Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers.

Questions Most Asked by Customers

At Arbortech, we take scheduling seriously to ensure every job runs efficiently and safely. When we commit to a date, you can count on us to be there. We pride ourselves on being strong communicators every step of the way.

Once you approve your proposal (by signing and dating it), we assign your project a start date. This is done thoughtfully based on the scope of work, crew availability, and equipment needs.

Our office team will then contact you to confirm the date works for you and provide an expected arrival window. For morning starts, crews typically arrive between 8:00–9:00 AM.

We like to say, “no news is good news.” If you don’t hear from us, you can expect our crew to arrive on time and ready to work!

If anything changes due to weather or unforeseen circumstances, we will reach out promptly to keep you informed and adjust if needed.

We work in a wide range of conditions—but safety and quality always come first.

  • Light, sporadic rain? We’re working.
  • Steady, heavy rain (especially in the morning)? We may need to reschedule.
  • High winds? This is our kryptonite and will depend heavily on the job’s scope.
  • Snow and ice? Typically, a no-go. We avoid putting our crews and equipment at risk, especially on the roads.

The main takeaway: we’ve been doing this for over 30 years. So, worry not! You can trust us to make the right call for your property and our crew.  That’s exactly why you hired us.

leave your property looking as good as—or better than—when we arrived.

To do this, we use protective mats and plywood in travel paths, low-impact tracked equipment, and, in some cases, cranes to reduce ground disturbance.

That said, tree work is heavy work. As someone in the industry once said, “we’re not removing pillows.” Even with advanced rigging and careful planning, we are still working with large trees and gravity—so some impact can occur.

We do everything we can to reduce it, communicate expectations upfront, and stand behind the quality of our work.

Short Answer: Nothing goes to waste – but there’s more involved than people realize!

Long Answer: It’s taken us years to do so, but we have several systems in place to ensure we use the byproducts of your tree work to the best of our ability.

After removal, wood is transported to our log yard, where it’s sorted into a few categories:

  • “The good stuff” – uniform hardwood logs that can be processed into firewood
  • “The really good stuff” – Logs of desirable species that are picked up and milled into lumber
  • Pine logs – typically picked up and driven to Canada to create pine boards
  • “The Junk” wood – even this used…it’s picked up and turned into mulch

While it may seem like a profitable endeavor, the reality is that it often costs more to handle, transport, sort, and process the material than it generates.  That is why there is a fee associated with hauling material away.

As always, we’re happy to offer the option of leaving desirable wood on-site if you’d like to keep it and save on cost.

Tree Removal

A tree needs to be removed when it can no longer be made safe through pruning or treatment. The most common indicators are significant structural failure (cracks, splits, or lean that developed suddenly), death or advanced decline (no new growth, brittle branches, fungal growth at the base), severe pest or disease damage such as emerald ash borer in ash trees, or hazardous proximity to a structure or utility where the risk can’t be mitigated any other way.

If you’re unsure, our licensed arborists can assess the tree and give you an honest answer — removal is always a last resort, not a default recommendation.

Arbortech tip: A quick scratch test can help: lightly scrape a small section of bark. Green, moist tissue underneath means the tree still has life in it. Dry, brown, or brittle tissue throughout suggests a significant decline.

Removal costs vary based on tree size, species, location, and accessibility. Key factors that affect pricing include:

  • Height and trunk diameter — larger trees require more equipment and labor
  • Proximity to structures — tight spaces require more technical rigging
  • Condition of the tree — dead or brittle wood is less predictable and more complex to remove safely
  • Stump grinding — typically quoted separately and worth including in the same visit

Arbortech provides free on-site estimates. We’ll walk the property with you, explain what’s involved, and give you a clear written quote before any work begins.

Under Connecticut law, you can trim encroaching branches up to your property line — but only if the trimming won’t harm the tree. You cannot remove more than 25% of the tree’s foliage in a growing season, and you must make proper pruning cuts (not stubs that damage the tree). If making proper cuts would require going beyond your property line, you need your neighbor’s consent.

To avoid disputes and ensure the cuts are made correctly, Arbortech can coordinate directly with both parties. We do this regularly and can make the process straightforward for everyone involved.

The terms are often used interchangeably, but there’s a practical distinction. Trimming typically refers to cutting back overgrowth for aesthetics or clearance — keeping branches away from rooflines, utility lines, or neighboring structures. Pruning is more targeted and health-focused: removing dead, diseased, or structurally weak branches to improve the tree’s long-term structure and reduce the risk of failure.

Most tree care visits involve both. A good arborist will assess the tree holistically rather than just cutting what’s visually in the way.

Insurance & Storm Damage

Generally, if a fallen tree damages a covered structure — your home, garage, or fence — the structural repair is covered and most Connecticut policies include tree removal costs as part of that claim. If the tree falls in the open yard without hitting anything, removal is typically not covered.

Document all damage with photos before any cleanup begins, and contact your insurer promptly. Arbortech works with all major insurance providers and can provide documentation to support your claim.

Arbortech tip: Be cautious of door-to-door tree services after major storms. Reputable companies don’t typically solicit this way. Always verify licensing and insurance before anyone starts work on your property.

Yes. Connecticut’s nor’easters, ice storms, and summer wind events regularly bring down trees with little warning. Arbortech provides emergency response for hazardous situations — downed trees on structures, blocked driveways, or trees at immediate risk of falling.

For anything that poses an immediate threat involving a power line, call your utility company (Eversource or UI) before calling us, as live lines are their jurisdiction first.

Hiring a Tree Service Company in Connecticut

Connecticut requires anyone performing arboricultural services for hire to hold a valid state arborist license issued by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). Always verify this before work begins. Beyond licensing, confirm:

  • Liability insurance — protects you if property is damaged during the job
  • Workers’ compensation coverage — protects you if a worker is injured on your property
  • Written estimate — any reputable company provides this before starting
  • No full payment demanded upfront — a deposit is normal; full payment before completion is a red flag

Arbortech holds all required Connecticut licensing and carries full liability and workers’ compensation coverage. We’re happy to provide documentation on request.

Contact us by phone or through our website to schedule a free on-site assessment. One of our licensed arborists will visit your property, evaluate the trees in question, and provide a written quote. There’s no obligation, and we’ll take the time to explain exactly what we recommend and why.

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