UFO Tree Trimming Blog
How to Verify a Tree Company Has Proper Insurance and Licenses in Palmdale & Los Angeles County
Why This Matters in Palmdale & Los Angeles County
Tree work is high-risk. It involves climbing, heavy equipment, and property exposure. In Palmdale, Lancaster, and surrounding Los Angeles County areas, hiring the wrong company can lead to expensive property damage or liability issues.
After 20+ years in the industry, we’ve seen homeowners left responsible for damage when unlicensed or uninsured crews disappear after a job.
How to Verify a Tree Company Is Licensed and Insured
1. Ask for These Documents
A legitimate tree service should provide:
- Certificate of Insurance (COI)
- General Liability Insurance
- Workers’ Compensation Insurance
- California contractor license number
- Surety bond (if applicable)
2. Verify the Insurance (Important Step)
Do NOT just accept paperwork.
Call the insurance provider listed on the COI to confirm:
- Policy is active
- Coverage matches the company name
- Policy has not expired or been canceled
- COIs can be forged or outdated.
3. Verify the License
Check the contractor license using the:
- California Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
Confirm:
- License is active
- Name matches business
- No major violations
Red Flags to Watch For
Avoid companies that:
- Refuse to show insurance or license
- Ask for cash-only payment
- Offer extremely low prices
- Ask you to pull permits
- Are vague about scope of work
These are common signs of uninsured or unqualified crews.
Why Some Tree Companies Are Cheaper
In most cases, lower pricing comes from:
- No insurance coverage
- No workers’ compensation
- No licensing
- Adding hidden charges after starting work
What looks like savings often turns into risk for the homeowner.
Insurance Explained Simply
- General liability insurance → covers property damage
- Workers’ compensation insurance → covers injured workers
A professional tree company should carry both at all times.
How UFO Tree Trimming Handles It
At UFO Tree Trimming, we provide full transparency before any job:
- License verification
- Insurance documentation
- Clear scope of work
We also carry up to $2 million in liability coverage, giving homeowners confidence that their property is protected.
What Most Homeowners Miss
Many homeowners assume every tree company is licensed and insured — but that’s not always true.
Another common mistake is choosing the lowest price instead of the safest option.
In tree work, cutting corners usually increases risk, not savings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I check if a tree company is licensed in California?
Search their license number on the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) website.
How do I verify tree service insurance?
Ask for a Certificate of Insurance and call the insurance company directly to confirm it is active.
What insurance should a tree company have?
They should have general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance.
What happens if a tree company is not insured?
If damage or injury occurs, the homeowner may be held financially responsible.
Why are some tree companies much cheaper?
They often skip insurance, workers’ compensation, or licensing — or add hidden charges later.
Final Advice Before Hiring a Tree Company
If you remember one thing:
👉 If the price is too good to be true, it usually is.
Always verify insurance, confirm licensing, and hire companies that are transparent from the start.
Call UFO Tree Trimming
Serving Palmdale,
Lancaster, Antelope Valley & Los Angeles County
Professional tree removal, trimming, palm care, stump grinding, and emergency tree services.
