Frequently Asked Questions

Pelfrey prices tree removal based on an on-site assessment by an ISA-certified arborist. The arborist evaluates the tree's size, species, condition, proximity to structures and utilities, access constraints, and the equipment required for safe removal. The resulting estimate is written, itemized, and includes not-to-exceed pricing. We do not give phone estimates or ballpark ranges because accurate pricing requires hands-on evaluation of the actual conditions. Factors that influence cost include whether crane assistance is needed, the complexity of rigging near structures, stump grinding requirements, and debris volume.

Not at Pelfrey. Our written estimates itemize every task, material, and piece of equipment involved in your job. Optional add-ons like stump grinding or additional debris hauling are explicitly listed as optional -- never bundled into the base price without your knowledge. The total on your estimate is a not-to-exceed ceiling. If the job costs less than estimated, you pay less. If unexpected conditions arise that would increase scope, we stop and get your approval before proceeding. This is the Pelfrey Promise, and it applies to every job in every market.

Pelfrey's pricing reflects what it costs to operate with ISA-certified arborist oversight, full general liability and workers compensation insurance, ANSI Z133 safety compliance, and the communication and documentation standards defined by the Pelfrey Promise. We are typically not the cheapest bid. The companies that underbid us are often cutting corners on insurance (exposing you to liability), safety equipment (exposing their workers to risk), or expertise (an untrained operator with a chainsaw is not an arborist). Our clients choose us because the written estimate, not-to-exceed pricing, and professional accountability are worth the difference. When a tree is leaning over your roof, the question is not who is cheapest -- it is who is qualified and insured to do the work safely.

A not-to-exceed estimate means the price on your approved estimate is the maximum you will pay. If the job takes less time or fewer resources than planned, you pay less. If unexpected conditions arise -- a hollow trunk, an unseen utility line, root damage that changes the removal approach -- we stop work and contact you for approval before proceeding with any additional cost. You will never receive a final invoice higher than your approved estimate unless you have given explicit written approval for additional work.

Yes. When stump grinding is scheduled with tree removal in the same visit, we offer bundled pricing that is less than scheduling each service separately. This saves you money and eliminates the need for a second service visit. The bundled price is clearly reflected on your written estimate as a combined line item, so you can see exactly what you are paying for each component.

Yes. Pelfrey carries full general liability insurance and workers compensation coverage on every job, in every market, year-round. This is not optional or seasonal. General liability covers property damage and third-party injuries arising from our work. Workers compensation covers our employees in the event of a workplace injury. Without workers comp, a homeowner can be held liable if a tree worker is injured on their property. We carry these policies specifically to protect you.

Request a certificate of insurance at any time during the estimate process or before your scheduled service date. We will provide a current certificate within 24 hours of your request. We can name you or your property as an additional insured on the certificate at no charge. This is standard practice for all Pelfrey clients. If a tree company cannot or will not provide a certificate of insurance, do not hire them.

All Pelfrey operations comply with ANSI Z133, the American national standard for arboricultural operations safety. This standard covers climbing, rigging, electrical hazards, equipment operation, personal protective equipment, and hazard communication. Our crews use ANSI-rated climbing systems, chainsaw-rated protective clothing, arborist helmets with face and ear protection, and rigging hardware that meets industry load ratings. All field personnel complete regular OSHA safety training. For hazardous work, an ISA-certified arborist is on site directing operations.

If property damage occurs during a Pelfrey job, the crew lead documents it immediately with photographs and a written description. Your market's operations manager contacts you within 2 hours. Within 24 hours, you receive a written acknowledgment and proposed resolution timeline. We coordinate repair or replacement at our expense. We do not ask you to file a claim or contact our insurance company. We handle it. If you are unsatisfied with the resolution, you have a named escalation contact at our corporate office.

ANSI Z133 is the American National Standards Institute standard that defines safety requirements for arboricultural operations. It covers everything from how climbers ascend and rig in trees to how crews work near electrical conductors, operate equipment, and protect the public during operations. Compliance with ANSI Z133 means the tree company follows nationally recognized safety practices developed by industry experts. A company that does not follow ANSI Z133 is operating below the recognized standard of care, which has implications for both safety and liability.

An ISA Certified Arborist has passed a rigorous examination administered by the International Society of Arboriculture covering tree biology, diagnosis, maintenance practices, safety, and urban forestry management. Certification requires a minimum of three years of full-time experience in arboriculture and ongoing continuing education to maintain. An ISA Certified Arborist is to tree care what a licensed contractor is to construction -- a professional with demonstrated competence, not just someone with equipment.

