Tree service questions, answered plainly
Insurance, arborists, permits, HOAs, deposits, topping, stumps and what happens to the wood — what Palm Coast homeowners ask before hiring a tree service.
Are you licensed and insured?
Florida doesn't license tree services, so the thing to ask for is insurance: general liability and workers' compensation written for tree work, not a landscaping policy that excludes climbing. We send the certificate before we start, and we hold a City of Palm Coast business tax receipt.
Do you have a certified arborist?
Yes — an ISA Certified Arborist assesses trees, writes the pruning specifications and produces the reports and 163.045 letters permits, insurers and HOAs rely on.
Do you charge for estimates?
No. We come out, look at the tree, tell you honestly whether it needs work, and give you a written itemized price good for 30 days.
How soon can you come out?
Quotes within two or three days across Palm Coast and Flagler County; most work scheduled one to three weeks out; emergencies the same day.
Do you pull the permits?
Yes — City of Palm Coast, Flagler County, Flagler Beach, Bunnell and neighboring jurisdictions, or the arborist letter under F.S. 163.045 when the tree qualifies.
Do you handle HOA approval?
Yes — Grand Haven, Hammock Dunes, Ocean Hammock, Hammock Beach, Plantation Bay and the rest. We prepare the packet with the arborist assessment.
What's the deposit?
Nothing on most residential jobs — you pay when the work is done and you've looked at it. Large crane jobs and lot clearing take a third at scheduling.
What happens to the wood and debris?
Chipped and hauled, included in the price. We'll leave chips or firewood rounds if you want them. Big trunks go on the log truck; palm trunks are hauled.
Will you top my tree?
No. Topping damages the tree, is prohibited under Palm Coast's ordinance, and makes it more dangerous within a few years. We reduce and thin to ANSI A300 instead.
Do you grind the stump?
Yes, as a separate line item — ground 6 to 12 inches below grade, surface roots chased, filled and ready for sod if you want.
Is the phone really answered 24/7?
Yes. A person answers at any hour, every day, and either books your quote or dispatches a crew for an emergency.
Do you do small jobs?
Yes — one palm, a single limb, a stump. Minimum about $250 because the truck and crew have to come out.
Do you work in the rain?
Light rain, yes. Lightning or wind above about 35 mph, no — we'll reschedule the same week.
Do you offer financing?
Yes, through a third-party lender for larger jobs — see the insurance and financing page.
Something we didn't cover? Call (386) 517-1719 — a person answers around the clock.