What Davey Tree informed Company Does
Davey Tree informed Company is a private tree service contractor that handles tree removal, trimming, pruning, stump grinding, and related yard work. They operate in most U.S. states and some Canadian provinces through local branches. When you contact them, you're reaching a regional office that sends crews to your property — you're not working with a government agency or a nonprofit.
The company charges for their work on a per-job basis. They send an arborist or crew lead to look at your trees, give you a written estimate, and schedule the work if you accept. Payment is typically due when the job is complete, though some locations offer financing options.
Davey is one of the largest tree service companies in North America, which means they have the equipment and staff to handle big jobs, but it also means pricing may be higher than a smaller local contractor. They carry liability insurance and workers' compensation, which protects you if someone is injured on your property during the work.
Key Takeaways
- Davey Tree is a for-profit company that charges per job, not a government program or free service.
- You contact your local Davey branch directly by phone or website to request an estimate.
- An arborist or crew member will visit your property, assess the work, and provide a written price before any work begins.
- Payment is due when the job is finished, though some branches offer financing or payment plans.
- The company carries insurance, so you are protected if someone is injured during the work on your property.
How to Get an Estimate from Davey
Start by finding your local Davey branch. Visit the Davey Tree website and use their location finder, or search "Davey Tree near me" to get the phone number for the office serving your area. When you call, describe the work you need — whether it's a tree removal, trimming, stump grinding, or storm cleanup.
The office will schedule a free estimate visit. A Davey representative will come to your property, look at the trees or damage, ask questions about what you want done, and measure or assess the scope of work. They'll then provide a written estimate that includes the price, what's included, and when they can schedule the work.
You are not obligated to accept the estimate. It's normal to get estimates from two or three companies before deciding. Once you accept and sign the estimate, Davey will add you to their schedule and confirm the date and time the crew will arrive.
What Happens During the Job
On the scheduled day, a crew will arrive with equipment — trucks, chippers, cranes, or stump grinders depending on the work. The crew lead will confirm the scope of work with you, set up a work zone, and begin the job. Most tree removals take a few hours to a full day. Trimming and pruning can take anywhere from a few hours to a day or more depending on how many trees and how much work is involved.
The crew will clean up debris as they go or haul it away, depending on what your estimate included. Ask before the work starts whether cleanup is part of the price or an add-on. Some customers want wood chips left for mulch; others want everything removed. Confirm this with the crew lead when they arrive.
After the work is done, the crew will do a final walkthrough with you to make sure you're satisfied. If there are issues, tell them before they leave. Payment is due at this point — bring a check, credit card, or arrange whatever payment method was discussed when you signed the estimate.
Pricing and Payment Options
Davey Tree pricing varies widely based on tree size, location, difficulty, and what you're having done. A small tree removal might cost a few hundred dollars; a large removal with stump grinding could cost $1,000 or more. Trimming is often priced per tree or per hour. There is no standard price across all locations, so your estimate is specific to your job and your area.
Most Davey branches accept cash, check, and credit cards. Some locations offer financing through a third-party lender, which lets you spread payments over several months. Ask about financing when you get your estimate if cost is a concern. Some branches also offer seasonal discounts or promotions, particularly in fall and winter when tree work is busier.
The estimate you receive is usually good for 30 days, meaning the price holds if you schedule within that window. If you wait longer, prices may change. Ask the branch how long your estimate is valid when you receive it.
Insurance and Liability
Davey Tree carries general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance. This means if a crew member is injured on your property or if the work damages something on your property, Davey's insurance covers it — you are not personally liable. This is one reason larger, established companies like Davey are often worth the higher cost: the insurance protection is built in.
Before the crew arrives, take photos of your property and any structures near the work area. This creates a record of the condition before work starts. If damage does occur, report it to the crew lead when ready and follow up in writing with the branch office. Davey will work with their insurance to resolve the claim.
When to Choose Davey vs. a Local Contractor
Davey Tree is a good choice if you have a large or complex job, need work done quickly, want the security of a national company with insurance, or prefer not to search for a local contractor. They have the equipment and crew size to handle storm cleanup, large removals, or multiple trees at once.
A smaller local tree service may cost less and offer more flexibility or personalized service. Local contractors often have lower overhead and can sometimes negotiate on price. However, they may not carry the same level of insurance or have the same availability. Get estimates from both and compare price, timeline, and what's included.
If you're unsure whether you need a professional at all — for example, if you're thinking about trimming a small branch yourself — remember that tree work can be dangerous. Falling branches, chainsaw injuries, and electrocution from power lines are real risks. Davey and other professionals have the training and equipment to do this safely.
What to Ask Before You Schedule
When you get your estimate, ask these questions to avoid surprises:
- Is cleanup included? Will they haul away all debris, or will wood chips be left on your property?
- What's the payment method and timing? Do they take credit cards? Is payment due the day of the job or can you pay later?
- How long is the estimate good for? If you don't schedule right away, will the price change?
- Do you offer financing? If the cost is high, can you spread payments over time?
- What if weather delays the job? How will rescheduling work if rain or snow postpones the crew?
- Is there a warranty on the work? If a tree you had trimmed dies or a stump regrows, will they come back?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an estimate over the phone without someone visiting my property?
Most Davey branches require an in-person estimate because tree work pricing depends on seeing the actual trees, their size, location, and any obstacles. A phone estimate would be a rough guess. The in-person visit is free and usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
How far in advance do I need to schedule?
This varies by location and season. In fall and winter, Davey branches are busier and may have a wait of several weeks. In spring and summer, you might schedule within days or a week. Call your local branch and ask what their current wait time is before you decide.
What if a tree is near power lines?
Tell Davey about power lines when you request the estimate. They have training and equipment to work safely near electrical lines and will take extra precautions. Never attempt this yourself — contact your utility company and a professional like Davey.
Do you remove tree stumps, or just the tree?
Davey offers both. Removing the tree and grinding the stump are usually separate line items on the estimate. Stump grinding costs extra but leaves your yard ready to replant or landscape. Ask whether you want the stump removed when you get your estimate.
What if I'm not satisfied with the work?
Tell the crew lead before they leave. If there's a problem after they've gone, contact your local Davey branch office right away with photos or details. Most branches will send someone back to address legitimate issues. Having this conversation early is much easier than trying to resolve it weeks later.