When talking about fly-by-night tree contractors, let’s talk about the definition of the word. Google defines fly-by-night as an unreliable, untrustworthy, or dishonest business or person likely to disappear, evade debts, or stop operating without notice. It implies shoddy work or scams where the operator flees to avoid angry customers or legal consequences. Here in this article, we will go over tips on how to spot these shady contractors. Don’t become a victim of these scams and read on to learn more.
How do Fly-by-Night Tree Contractors Operate
These tree contractors normally do not have insurance or no licenses to do work in Northern Virginia. They often go knocking on doors asking to give you an estimate. They might also ask for a large portion of the bill upfront. These contractors might start on the work the day of the estimate for them to never come back. We have seen it when going on estimates and hearing stories of the fly-by-night contractors. Also, these contractors don’t have the proper equipment for large removals. They usually show up with pickup trucks and chainsaws. When dealing with large removals make sure the company has the right insurance and licenses. Tree work is dangerous and things sometimes go wrong. Protect your property from these shady tree contractors, use companies with the right insurance and who are licensed.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
🚩 Door-to-door solicitation
🚩 “Too good to be true” pricing
🚩 No proof of insurance or license
🚩 Asking for full payment or large portion of bill upfront (especially cash)
🚩 No written estimate or contract
Risk of Hiring the Wrong Contractor
These tree contractors usually don’t have the training or experience to deal with trees in tricky situations. They could cause damage to your property, and you will never see them again. If the tree contractor doesn’t have workman’s compensation policy, you could be on the hook for any injury that happens on your property. Another risk is to your wallet, because if they leave you high and dry by leaving without completing the job. Make sure if you hire any company, make sure they have the right credentials.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Tree Contractor
- Are you licensed and insured?
- Can you provide references, recent jobs or reviews?
- What’s included in the estimate?
- Will you handle cleanup and debris removal?
- How long have you been operating in this area?
What Makes a Tree Company Reputable
One must be a little bit like a detective to find out if the company or contractor you are talking to is a legitimate business. Make sure they are licensed to do work in your area, by asking about their licenses. Also, check if they have updated proof of insurance and an up-to-date Workman’s Compensation policy. The company must have the right equipment because large trees are heavy and they require specialized equipment to get the job done right. If they show up with pickups to the jobsite to do the work, they might not be the right company. Make sure the company has reviews online. This will give you an idea of how the tree service operates. On the estimate, make sure you’re getting proper documentation of the job terms on the estimate. Also check on the removal of debris before signing or agreeing to anything. Debris removal is a large portion of the job on large tree removal.
What to Do to Not Get Scammed
- Avoid rushing into hiring the lowest price
- Contact a trusted, local tree service
- Get multiple estimates if possible
- Ask questions about insurance and licenses
- Think twice about tree contractors who knock on doors
AAA Tree Service has you covered when dealing with trees. We have been in business in Northern Virginia since the 80’s and we are still here focusing on leaving customers happy with the work we deliver. Need another estimate on tree work? We have you covered. AAA Tree Service is an award-winning tree service who has the right equipment, and everything is needed to get the biggest jobs completed. Call us to set up a free estimate or visit our estimate form on the website. We are ready to serve your landscape, just contact us. Don’t get burned by fly by night tree contractors.