The Real Cost of Hiring the Cheapest Tree Guy: Why Insurance and Workers’ Comp Matter

With the growth of the tree industry, i feel like this is something very important to hit on and educate Cincinnati Ohio on…

I am seeing it all over local facebook and social media outlets where singular dudes are offering tree work and tree care. I would never knock someones hustle unless it was tainting the industry and putting people and their property in danger.

If you’ve ever shopped around for tree work, you’ve probably seen it: one quote that’s way lower than the rest. It’s tempting to take it — after all, tree removal isn’t cheap. But here’s the hard truth: those “too good to be true” bids almost always come from guys with no insurance, no workers’ comp, and no real safety standards.

And when something goes wrong (and in tree work, it can go wrong fast), it’s you, the homeowner, who gets left holding the bag.

Let’s break down what that really means, and why hiring a real tree company like Queen City Arborists protects you, your home, and your wallet in the long run.

1. No Insurance = You’re Liable

When a tree company doesn’t carry general liability insurance, it means there’s no safety net between you and disaster.

Picture this: a massive oak limb swings the wrong way and crushes a section of your roof. Or a rope snaps and a chunk of trunk lands squarely on your fence, car, or deck. If the person who caused that doesn’t have insurance, there’s nobody to call but you.

Your homeowners insurance might not cover the damage — especially if it turns out you hired an unlicensed, uninsured contractor. And the “tree guy” who was all smiles when he took your cash? He’s suddenly not answering his phone anymore.

We’ve seen this story play out too many times. The job that was supposed to save a few hundred dollars ends up costing several thousand in repairs, insurance battles, and headaches.

2. No Workers’ Comp = You’re the Employer

This one catches people by surprise every single time.

If a worker gets injured on your property — and they don’t have workers’ compensation coverage through their employer — the law can treat you as their employer. That means you could be held responsible for medical bills, lost wages, and even disability claims.

Tree work is one of the most dangerous professions in the country. We’re dealing with chainsaws, heavy limbs, climbing gear, and live power lines — all while suspended 50 feet in the air. Accidents happen, even to the best. But when the crew isn’t insured, the risk doesn’t stay with them — it shifts straight onto you.

Imagine a climber falling and breaking his back in your yard. Without workers’ comp coverage, that could turn into tens of thousands in medical costs or a lawsuit against you personally.

That’s not an exaggeration — it’s reality.

3. No Training, No Standards, No Safety

There’s a huge difference between someone who owns a chainsaw and someone who’s a trained arborist.

A lot of the “cheap guys” running around throwing lowball bids don’t have proper training, equipment, or certifications. They’re not using rigging systems to control heavy limbs. They’re not setting up drop zones, using helmets, or wearing safety harnesses.

They’re working with bare minimum gear, usually out of a pickup truck with no insurance, no overhead, and no accountability.

That might not matter much for a small limb cleanup — until they’re cutting a 100-foot oak next to your house. Then it really matters.

At Queen City Arborists, every cut we make is intentional, every rope is rated for safety, and every worker is covered. We don’t gamble with our lives or your property.

4. The Cheapest Bid Isn’t the Best Deal

We get it. Tree work is expensive. It’s not always fun to pay for, and it’s not something you get to enjoy like a kitchen remodel. You just want that tree gone and done safely.

But here’s the thing: when you’re comparing bids and one is dramatically lower, there’s always a reason.

That “cheap guy” isn’t operating out of thin air. The difference in price usually comes from cutting corners — skipping insurance, skipping taxes, skipping safety gear, or skipping payroll coverage.

So when a legitimate, insured company gives you a quote, it’s not just about profit — it’s about covering the real costs of doing it right. That includes fuel, equipment, payroll, insurance premiums, workers’ comp, training, and proper disposal fees.

The lowballers aren’t competing on skill — they’re competing by risking your liability.

5. The Hidden Red Flags Homeowners Miss

Before you hire anyone, look for these subtle signs that you’re dealing with an uninsured or unprofessional crew:

• They only take cash.

• They have no company name on their truck or trailer.

• They can’t show proof of insurance or workers comp immediately when asked.

• Their phone number isn’t tied to a business listing.

• They want to rush you and “get it done today for cheap.”

Those are the warning signs of a setup that’ll vanish the moment something goes wrong.

A legitimate company like Queen City Arborists has paperwork, insurance, a business license, and a digital footprint you can actually verify.

6. How to Protect Yourself Before You Hire

Here’s a quick checklist to keep you out of trouble:

-Ask for proof of liability insurance and workers’ comp — and make sure the company name matches.
-Check that the policy is active, not expired.
-Get A WRITTEN PAPER TRAIL!! Get a written estimate, copy of your contract, copy of a receipt — not just a number scribbled on the back of a card and a handshake.
-Read a few local reviews to see if they have a real track record.
-Be skeptical of anyone offering to do it “on the side” or “for cash.”

Tree work is one of those industries where it’s truly worth spending for professionalism. It’s not just about looks — it’s about safety, legality, and protecting what’s yours.

7. Peace of Mind Has Real Value

When you hire Queen City Arborists, you’re not just paying for a job — you’re paying for peace of mind.

You know every worker on your property is covered.
You know the equipment being used is professional-grade and maintained.
You know if something unexpected happens, you’re fully protected.

That’s worth more than saving a few bucks up front. Because at the end of the day, you can’t put a price on safety — for your home, your family, or the crew doing the work.

Bottom Line

Tree work isn’t cheap because it’s dangerous — and the cost of doing it wrong can be devastating. The guys offering “quick and cheap” might mean well, but when something goes wrong, there’s no backup plan.

At Queen City Arborists, we take pride in being the company that does it right the first time. Fully insured. Fully covered. Fully committed to keeping your property — and our crew — safe.

When you hire us, you’re not just hiring someone with a chainsaw. You’re hiring trained professionals who know the risks, understand the work, and stand behind every job.

The cheapest bid might save you a few bucks today — but the right company saves you everything that really matters tomorrow.