6 Essentials Every Homeowner Should Check Before Hiring a Tree Service Company

Hiring a tree service in the Western Cape isn’t just about who can cut branches the fastest. Trees are part of your home’s long-term value, but they can also become liabilities if handled poorly.

Too many homeowners here have been burned by the “bakkie brigade”; contractors who arrive with a chainsaw but no training, no insurance, and no respect for your property. The result? Damaged gardens, unsafe trees, or legal headaches.

Before you hire anyone, check these six essentials. They’ll help you separate the professionals from the pretenders and make sure your trees (and property) are in safe hands.

1. Experience That Matches Your Trees

Not all trees, or jobs, are the same.

Pruning an indigenous Milkwood requires a different approach than dismantling a Blue Gum leaning over a roof.

A professional tree service should demonstrate specific experience with your type of job.

Ask questions like:

• Have you handled large removals in residential areas?

• Do you know how to prune this species without stressing it?

• How do you deal with roots near foundations or pipes?

What you want to hear: specific examples, recent jobs, and a clear understanding of local tree species.

Red flag: vague claims like “We’ve been doing this for years” with no concrete detail.

2. Insurance That Protects You

Tree work is one of the most dangerous trades in the world.

If something goes wrong; a branch through a roof, an injury on-site, you don’t want to be the one footing the bill.

A legitimate tree company should carry:

• Public liability insurance (covers property damage and injury)

• Workers’ compensation / COIDA letter of good standing

Always ask to see proof of both, and check that it’s valid.

Red flag: “Don’t worry, nothing goes wrong with us.”

3. Reputation You Can Verify

Reputation is earned through consistency; showing up on time, respecting clients’ space, and leaving a property cleaner than they found it.

Don’t just trust a slick website.

Here’s what to do:

• Check recent Google reviews (not ones from years back).

• Ask for local references you can actually phone.

• Look for before-and-after photos of real work.

Red flag: hesitation to provide references, or a pattern of complaints about mess and unreliability.

4. A Full Range of Tree Care Services

Many “tree guys” specialise in one thing only: cutting down trees. But responsible tree care involves far more.

A proper arborist should be able to:

• Inspect and assess tree health

• Prune for structure and safety

• Remove dangerous or unwanted trees

• Grind stumps and manage roots

• Handle storm damage and emergencies

• Advise on planting and long-term care

What you want: a company that prioritises tree health first, removal last.

Red flag: a one-size-fits-all approach of “cut it down.”

5. Safety First, Every Time

Tree care is high-risk work. A professional team takes safety as seriously as the job itself.

That means:

• Crew in full PPE (helmets, visors, chainsaw protection)

• Proper rigging gear to lower branches safely

• Clear safety protocols for each site

• Ongoing staff training in safe climbing and dismantling techniques

What you want to hear: a confident explanation of their safety process.

Red flag: “We’ve never had an accident”, usually code for cutting corners.

6. Transparent Quotes and Cleanup Commitments

A handshake or verbal promise isn’t enough.

A professional company should give you a detailed written estimate, outlining:

• The exact scope of work

• Costs and possible variables

• Timeline for completion

• Cleanup commitments

And yes, cleanup matters. Tree work creates tonnes of debris. You should know upfront if branches will be chipped, mulched, or hauled away.

What you want: itemised clarity and a guarantee of a clean job site.

Red flag: “We’ll see on the day” or “You can deal with the waste.”

Quick Reference: 6 Essentials to Check

Essential	What You’re Looking For	Red Flag Answer
Experience	Specific jobs, local species	Vague years in business
Insurance	Liability + COIDA cover	“Don’t worry, nothing happens”
Reputation	Recent reviews + local references	No references given
Services	Full care: prune, remove, advise	“We just cut trees down”
Safety	PPE + rigging + training	“Never had an accident”
Quotes & Cleanup	Itemised + tidy site	Verbal promises only

What We Tell Our Clients

The wrong contractor can leave you with unsafe trees, damaged property, or legal risk. The right arborist gives you peace of mind: safe, professional work carried out with respect for your home, your trees, and your time.

At Overberg Arborists, we make it simple:

• Proof of insurance with every job

• Trained crews who respect the biology of each tree

• Transparent written quotes with no hidden extras

• A clean, tidy site when we leave

Our team uses the right equipment, respects the biology of each species, and leaves zero mess behind.

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