How to Choose a Tree Service Company in Boise
Quick answer: Before hiring any tree company in Boise, get proof of liability insurance and a written quote that says what's included. Check any ISA certification the company claims. If the work involves a street tree, confirm the company holds a City of Boise tree pruning or removal license. Tree work is dangerous and mistakes are expensive, so a few minutes of checking is worth it.
1. Ask for a certificate of insurance
Ask for a certificate of general liability insurance before work starts, and check the policy dates. If a crew damages your house, fence or a neighbor's property, this is what pays for it. For comparison, Boise requires at least $500,000 of liability insurance from companies licensed to work on public trees.
2. Check Idaho contractor registration where it applies
Idaho requires contractors to register for construction jobs over $2,000 (materials and labor), unless an exemption applies. Whether a particular tree job counts as "construction" can depend on the work, so ask the company whether it's registered and check the state's online lookup. Many established Boise tree companies publish their registration number.
3. Verify certifications they claim
"Certified arborist" should mean an ISA Certified Arborist: someone who has passed the International Society of Arboriculture's exam and keeps up continuing education. Ask for the certification number and verify it with the ISA's online credential lookup. Some arborists also hold the TRAQ (Tree Risk Assessment Qualification) for formal risk assessments.
4. For street trees, hire a City-licensed company
Trees in the public right-of-way belong to the City of Boise. Under City Code 7-2-10, only companies licensed by the City Forester may prune or remove trees on public property, and they must show ISA certification, ANSI A300 compliance and at least $500,000 of liability insurance. You'll also need a free City permit. Boise permit rules →
5. Get the quote in writing
A good quote lists:
- each tree and exactly what will be done (for example, "reduce the crown by 15%, remove deadwood over 2 inches")
- cleanup, chipping and haul-away
- whether the stump is included, and how deep it will be ground
- the price, payment terms and the expected date
6. Watch for red flags
- Topping (cutting main stems back to stubs). The City of Boise advises never removing more than a quarter of a tree's crown in one season.
- No insurance certificate, or reluctance to provide one
- Cash-only, large upfront deposits, or pressure to decide on the spot
- Offering to prune near power lines without line-clearance qualifications. Idaho Power asks people to contact it instead: 208-388-2323.
How TreeCareBoise fits in
We're a free referral service, not a tree company. See how we work and what we check →. Whichever company you hire, use the checklist above.
Sources: Boise City Code 7-2-10 · City of Boise: Tree Pruning or Removal License · Idaho DOPL: contractor FAQ · Idaho Code 54-5205 · City of Boise: Tree Care · Idaho Power: trees & safety