Monster Tree Service is a franchise network, not a government program
Monster Tree Service is a private tree care company operating through franchises across the United States. It is not a government program, tax deduction, or subsidy. If you are looking for financial help with tree removal or trimming costs, you will not find it through Monster Tree Service itself — but understanding how the company works can help you decide whether to get a quote from them, and what questions to ask when you do.
Monster Tree Service franchises handle tree removal, trimming, stump grinding, and emergency storm cleanup. Each franchise is independently owned and operated, which means pricing, service areas, and response times vary by location. The company does not set prices centrally; your local franchise sets its own rates based on local labor costs, equipment, and competition.
Key Takeaways
- Monster Tree Service is a franchise network where each location sets its own prices, so you should get quotes from multiple local tree services to compare.
- The company handles tree removal, trimming, stump grinding, and storm cleanup, but these are paid services with no government subsidy or discount program attached.
- Response times for emergency work vary by franchise location and current demand, so calling during business hours to ask about availability is more reliable than assuming next-day service.
- Your homeowner's insurance may cover tree removal if the tree fell on your house or a structure, but not if you are removing a healthy tree for prevention or aesthetics.
How to get a quote from Monster Tree Service
To request a quote, you contact the franchise serving your area. Monster Tree Service maintains a location finder on its website where you enter your zip code and get phone numbers and websites for franchises near you. Call during business hours — most franchises operate Monday through Friday, with some offering weekend appointments for estimates.
When you call, have ready: the type of work you need (removal, trimming, stump grinding), the number and approximate size of trees involved, and whether the work is urgent (storm damage) or routine. The franchise will either give you a rough estimate over the phone or schedule a site visit where an arborist or crew lead inspects the trees and provides a written quote. Site visits are usually free, though some franchises may charge a small fee for complex jobs.
Quotes typically include labor, equipment rental, debris removal, and any permits required by your city. Ask whether the price includes stump removal or just stump grinding, because that affects the final cost. Also ask about insurance — the franchise should carry liability insurance in case equipment damages your property or a neighbor's during the work.
What affects the price you will pay
Tree service pricing depends on tree size, species, location on your property, and how close it is to structures like your house or power lines. A small tree in an open yard costs far less than a large oak next to your roof. Storm cleanup — removing fallen trees or branches — often costs more per tree than planned removal because the wood is already down and tangled, making it harder to handle safely.
Stump grinding adds to the bill. Removing the stump entirely (digging it out with roots) costs more than grinding it down below ground level. Some franchises include grinding in the removal price; others charge separately. Ask for the breakdown so you know what you are paying for.
Your location also matters. Urban franchises with higher labor costs and more traffic restrictions charge more than rural ones. If your city requires a permit for tree removal, the franchise may charge a permit fee on top of the service cost, or they may handle the permit and include the cost in their quote.
When insurance might cover the cost
Homeowner's insurance may cover tree removal if a tree fell on your house, garage, or another structure during a storm. It typically does not cover removal of a healthy tree for prevention, aesthetics, or because you want to clear a view. The key distinction is damage: insurance pays when the tree has already caused harm, not when you are removing it to prevent future harm.
If a tree fell on your house, file a claim with your insurance company before hiring anyone. The insurer may send an adjuster to assess the damage and approve the repair. Some insurers have preferred contractors; others let you choose. If you hire Monster Tree Service on your own and then submit the bill to insurance, the insurer may deny it if the price is higher than what they would have paid, or if you did not get their approval first.
Storm damage claims move faster than routine claims because the damage is visible and urgent. Expect the adjuster to visit within a few days, and approval within one to two weeks if the claim is straightforward.
What to ask before you hire
Before signing a contract, confirm the scope of work in writing. The quote should list which trees are being removed or trimmed, what size they are, and what happens to the debris. Ask whether the price includes hauling debris away or just chipping it on-site. Ask about timeline — when will the crew arrive, and how long will the job take. For storm damage, ask whether they can start the same day or if there is a waiting list.
Verify that the franchise carries liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance. If someone is injured on your property or equipment damages your neighbor's fence, you want the tree service's insurance to cover it, not your homeowner's policy. Ask for proof of insurance before the crew arrives.
Check whether the franchise is licensed and bonded in your state. Licensing requirements vary — some states require arborist certification; others do not. Bonding protects you if the company fails to finish the job or causes damage they refuse to pay for. Ask for references from recent jobs in your neighborhood, and call at least two to ask whether the work was done on time and whether the crew cleaned up afterward.
Common issues and how to avoid them
One frequent complaint is that crews do not clean up thoroughly after the job. Branches, wood chips, and debris end up in flower beds or scattered across the yard. Before signing, ask what "cleanup" means — does it include raking and hauling away all chips, or just removing the main trunk and limbs? Get the answer in writing on the quote.
Another issue is surprise charges. A quote might say "$500 for tree removal," but then the crew finds the stump is larger than expected and charges extra for grinding, or the city requires a permit that was not mentioned. Read the quote carefully and ask whether the price is fixed or an estimate. A fixed price means you pay exactly that amount; an estimate means the final bill could be higher if conditions change.
Storm damage can create long waits. After a major storm, every tree service in the area gets flooded with calls. Monster Tree Service franchises may have a weeks-long backlog. If you need emergency work, call early in the morning and ask about same-day or next-day availability. If they cannot help, ask for a referral to another service that can.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Monster Tree Service offer payment plans or financing?
Some franchises offer payment plans or accept credit cards, but this varies by location. Ask your local franchise directly whether they offer financing options. Some may partner with third-party lenders for large jobs, though you would be responsible for the loan terms and interest.
What if the tree service damages my property during the work?
Their liability insurance should cover accidental damage like a branch hitting your roof or a stump grinder damaging your driveway. Report the damage to the franchise when ready and in writing. Take photos. The franchise's insurance company will investigate and either repair the damage or pay for repairs. Do not sign a release or waiver until the damage is resolved.
Can I remove a tree myself instead of hiring Monster Tree Service?
You can trim small branches yourself, but removing a large tree is dangerous and requires specialized equipment. Falling trees can kill or injure you, damage your house, or hit power lines and cause electrocution or fire. Hiring a licensed professional is safer and usually required by local code if the tree is near structures or power lines.
How do I know if a Monster Tree Service franchise is legitimate?
Verify the franchise through the company's official website location finder. Check whether they are licensed in your state (your state's licensing board website lists certified arborists and contractors). Ask for proof of insurance and bonding before they start work. Read online reviews on Google and the Better Business Bureau, but remember that unhappy customers are more likely to leave reviews than satisfied ones.
What should I do if I am not satisfied with the work?
Contact the franchise manager in writing within a few days of the job and describe the problem — incomplete cleanup, damage to your property, or work that does not match the quote. Keep your quote and any photos of the finished job. If the franchise does not respond or refuses to fix the issue, you can file a complaint with your state's licensing board or the Better Business Bureau, or pursue the claim through small claims court if the damage cost is under your state's limit.