprehensive Landscape Services: Beyond tree care, we offer complete landscape design, patio and paver installation, exterior lighting, and maintenance—allowing coordinated care of your entire outdoor environment
While cost certainly factors into hiring decisions, the cheapest bid rarely represents the best value. Consider:
Risk Mitigation: Properly insured, credentialed professionals protect you from potentially devastating liability
Tree Health: Proper pruning techniques maintain long-term health and property value; poor techniques create expensive problems
Safety: Professional operations protect both workers and property; amateur work creates hazards
Efficiency: Experienced crews complete work faster and with less disruption
Results: Quality workmanship provides lasting benefits rather than short-term fixes requiring frequent re-work
Peace of Mind: Working with established, reputable companies means knowing work will be completed as promised
Now that you understand the critical questions to ask, you're equipped to make informed decisions about tree service providers. Don't wait for emergency situations to force rushed decisions—proactive tree care prevents problems and maintains property value.
Whether you need routine maintenance, have concerns about specific trees, or want to develop a comprehensive tree care program, the team at Minnesota Landscapes is ready to help.
Our comprehensive tree services include:
Contact us today at 651-457-0000 or info@minnesotalandscapes.com to schedule your tree care consultation. Our ISA Certified Arborists will assess your trees, answer your questions, and provide detailed recommendations for maintaining their health and beauty.
Serving homeowners across the Twin Cities including White Bear Lake, Shoreview, Rosemount, Dellwood, Woodbury, Apple Valley, Eden Prairie, Edina, Minneapolis, Mendota, Mendota Heights, Eagan, St. Paul, Cottage Grove, and Afton.
Your trees are valuable assets deserving professional care. Make the choice that protects both your property and your peace of mind.