Every Pelfrey job plan is designed by an ISA-certified arborist. For standard maintenance work -- routine pruning, minor removals, stump grinding -- the arborist writes the plan and trained crew members execute it. For hazardous work -- removals near structures, crane-assisted operations, trees with structural failure risk, work near power lines -- an ISA-certified arborist is on site for the duration of the operation, directing the crew and making real-time safety decisions.

A general tree-cutting company owns chainsaws and trucks. Pelfrey is an arborist-led firm. The differences are specific: ISA-certified arborist oversight on every job plan, ANSI Z133 safety compliance, full GL and workers compensation insurance, written itemized estimates with not-to-exceed pricing, a defined communication protocol, and a documented damage claim process. These are not marketing claims -- they are operational requirements that apply to every job in every market. Ask any tree company for their arborist credential numbers, their certificate of insurance, and their damage claim process in writing. The answers will tell you everything you need to know.

Trees near structures are removed in small, controlled sections using precision rigging. Each section is attached to ropes and lowered to a designated drop zone, preventing uncontrolled contact with the structure. For trees directly over roofs or in extremely tight spaces, we use crane-assisted removal to lift sections vertically away from the structure. An ISA-certified arborist is on site directing every cut, and ground protection measures are placed before work begins.

Crane-assisted removal uses a mobile crane to lift tree sections away from structures and obstacles. The crane operator, climber, and ground crew work in precise coordination to cut, attach, lift, and set each section. This method eliminates swinging and falling risks, making it the safest approach for large trees near buildings, pools, fences, and utility lines. Crane-assisted removal is also faster for large-diameter trees, which can reduce overall cost despite the equipment expense.

Plant healthcare is a proactive, science-based approach to maintaining tree and plant health. It includes soil testing and amendment, pest and disease monitoring, root zone treatments, nutrient management, and targeted interventions when problems are detected. PHC is practiced by ISA-certified arborists and is fundamentally different from lawn care spray programs. The goal is to create conditions that support vigorous growth and natural resistance, not to treat symptoms after damage is visible.

In many cases, yes. Cabling and bracing can stabilize structurally compromised trees. Soil treatments can reverse nutrient deficiencies. Targeted pest and disease management can halt active infestations. Our preservation-first philosophy means we recommend saving trees whenever the arborist determines it is safe and viable. However, if a tree has advanced structural decay, irreversible disease, or poses an unacceptable risk to people or structures, we will recommend removal and explain why.

Yes. When tree work requires municipal permits, we handle the application and approval process. When trees are near utility lines, we coordinate with the utility company for line de-energization or protective covering before work begins. Permit and utility coordination timelines are communicated during the estimate process so you know what to expect before scheduling.

Yes. Pelfrey operates 24/7 emergency dispatch in all three markets: Atlanta (470-839-4199), Nashville (615-827-7781), and Tampa (813-726-0327). Call your local number any time -- nights, weekends, and holidays. For active structural emergencies, we dispatch immediately. For non-emergency storm cleanup, we schedule within our priority queue.

When you call our emergency line, a dispatcher evaluates the situation and assigns priority. Active structural threats -- a tree on your house, a tree on power lines, a tree blocking your only exit -- get immediate dispatch, including at night. Non-emergency situations -- downed trees in the yard, broken limbs not threatening structures -- are scheduled for first light the following morning. On site, our crew assesses the situation, addresses the immediate hazard, documents the damage for insurance, and schedules follow-up work under a written estimate.

Yes. Clients with active Pelfrey maintenance contracts or tree health plans receive priority scheduling during storm events. Your call is placed ahead of non-contract emergency requests in our dispatch queue. For commercial clients with multi-property portfolios, your account manager coordinates triage across your properties to address the highest-risk situations first. Priority storm response is one of the key benefits of an ongoing maintenance relationship with Pelfrey.

Yes. Our HOA Tree Portfolio Program is specifically designed for homeowner associations and property management companies. It includes a dedicated account manager, annual tree inventories, risk-prioritized work plans, predictable annual budgeting, quarterly compliance reporting, and priority storm response. We manage tree portfolios for HOAs and commercial properties across all four of our markets.

Our commercial programs include annual ISA-certified arborist assessments, digital tree inventories, risk-prioritized maintenance plans, scheduled pruning and removals, plant healthcare treatments, priority storm response, quarterly reporting formatted for board presentations and insurance documentation, and a dedicated account manager as your single point of contact.

Yes. We create and maintain digital tree inventories that document every tree on your property including species, size, condition, risk assessment, and full maintenance history. These inventories are updated with each service visit. Reports can be formatted for board presentations, insurance requirements, or municipal compliance. Your account manager provides quarterly updates and is available for board meeting presentations.