Questions to ask a San Diego tree service before you hire

Free checklist. Print it or keep it open on your phone during calls. A good tree service will be glad you asked.

Questions

1. What is your CSLB license number, and is it in the business name on this quote?
2. Are you covered by workers’ compensation, or do you have no employees (CSLB shows which)?
3. Who pulls the permit, and is it in the price?
4. Who will actually be on site, your crew or a subcontractor?
5. What is the payment schedule? (California caps the down payment at 10% or $1,000, whichever is less, on most home improvement contracts.)
6. What warranty do you give on labor, and who backs the materials warranty?
7. Can I see 2–3 recent local jobs like mine?
8. Is there an ISA Certified Arborist on the job?
9. Is stump grinding and chip/log removal included?
10. Do you carry liability insurance? Can I get a certificate naming me?

Check before you hire

• Check the license free on CSLB
• CSLB: home improvement contract rules (deposit, cancel rights)
• CSLB: Senior Scam Stopper

Write down the answers

Ask every provider the same questions, then compare side by side. If someone is vague on two or more, keep looking.

Next: red flags and what a fair quote includes · local prices

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