10/09/2026
⚠️HURRICANE SEASON: EVERYBODY’S A TREE EXPERT UNTIL SOMETHING GOES WRONG.⚠️
It’s that time of year again! Storms roll through, trees come down, and suddenly everybody with a chainsaw, pickup truck, and page is in the tree removal business.
Now, don’t get us wrong..There are some incredible tree crews that travel across the country helping communities recover from storms. We have a lot of respect for those guys.
But there are also plenty of folks who see storm damage as an opportunity to make a quick dollar. And unfortunately, homeowners are often the ones left paying for it.
So, before you hire someone to remove that 70-foot oak from your roof, let’s talk about a few things.
❗️1. A CHAINSAW DOESN’T MAKE YOU AN ARBORIST.
Storm-damaged trees are unpredictable. Broken limbs, uprooted root systems, compromised structures, and trees under extreme tension require training, experience, and the right equipment.
This is not the time to hire your cousin’s buddy who “used to cut trees.”
❗️2. INSURED? GREAT. BUT WHAT KIND OF INSURANCE?
Just because someone says they’re insured doesn’t mean they’re properly covered for tree removal.
Ask for proof of general liability AND workers’ compensation coverage. Make sure their insurance actually covers the work they’re performing, and verify it directly with their insurance agent.
Also, check applicable licensing requirements.
The last thing you need after a hurricane is another financial disaster because someone wasn’t properly covered.
❗️3. THE CHEAPEST ESTIMATE ISN’T ALWAYS THE CHEAPEST OPTION.
“But another guy said he’d do it for half that!”
We hear it. We get it. Nobody wants to spend thousands of dollars cleaning up after a storm.
But professional tree removal involves trained employees, specialized equipment, insurance, safety procedures, and a whole lot of experience.
Make sure you’re comparing the same scope of work, including debris removal and cleanup.
That bargain doesn’t look quite as good when a second tree ends up in your living room.
❗️4. NOT EVERY FAILED TREE IS AN INSURANCE CLAIM.
A tree falling in your yard doesn’t automatically mean your insurance company is picking up the tab.
Coverage depends on your policy, what was damaged, and the circumstances surrounding the loss.
And homeowners, PLEASE pay attention to your deductibles. Hurricane and windstorm deductibles can be very different from your standard deductible.
Take pictures, document everything, and communicate with your insurance company before assuming something is covered.
❗️5. BE CAREFUL WHO YOU LET ON YOUR PROPERTY.
Storm chasers aren’t always easy to recognize.
Some show up with professional-looking equipment, business cards, and promises that sound almost too good to be true.
Do your homework.
✔️ Check references and reviews.
✔️ Verify insurance and applicable licenses.
✔️ Be cautious of large upfront cash payments.
✔️ Know who is actually performing the work.
✔️ Make sure you can reach the company AFTER the job is finished.
Because when the storm passes and everybody packs up and heads to the next disaster, you’re the one left living with the results.
HERE’S THE BOTTOM LINE.
Storm damage is stressful enough without getting taken advantage of.
We’re not telling you that you have to hire the biggest company, the most expensive company, or even our company.
‼️We’re telling you to hire someone QUALIFIED.‼️
At Taylor Tree Service, we’ve spent years investing in our people, certifications, equipment, insurance, and safety practices because this industry deserves to be treated like the profession it is.
We aren’t always going to be the cheapest, and we’re perfectly fine with that.
A little homework before hiring a tree company can save you a whole lot of headaches afterward.
Stay safe, Central Alabama. And remember, just because somebody owns a chainsaw doesn’t mean you should hand them the keys to your backyard.
