Angie's LIST Guide to
Tree care and services

Trees will thrive as long as they are planted in the right location. A certified arborist can help determine what trees will work best in your yard -- and your geographic region -- and can help come up with a variety of trees to beautify your landscape.

Unfortunately, the most desirable trees grow slowly. In the eastern U.S., homeowners often plant silver maples because they grow relatively quickly. However, they also have shallow root systems that can damage patios, driveways and sidewalks. The wood is also less dense and therefore more prone to break during a storm.

Red oak and sugar maple trees, on the other hand, tend to hold up better -- but take longer to mature.

Pear, mulberry and other fruit-bearing trees should be kept away from driveways, patios and sidewalks because the fruit will be a nuisance and stain the pavement.

Disease resistance is another factor to consider, but difficult to predict with any certainty. Dutch elms died out by the millions in the mid-20th Century and in recent years ash trees have been devastated by infestations of the emerald ash borer.

Don't hire just anyone with a chain saw and a pickup truck. Here are some tips:

A tree service professional cuts down a 100-foot fir tree in a Washington homeowner's backyard. Removing the tree took two days and cost $5,000. (Photo courtesy of Ann Brokaw).

Decide what you need: Figure out what type of work you need done – trimming service only or do you have dead trees that need to be removed? The most important thing to look for is low hanging or dead limbs that can fall under the weight of severe storms. Low-hanging limbs can provide easy access to your attic for squirrels and other pests.

Don't procrastinate: If you have old trees or low-hanging limbs, don't wait until bad weather hits or you're going to wait a while for service. Taking care of the issue immediately can also save you from further costs.

Compare your options: Check Angie's List reviews to find the best tree service companies in your area. Customers give service providers letter grades (A-to-F) so you'll be able to pick an A-rated service. Discount coupons are often available to Angie's List members.

Check qualifications: Make sure the company is equipped to do the job you need done. For instance, if you need a large tree removed, are they experienced in stump grinding and other necessary aspects of the job?

Consider a certified arborist: If you have trees that are aged or diseased, an arborist can help determine what special care you might need to keep the trees and your yard in good shape.

Ask for proof of insurance: Make sure the company's policy adequately covers property damage and injuries that could occur on your property.

Disposal: Find out how the debris will be handled. Will the company remove it or are you responsible for removing it? Do you want the firewood and/or mulch?

Walk through the job: Have the contractor tag or walk through the yard with you so you know exactly what trees need work and what is being removed. Map out how the areas where the contractors will be working and how they will access those areas. Make sure you've cleared those areas of cars and other items to ensure nothing is damaged by falling limbs.

Put it in writing: Agree to the terms and details of the project, outlined in a contract, before any work is done.