At A-AAA Tree Service we believe in complete transparency, with full disclosure. Because of this, our customers know they can trust us, and that we give honest answers. This honesty has reinforced their confidence, allowing them to be comfortable asking us:

What questions should I ask when getting an estimate, so I can be sure I am making an informed decision that will protect me, as a consumer if a problem or situation occur?

1.    Always ask for a copy of any company’s Certificate of Insurance (COI)

a.    Make certain that the company performing your estimate has adequate insurance even prior to them stepping foot on your property.

b.    Ask to have your name and property listed as an additional insured.

            i.    You will not insult the company, we expect it, and appreciate it. This lets us know you are informed. COIs primarily come in the same format. Click here to see a copy of ours, so you know what format to be looking for.

ii.    Should you knowingly have work performed by an unlicensed/uninsured contractor, and something goes wrong, your home-owner's insurance may not be obligated to cover or pay for any damages incurred, leaving you the homeowner liable for damages to either the property and/or persons?

c.     Make certain the contractor you’re considering has enough coverage to protect you, and your property should something happen.

d.    What are the minimum coverage limitations a customer should be requesting from a tree company:

General Liability: required minimum limits of insurance.

$1,000,000 Each Occurrence, $2,000,000 General Aggregate

$2,000,000 Products and Competed Operations Aggregate

e.    Make sure the proposed contractor you are deciding to use has Workman’s Compensation Insurance.

f.      Do they use subcontractors? If so, make sure to ask for a copy of their certificate of insurance as well. At A-AAA Tree Service, we don’t use subcontractors so that we can maintain and manage our consistent level of quality control, as well as make certain everyone is insured.

            i.    Generally speaking, a subcontractor is not covered under the primary contractor’s Workman’s Compensation Insurance.

2.    Should you get multiple estimates? Absolutely!

With A-AAA Tree Service, estimates are always free, and there’s never an obligation.

3.    When comparing estimates, make sure you are comparing “apples-to-apples”, meaning the same scope of work.

a.    There’s a saying… “Fast, Cheap, and Good… pick two. If it's fast and cheap, it won't be good. If it's cheap and good, it won't be fast.

b.    The CHEAPEST Tree Removal Bid:

4.    Read the fine print of your estimate!

a.    Does the company guarantee their work?

b.    Does the proposed company accept responsibility for damages caused or is there a clause releasing them from damages caused (example, damage to sidewalk, driveways, pavement, and lawn) At A-AAA Tree Service we take pride in our work. Our goal is to leave your property in better condition than we found it. We take extreme caution to prevent any damage from happening, however, should damage occur, and sometimes it does, we do take responsibility for it. To mitigate any problems, we take photos/videos documenting the customer's property prior to beginning our work for both your protection and ours.

5.    Do I need to be home for the estimate?

a.    While we don’t require you to be present for the estimate, it is preferred, especially when it comes to trimming and pruning, as this work can be subjective.

b.    Tree removals and stump grinding are not as necessary to be present as this work is more specifically defined.

6.    How long has the company been in business? A-AAA Tree Service has been in business for over 2 decades and was founded by Tracy and John Sult. In August 2022, Marcee and Andrew Senker purchased the company, so that Tracy and John are now able to enjoy their retirement. Even though the ownership may have changed, our amazing staff that all our customers have grown to know, and trust have remained the same. 

7.    Do they have any violations against them with either MOSH/OSHA, Department of Natural Resources, or even the Department of Transportation? A-AAA Tree Service operates in full and complete compliance mandated by governing authorities.

a.    Often our competitors are forced to transfer ownership to different family members once they get too many citations or violations.

8.    Does the company have their own “Licensed Tree Expert” on staff, or do they rent one?

a.    In Maryland, the certification to operate a licensed tree Company is to have a “Licensed Tree Expert (LTE)” on staff. While being an “Arborist” might be a certification, by itself, it is not a recognized certification the Department of Natural Resource’s requires to operate a tree company. A-AAA Tree Service has 2 Licensed Tree Experts on staff, as well a 3^rd licensee, John Sult, one of the founders of A-AAA Tree Service acting as a consultant should the need arise.

Click here to see a copy of our LTE licenses. You can search in your web browser find a Licensed Tree Experts in Maryland. 

9.    Is Miss Utility required?

a.    Miss Utility is the law, and it is required for any digging or stump grinding. A Miss Utility ticket typically takes approximately 48–72 hours to clear from the time it gets submitted. Miss Utility protects both you and your contractor. Should a Miss Utility ticket NOT be pulled, both you and the contractor can be liable for any damages incurred, costing up to tens of thousands of dollars. If a ticket is pulled, and you’re given an all clear, then everyone is protected should a problem occur.

10.    If access to a neighbor’s property is required, make sure there is documented correspondence allowing permission, as well as confirming that your neighbor’s property is equally protected.

11.    Make sure your estimate clearly states, unless otherwise noted, that all debris is removed from the job site once the job is completed.

Lastly, and most importantly, if you don’t understand something, ask questions. We are here to help you understand. If we aren’t clearly explaining what we are saying, then we aren’t doing a good enough job!