I’ve hired 6 different people/groups to remove trees on a number of occasions. All but one has come from Craig’s list.

The first question to a prospect should be if they are licensed businesses and have a bond or insurance in the event of a problem they cause. The 2nd question should be a request for proof of their bond/insurance. The next should be if they use a wood chipper or truck to haul everything away. They should have both.

When in doubt go with the people who contract to the power/phone line folks. They typically are highly reliable if at a premium cost.

Always put your instructions for their work in writing and walk them through what you want them to do.

As an aside I’m somewhere in the middle of a large tree removal project. This past winter there were 5 30’ to 40’ tall alders that came to rest on my mountain house’s roof, which was a fraction of 30+ trees that fell due to heavy snow fall over about a week. In total I will be removing and cutting up around 60-80 alders. I’ve completed 7 so far. Getting the ones off the roof without damage was a fun exercise in clever engineering.

It will take most of the summer and fall to complete the bigger project but what an awesome workout and when completed the house will get some afternoon sun for the first time in about 10 years, and i'll be burning alder in the fireplace for at least several years...

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Toyota is a leader only because their drivers block everyone behind them. Oh what a feeling.