By Stone Ridge Landscaping LLC — Emmaus, PA | May 2026
Pennsylvania has no licensing requirement for tree removal. That means anyone with a pickup truck and a chainsaw can legally advertise as a “tree service.” In 25 years serving the Lehigh Valley, we have seen homeowners pay for work that was done incorrectly, injuries that happened because a crew was not properly trained, and properties damaged because a company was not adequately insured.
Here is how to evaluate a tree service before you hire them.
1. Verify ISA Certification
Ask if they have an ISA Certified Arborist on staff. The ISA keeps a public directory at treesaregood.org/find-an-arborist where you can verify certification numbers. An ISA cert means the person making decisions about your trees has passed a rigorous examination — not just bought a domain and a Facebook ad.
2. Verify Insurance — Not Just Their Word
Ask for a Certificate of Insurance, not just a verbal claim. You want to see both general liability (covers property damage) and workers compensation (covers crew injuries on your property). If a crew member is injured on your property and the company does not carry workers comp, you could be liable. Do not skip this step.
3. Read Google Reviews Carefully
Look for reviews that describe specific work — not just “great job, very professional.” Look for mentions of cleanup, communication, whether they showed up on time, and how they handled problems. Patterns in negative reviews are more telling than individual complaints.
4. Get a Written Estimate
Any reputable company will provide a written estimate before work begins. Be skeptical of companies that give verbal quotes only or pressure you to sign immediately without allowing you to compare prices.
5. Avoid Topping Recommendations
Tree topping — cutting major branches back to stubs — is considered malpractice by ISA standards. It damages trees structurally and aesthetically. If a company recommends topping your tree rather than crown reduction or removal, find someone else.
6. Ask Where the Debris Goes
Some lower-cost companies dispose of brush and wood by dumping illegally. Ask where material is taken. A reputable company uses a licensed chipping and hauling service or on-site grinding.
Stone Ridge Landscaping has served Lehigh Valley homeowners for 25 years. We are fully licensed and insured in Pennsylvania. We welcome you to verify our credentials before hiring us — because that’s exactly what you should do with any tree service.