How to choose a tree feller who's insured and does it safely

A tree removal gone wrong can damage your roof, injure someone, or leave you liable for thousands in repair costs. Yet many homeowners pick a feller based on a quick phone quote and a friendly manner. The difference between an operator who follows careful, verifiable steps and one who skips them often shows only after the work is done—or worse, during it.

Choosing safely means focusing on a few hard signals: proof of insurance that actually covers tree work, evidence of proper equipment and method, accountability for site damage, and someone who asks questions before they start. These are not nice-to-haves; they're the markers of a professional who'll still be contactable if something breaks.

Insurance that covers tree felling, not just general liability

Most small business insurance doesn't cover tree work. A feller may have a general liability policy—fine for a garden tidy—but not one that indemnifies them for dropping a tree on your neighbour's fence or crushing your own gutters. Ask for a copy of their insurance certificate and check the wording. It should explicitly mention tree felling or arboriculture. Many providers now use WhatsApp to send photos of certificates; that's normal practice here. Verify the expiry date and confirm the cover is active on your chosen date.

If a feller refuses to show you proof or says it's "too much admin," walk away. Legitimate operators expect this question. Insurance is not optional when a mistake costs ten thousand rand or more.

Track record on properties similar to yours

Ask for references from recent jobs—ideally from homeowners in your neighbourhood or with a similar tree size and setting. A feller comfortable with a 60-year-old oak in a tight suburban garden is different from one used to clearing rural scrub. Call or message those references and ask one specific question: did the contractor clear debris promptly and leave the site clean? Ask whether anything unexpected happened and how it was handled.

If you can, drive past a completed job if the homeowner permits it. See how close the remaining stump is to power lines, whether the lawn was restored, and whether fencing or structures survived intact. You learn more from what you see than from a sales pitch.

Clear method and boundaries before work starts

A feller who shows up without having discussed the work on-site is risky. The best ones visit, walk the perimeter, note what sits nearby—power lines, structures, neighbours' property—and describe exactly how they'll fell the tree, where debris will land, what equipment they'll use, and how they'll remove or grind the stump. They'll mention outage risks if power lines are involved, since live work is often impossible if the power goes out.

Insist on a walk-through conversation before signing anything. In that conversation, ask what happens if something breaks: your fence, a neighbour's wall, a parked car. The answer should be clear—they'll cover it, or you'll both report it to their insurer immediately. Vague answers signal someone who doesn't plan carefully.

Tools and team that match the job

A massive tree demands a crew with a cherry picker or climbing gear, a chipper, and proper felling bars—not a solo operator with a handheld saw and a trailer. If the tree is near power lines, the feller must either have training in live-line work or must be able to call Eskom or the local authority to de-energise the lines temporarily (there is a process for this). Ask what equipment they'll bring and why. Listen for confidence born of experience, not bravado.

Safety gear is non-negotiable: hard hat, high-visibility clothing, steel-toed boots, and eye protection should be visible before the first cut. If you see someone in a t-shirt and trainers, stop the job immediately.

What to compare when you've narrowed it down

Once you've ruled out uninsured operators and those who won't visit in advance, compare on clarity, responsiveness, and willingness to answer your questions. A lower quote isn't a red flag on its own—what matters is whether it still includes valid tree-work insurance, a proper site visit, and the right safety equipment; skipping those steps is the real risk, not the price itself. The most expensive might be padding their price. The right choice is the one who's insured, methodical, and easy to reach if you have a follow-up question.

When you're ready to book, you'll find verified tree fellers on Strove who can show you their credentials and past work upfront. The platform lets you check reviews, compare insurance status, and message multiple candidates before deciding—taking the gamble out of an expensive and risky job.