How to Hire a Tree Service in Sioux Falls, SD

Quick Answer — How to Hire a Tree Service

To hire a safe, reputable tree service in Sioux Falls: verify insurance before agreeing to any work, get a written estimate, and avoid door-to-door solicitors after storms.

Always verify liability insurance AND workers' comp — ask for certificates
Get everything in writing — no verbal quotes
Avoid storm chasers who show up unsolicited after weather events
Check Google reviews and BBB rating before hiring
A reputable company never asks for full payment upfront

From our crew: After 14 years in Sioux Falls we've seen homeowners get taken advantage of — uninsured crews that cause damage with no recourse, verbal quotes that double at billing, and "storm chasers" who disappear after taking a deposit. The single most important thing you can do is ask for proof of insurance before any work starts. We provide it on every job without being asked.

1. Verify Insurance Before Anything Else

This is the most important step. Any tree company working on your property should carry both general liability insurance (covers damage to your property) and workers compensation (covers injuries to crew members on your property).

If a crew member is injured on an uninsured company's job and they don't have workers comp, you — the property owner — could be liable. Always ask for a Certificate of Insurance before work begins. Any legitimate company will provide one without hesitation.

2. Get Written Estimates

Never accept a verbal quote. Written estimates protect you from price changes at billing. The estimate should specify what is included: tree removal, stump grinding (or not), debris cleanup, and haul-away.

For large or complex jobs, getting 2-3 estimates is worthwhile. But price should not be your only criterion — the cheapest bid from an uninsured company can cost you far more if something goes wrong.

3. Red Flags to Watch For

No proof of insurance — Walk away immediately. This is non-negotiable.
Door-to-door soliciting after storms — "Storm chasers" move through areas after major weather events, often with no local presence or insurance.
Pressure to decide today — Legitimate companies don't need to pressure you.
Large upfront deposit — Normal is a small deposit or payment upon completion. Asking for 50%+ upfront is a red flag.
Unusually low bids — Very low prices often mean cut corners, no insurance, or surprise charges added later.
Topping trees — If a company recommends "topping" (cutting off the top of a tree flat), find someone else. Topping is harmful to tree health and not a recognized professional practice.

4. Questions to Ask Before Hiring

Can you provide a certificate of insurance?
Is this estimate written and complete?
What does cleanup include?
Does the price include stump grinding?
How long have you been operating in Sioux Falls?
Do you have Google reviews I can check?

Why Royal Tree Service Checks Every Box

Full general liability and workers compensation insurance on every job
Always written estimates — price agreed before work starts
Full cleanup included — we leave your property clean
Locally owned and operated in Sioux Falls
5-star Google reviews from real local customers
24/7 emergency response for storm damage

Get a Free Written Estimate 📞 (605) 610-8210

Common Questions

Hiring a Tree Service FAQ

How do I find a reputable tree service in Sioux Falls?

Look for a company that carries general liability insurance and workers compensation (ask for proof), provides written estimates, has local reviews on Google, and does not ask for a large deposit upfront. Be cautious of door-to-door solicitors, especially after storms.

What questions should I ask before hiring a tree company?

Ask: Are you insured? (Ask for a certificate of insurance.) Do you provide written estimates? What does cleanup include? Do you grind the stump or just cut the tree? How long have you been in business in Sioux Falls? Do you have local references?

What are red flags when hiring a tree service?

Red flags include: no proof of insurance, only offering verbal quotes, asking for full payment upfront, door-to-door soliciting after storms (storm chasers), unusually low bids, no local presence or reviews, and pressure to decide immediately.

Do I need multiple estimates for tree removal?

Getting 2-3 written estimates is a good practice for larger jobs. It helps you understand fair pricing and compare what is included in each quote. For small jobs or emergency work, one trusted local company is often sufficient.

How to Hire a Tree Service in Sioux Falls