The True Cost of Cheap Tree Work: Why Long Island Homeowners Are Paying Double for Cut-Rate Services

When Cheap Tree Work Costs More: Why Long Island Homeowners End Up Paying Double for Cut-Rate Services

Every homeowner loves a good deal, but when it comes to tree services, that bargain-basement quote could end up costing you thousands more than you bargained for. The truth is, a cheap tree removal service could end up costing you big time. Long Island homeowners are discovering this harsh reality as they’re forced to pay twice—first for the cheap service, then again to fix the damage or complete the job properly.

The Hidden Dangers of Uninsured Tree Services

One of the most devastating costs of hiring cheap tree services is the insurance liability that homeowners unknowingly assume. Tree work coverage is costly (which is not surprising, given the dangerous nature of the work). To cut costs, some companies doing tree work choose to classify themselves as landscapers instead (or forgo workers’ compensation entirely). They can then pass the cost savings on to you in the form of a lower price for tree work. But don’t be fooled – they’ve really passed the risk on to you!

Without the correct type of workers’ compensation coverage, the business owner is legally required to pay for work injuries to any crew members. And if they can’t or won’t? As the property owner who hired the company, you are on the hook. While you can sue the company to recover damages, you’ll still have to pay for the injured person’s medical bills, lost wages, and other costs associated with the injury until the case is settled.

You will be held liable as the default employer and be responsible for the medical bills, prescription drug costs, pain and suffering, and all of this will be to the tune of hundreds of thousand and possibly millions. It happens to somebody daily. The tree care industry has more fatalities and injuries than any other industry in the USA and you hired an under experienced crew with no workers comp and overpaid.

Poor Workmanship That Damages Your Trees

Cheap tree services often employ untrained workers who can cause irreversible damage to your trees. The International Society of Arboriculture says that 9 out of 10 times a tree crew is hired for trimming, the tree will be trimmed incorrectly. Incorrect trimming can severely harm and even kill a tree. An ISA Certified Arborist should be the one to determine what pruning needs the tree has, how and when it should be done, and what qualifications are needed on the crew.

Most tree companies are pruning entirely too mush out of the tree. It may look like you received more for your money but actually they just caused your tree to go into shock. Next year when your tree is the wrong color you may end up needing the services of a diagnostic arborist to help rehab the tree. This is a hidden cost of cheap service.

For example, maybe they used an outdated practice called tree topping that some uninformed tree companies still use. Or, maybe they made another pruning mistake such as Lion’s Tailing. There are many ways that an uneducated, cheap tree removal service can end up doing more harm to your trees than good.

The Time Cost of Unreliable Service

Beyond the financial implications, cheap tree services often waste your valuable time. Competitor B uses unskilled day labor that is unreliable so instead of having a competent 5 man crew they show up with 2-3 people. So this one day job now takes 2-3 days. How much is your time worth?

Long Island homeowners frequently report having to take multiple days off work, rearrange schedules, and deal with incomplete jobs that drag on far longer than promised. When you factor in lost wages and the inconvenience, that “cheap” service becomes very expensive indeed.

Why Professional Tree Services Cost More (And Why It’s Worth It)

Because tree work can be hazardous, qualified companies will have expensive liability insurance to protect the homeowner’s property, as well as workers’ compensation insurance to help cover injuries sustained by the crew, should they occur. You get what you pay for and this includes tree care as well! If you select a company that is less expensive, they may not carry insurance which leaves the tree owner at a high risk of having to pay damages several times the original job estimate, if something goes wrong. Always check with your tree care company to be sure they can validate proper insurance before starting tree work.

Tree service contractors and businesses pay an average of $138 per month, or $1,651 per year, for general liability insurance (sometimes called public liability insurance). General liability insurance covers common landscaping risks, including third-party property damage and bodily injury. For example, if a tree trimmer damages a homeowner’s window while cutting down a tree branch, a general liability policy would cover any resulting legal expenses.

What Long Island Best Tree Service Does Differently

When choosing a tree company long island homeowners can trust, Long Island Best Tree Service stands out by prioritizing safety, quality, and transparency. Safety is always our top priority, and we go to great lengths to ensure the safety and security of your property. You can always expect to pay a fair price when you work with us; in fact, we offer some of the most affordable tree care rates in the area! The price we say is the price you’ll pay; we’ll never hit you with unexpected fees or hidden charges.

We have 20+ years of experience in providing high-quality residential and commercial tree services. We are reliable and punctual, ensuring that we arrive on time and complete the job within the agreed-upon timeframe. We believe in transparent and competitive pricing and work with you to ensure you receive the best value for your money.

We are a full-service Long Island tree company that has been providing top-notch residential and commercial tree services for the homeowners and business owners across Long Island, New York City, Brooklyn, and the Bronx for more than 20 years. We truly are experts in the industry. Our team of technicians receives extensive training to ensure that they deliver outstanding results. We use the highest quality tools and equipment and have the knowledge and skill to deliver fast, reliable results.

Red Flags to Watch For

To avoid becoming another victim of cheap tree service scams, watch for these warning signs:

  • Beware of the lowest quotes that may signal low-quality work. Never pay in full upfront.
  • Companies that can’t provide current insurance certificates
  • Door-to-door solicitors offering immediate services
  • Crews using residential-grade equipment for commercial jobs
  • Workers without proper safety equipment or training
  • Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for a cheap tree removal service to hire a “cheap worker.” They might be paid cash under the table and are not properly insured. Any money that you might have saved (and much more) could be lost if an accident occurs.

The Smart Investment Approach

In the end, it’s worth it to pay a little bit more for quality work as well as peace of mind that everything is going to be completed just right. When you invest in a reputable tree service company, you’re not just paying for tree removal or trimming—you’re investing in proper insurance coverage, trained professionals, quality equipment, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing the job will be done safely and correctly the first time.

At the end of the day, it’s simply not worth the risk that is associated with cheap tree removal. Any benefit that you might gain in saving a few bucks can quickly be lost if there’s an accident or if further work still needs to be performed.

For Long Island homeowners, the choice is clear: invest in quality tree services upfront, or risk paying double—or more—when cheap services inevitably fail to deliver. Your property, your safety, and your wallet will thank you for making the smart choice from the start.