A Seemingly Great Deal Turned Costly

When Deidra Stephens needed a couple of trees removed from her backyard, she thought she had found the perfect deal. A tree service company offered to do the job at a discounted rate—if she paid in cash upfront. She was hesitant at first, but the representative was able to smooth-talk Deidra with exciting promises, luring her into a false sense of trust. And it was that sense of trust, combined with those shiny promises, that led Deidre to hand over $1,500.

 

What happened next is a nightmare scenario that too many homeowners face.

 

She was told the crew would arrive within a couple of days, but no one showed up. Days turned into weeks, and she started feeling uneasy about her decision. That’s when she decided to dig deeper into the company’s background. What she found was alarming: multiple lawsuits against the business, no verification of an active license, and no response to her repeated refund requests.

 

The Telltale Signs of a Tree Removal Scam

Unfortunately, Deidra’s experience isn’t unique. Scammers posing as tree service professionals often prey on homeowners—especially after storms, when damaged trees need immediate removal. Here are some common red flags to watch for:

  • Pressure to pay in cash upfront – Legitimate businesses typically accept various payment methods and don’t demand large cash deposits before work begins.
  • No verifiable credentials – Always check for a valid business license, and look at Better Business Bureau ratings before hiring a contractor.
  • Lack of a written contract – Any professional service should provide a clear, itemized contract outlining the scope of work, cost, and timeline. Ideally, the contract should come as an official document with the company’s letterhead. Text messages and vague email messages with no clear signatures shouldn’t cut it. 
  • Excuses and delays – Scammers often dodge questions, give vague timelines, or repeatedly reschedule to avoid completing the job.

 

How to Verify a Tree Service Company Before Hiring

Avoiding fraud starts with due diligence. Before hiring a tree removal company, take the following steps:

  1. Research the company’s reputation. Look for reviews on sites like the BBB, TrustDALE.com, and Google. If there are consistent complaints about unfulfilled services, steer clear.
     
  2. Verify licensing and insurance. A legitimate tree service company should be fully licensed and carry liability and worker’s compensation insurance (in Georgia, workers comp is required by law for companies with 3 or more employees). While you can verify whether a company has workers comp online, you’ll need to ask for proof of liability insurance coverage through a Certificate of Insurance or contact the company’s insurance company yourself to confirm coverage.
     
  3. Get multiple estimates. Comparing quotes from at least three different companies helps you identify any outliers that seem too good to be true. Don’t let yourself get pressured into making a deposit or signing a contract with one company before you make other comparisons–sure, getting the work done as soon as possible is great, but it could wind up being a big mistake.
     
  4. Ask for references. A reputable company will have no issue providing past client references or before-and-after photos of completed projects. Savvy consumers ask for references and project photos frequently, so a legitimate company will not put up a fuss about providing them to you in an efficient manner. 
     
  5. Never pay in full upfront. A reasonable deposit is standard, but be wary of companies that require large prepayments before starting work. Depending on the project, you can expect to pay a deposit of up to 50% of the final cost, but you should still make sure you understand the terms of the deposit AND have a copy in writing before any money is exchanged.

Holding Bad Actors Accountable

Consumer investigator Dale Cardwell confronted the company in question, presenting evidence that their insurance carrier had confirmed they were not insured to perform tree removal. The company’s response? A vague threat that their attorney would be in touch.

 

Situations like Deidra’s underscore the importance of choosing vetted professionals. At TrustDALE.com, every certified business is investigated for legitimacy and backed by the TrustDALE Make It Right Guarantee, ensuring consumers are protected from fraud.

 

Don’t Fall Victim to Tree Removal Scams

Tree removal is a significant investment, and rushing into a deal without proper vetting can lead to financial loss and safety risks. If you or someone you know needs tree services, take the time to research and verify before signing a contract.

 

Have you had a similar experience with a fraudulent contractor? Share your story in the comments to help others avoid the same mistake.