What Should a Tree Service Estimate Include? A San Antonio Checklist

The Scope of Work, in Plain Words

The estimate should identify each tree — by species, location, or a simple sketch — and state exactly what will happen to it. "Remove the dead pecan in the back left corner to grade" is a scope. "Tree work" is not.

For pruning, look for specifics: removing deadwood over a stated diameter, raising the canopy to a stated clearance over the roof or driveway, or thinning by a stated amount. Pruning should reference ANSI A300 standards, and topping should never appear on a professional estimate.

Cleanup, Wood, and Haul-Away

Debris handling is the line most often left off and argued about later. The estimate should say whether brush will be chipped and removed, whether logs will be hauled away or left cut to a certain length, and whether the work area will be raked and blown clean.

If you want to keep the wood or the chips, say so before the quote is written. Leaving material on site usually lowers the price, and the lower price should be on paper.

The Stump Line

Stump grinding uses separate equipment, so many companies price it separately. A clear estimate either includes it — with a grind depth, such as 6 to 10 inches below grade — or states that it's excluded. It should also say what happens to the grindings: left as fill, raked into the hole, or hauled away.

Equipment, Access, and Property Protection

If the job needs a crane, bucket truck, or skid steer, the estimate should say so, along with where equipment will set up and what protection goes down for lawns, driveways, or septic areas. If equipment has to cross a neighbor's property, that permission should be arranged before the work day, not on it.

Permits, Utilities, and Oak-Wilt Precautions

Local rules and hazards belong in the estimate, not in a phone call the morning of the job:

• Protected trees: Large trees inside San Antonio city limits may fall under tree-preservation rules — the estimate should say who handles any permit.
• Power lines: Any tree near overhead lines should note how CPS Energy coordination will happen.
• Oak wilt: Oak pruning or removal should mention wound paint and how the February–July risk window affects timing.
• Utility locates: Stump grinding near buried lines should include a Texas 811 utility locate request.

License, Insurance, and Payment Terms

San Antonio requires a Tree Maintenance License for businesses that prune, treat, or remove trees in the city, and city materials specify at least $300,000 in general liability insurance. The license number should be on the estimate or provided on request, along with a current certificate of insurance.

Payment terms should be clear too: the total, what's due when, and what happens if the scope changes once the crew is in the tree. Be cautious of anyone demanding full payment before work starts, especially door-to-door crews that appear after a storm.

Red Flags on a Tree Quote

Slow down, or walk away, when you see any of these:

• A single number with no scope: No description of what's cut, cleaned up, or hauled.
• Cash-only, today-only pricing: Pressure to decide on the spot, often right after a storm.
• Topping recommended: A sign the crew doesn't follow pruning standards.
• Climbing spikes for pruning: Spikes wound living trees and belong only on removals.
• No license or insurance proof: If they can't show it, you carry the risk.