Why Cheaper Tree Services Can Cost You More: Real Stories from the Field

Introduction: The Risks of Choosing Cheap Tree Services

When it comes to tree work, choosing the cheapest quote might seem like a smart financial decision, but it can often lead to costly consequences. Many homeowners don’t realise the importance of hiring qualified professionals until it’s too late when damaged or dying trees need expensive corrective work. In this blog, we’ll share two real-life experiences that highlight why the lowest price isn’t always the best option.

In one case, a client came to us after hiring another contractor, only to find their trees in poor health after an improper cutback. In another, a customer was so pleased with our honesty and transparency that they left a positive review. Both stories illustrate the stark difference between hiring experienced professionals and opting for the cheapest, less qualified option.

Case Study 1: The Mismanaged Leylandii and Portuguese Laurels

A few years ago, we provided a quote for reducing the height of a customer’s Leylandii and Portuguese laurels. While we explained the importance of careful pruning to ensure the trees’ long-term health, the customer decided to go with another contractor who offered a lower price. This is a common situation many homeowners face when weighing costs against their tree care needs.Years later, the customer reached out again, expressing concerns about their trees’ declining health. Upon closer inspection, we noticed signs of heavy pruning, which had likely caused stress to the trees. Unfortunately, this had resulted in significant dieback and browning, leaving the trees struggling to recover.
In this case, the damage was severe, and while we offered some solutions such as clearing the dead wood and removing the most affected tree, there was a high chance that some trees would not fully recover. We also suggested replanting to replace those trees that were beyond saving.
This situation highlights an important lesson: improper pruning can sometimes lead to irreversible damage. By working with an experienced, professional team from the beginning, the customer could have avoided this unfortunate outcome. Investing in quality tree care ensures the health and longevity of your trees, reducing the chances of long term problems.

The pictures below of Leylandii and laurels show signs of severe browning and dieback due to improper pruning, underscoring the risks of hiring unqualified contractors for tree care

Case Study 2: The Rotten Stump Removal Story

In another recent experience, we were hired by a customer to remove a tree and its stump. While we charged an additional £100 to remove the stump, on arriving at the site, we quickly realised that the stump was completely rotten. Unlike most stump removals, which can be quite labour intensive, this one was so deteriorated that we were able to pull it out with the tree itself, making it a very simple task.
Given how easy the removal was, we decided not to charge the customer for the stump removal, as it simply didn’t require the level of effort typically involved. Our priority has always been transparency and fairness, and we believe in charging customers only for the work that’s necessary.
The customer was so pleased with this honesty that they left us a glowing review. It’s experiences like these that remind us why it’s important to build trust with our clients. Being upfront about what is truly needed ensures long term relationships and positive word of mouth.
Here’s a snippet of the customer’s review:
“Quick response to initial phone contact. Ashley quoted me for the removal of a dead Sumac tree based on two photos I sent him. Agreed price and date for work easily. Work completed quickly and tidily. Best of all stump removal not required so I had the job done at call out rate. Very good service who I’d recommend to anyone needing tree surgery.“
This story is a prime example of how transparency and professionalism go hand in hand. By choosing a tree service provider who values honesty, customers can rest assured that they’ll never be overcharged or misled.

Watch how we discovered a rotten stump during a recent tree removal job. Instead of charging the client for stump removal, we were transparent about how easy it was to pull out and didn’t charge for the extra service.

The Importance of Professional Expertise and Quality Work

Both of these stories highlight an important truth: when it comes to tree care, expertise matters. Trees are living organisms that require knowledge and skill to maintain their health. Improper cuts or overly aggressive pruning can leave trees vulnerable to diseases, pests, and long-term damage.
Experienced professionals understand how to work with trees to ensure they not only look good but continue to thrive. Whether it’s knowing how much to prune or which branches to remove, a well-qualified tree service focuses on the long-term health of the trees, not just the short-term results.
Choosing a cheaper, less experienced contractor may save money upfront, but it often leads to problems that require costly solutions down the line. By investing in professional tree care, you’re not only maintaining the beauty of your property but ensuring the health of your trees for years to come.

The Real Cost of Cheap Tree Services

While it may be tempting to go with the cheapest quote for tree work, the real cost often comes later. As seen in the first case, improper pruning by less experienced contractors led to severe damage to the trees. In some cases, these issues can be corrected, but in others, the damage may be irreversible, requiring removal and replanting.
On the other hand, working with a reputable company, as demonstrated in the second case, ensures transparency, honesty, and a commitment to quality. Customers who prioritize professionalism over cost often find that their trees stay healthier and their wallets don’t suffer from unexpected repair work later on.
In both cases, it’s clear that investing in professional, experienced tree care can save you more in the long run. By avoiding shortcuts and choosing a team that values both the health of your trees and the trust of its customers, you can prevent expensive mistakes and maintain the beauty of your landscape for years to come.

Conclusion: Why Quality Tree Care Is Worth the Investment

When it comes to tree services, the saying “you get what you pay for” couldn’t be more true. While choosing the cheapest option may seem like a good idea at first, the long-term consequences often outweigh the initial savings. As demonstrated by the mismanaged Leylandii and Portuguese laurels, improper pruning by less qualified contractors can lead to costly, irreversible damage. On the flip side, honest and transparent work, like the rotten stump removal, shows the value of hiring professionals who put the customer’s best interest first.

Investing in high-quality tree care not only preserves the beauty of your landscape but also protects the health and longevity of your trees. At the end of the day, choosing a reputable, experienced tree service provider ensures peace of mind—and often saves you money in the long run.