Why Cheap Tree Work Is Often the Most Expensive Option
When it comes to tree work, it’s natural to compare prices. Tree removal, pruning, or storm cleanup can feel like a big expense, and a lower quote can be tempting. But in tree care, cheaper upfront costs often lead to much bigger expenses down the road.
Here’s why the lowest bid isn’t always the best value and how to protect your property, your trees, and yourself.
Tree Work Is High-Risk by Nature
Tree care is one of the most dangerous trades in the country. Improper cuts, poor rigging, or lack of safety planning can lead to:
Property damage
Serious injuries
Failed removals that leave trees more dangerous than before
Professionals invest heavily in training, equipment, and safety systems. Those costs don’t disappear, they show up in the quality of the work.
Inexperience Shows Up Later
Cheap tree work often means:
No formal arborist training
Improper pruning that weakens trees
Topping or over-thinning that leads to decay
Trees that fail months or years later
The result? You pay again, sometimes much more, to fix the damage.
Insurance (or Lack of It) Matters
Licensed, insured tree companies carry:
Liability insurance
Workers’ compensation
Proper certifications
When a “cheap” contractor isn’t properly insured, homeowners can be left financially responsible if something goes wrong. What looked like savings can turn into a serious liability.
Shortcuts Cost Trees Their Lives
Many trees removed unnecessarily were actually salvageable. Without proper assessment, the default solution becomes removal, rather than preservation, pruning, or support systems.
Good arborists look for ways to protect healthy trees whenever possible.
True Value Is Long-Term
Professional tree care focuses on:
Tree health and longevity
Structural stability
Reduced storm risk
Protecting surrounding landscapes
When done correctly, you’re not just paying for a service—you’re investing in the future of your property.
What to Look for Instead of the Lowest Price
Before hiring a tree service, ask:
Are they an ISA Certified Arborist?
Are they fully licensed and insured?
Can they explain why they recommend a solution?
Do they prioritize safety and preservation?
Clear answers matter more than a cheap number.
Serving Western Maine with Care
From Lovell and Bridgton to Fryeburg, Denmark, Stoneham, Stow, and Sweden, Hutch’s Tree provides thoughtful, professional tree care rooted in experience and integrity.
When it comes to your trees, cutting corners usually costs more in the end.