A reliable tree service company should belong to professional organizations, as organizational membership shows they are reputable in their field. Look for companies that are members of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), or other local organizations. For example, State College tree service companies, as well as those in the surrounding region, are commonly apart of the Pennsylvania-Delaware chapter of the ISA. Many companies display this information on their website, so make sure to do the research. Some of the most common organizations are shown below.

Proof of insurance is nonnegotiable. You don’t want to be liable for potential injuries, property damages, or accidents, so verify the company is properly insured.

Certified arborists combine expertise and experience to provide the best possible care for your trees. An arborist will know when, where, and how to trim branches to maintain the health of your trees. They will also be able to determine if tree removal is necessary. Companies with certified arborists on staff can provide service with a higher level of expereince and specific knowledge on common State College trees.

You don’t want heavy machinery causing collateral damage to your lawn or landscaping. What precautions will they take to minimize any potential damages? You may want to take a picture of the area before the work begins.

Finding out what services the company offers will give you insight into their tree care practices. If the company uses harmful techniques, such as “topping” (removing healthy sections from the top of the tree) or using spikes to climb live trees, then you should consider continuing your search.

The longevity of a company often indicates the quality of their work. Find an established company with ample work experience.

Permits are often necessary before beginning tree service work, and fines for unpermitted work can be costly. Make sure to acquaint yourself with the county requirements, review potential homeowner association rules, and ensure the company has applied for the required permits.

Experience is an important consideration. Remember, you’re calling in the experts for a reason. If they haven’t handled a situation similar to the job you’re requesting, you may want to consider hiring a different company. With so many tree service comapnies to choose from in the State College area, you don't want to settle for less-than-quality work.

You don’t want your yard to be left a mess when the job is done. Some companies provide a full cleanup, while others may leave debris. Make sure you know what to expect when the job is completed, and ask for what you want before the work begins.

Many companies have testimonials featured on their website, but you’ll want to check out unbiased sources as well. What are clients in State College, Lemont, or Centre Hall saying about a local tree service company? Recent customers are your best source of information.