Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

Is the company licensed and insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Michael's Tree & Loader Service is fully licensed and insured and holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Assessments are performed by an ISA-certified arborist.

Question 2

Who assesses my trees?

Accepted Answer

Assessments are carried out by an ISA Certified Arborist, who explains the findings directly. All work is carried out by our own crews, using company-owned equipment. We do not use subcontractors.

Question 3

What services do you offer?

Accepted Answer

Tree trimming, tree removal, plant health care, stump grinding, emergency storm work, lot and land clearing, debris hauling, mulch, and Disaster recovery.

Question 4

How do I know if a tree needs to be removed?

Accepted Answer

An ISA-certified arborist examines the tree during the assessment and explains the findings directly. Where pruning or treatment solves the problem, that is what we recommend.

Question 5

Can you grind the stump after removing the tree?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Tree removal and stump grinding are both our services. Stumps and surface roots are ground below grade to restore the space. Stump grinding is priced separately and can be added to the same estimate.

Question 6

What determines the cost of tree work?

Accepted Answer

The size and condition of the tree, how close it stands to structures, how the crew and equipment can reach it, and what has to be hauled away. Every price is set after an on-site assessment and written into the proposal.

Question 7

Can you give an estimate from photos?

Accepted Answer

No. Every estimate follows an on-site assessment by an ISA-certified arborist, because access, condition, and surroundings decide the method and the price. We book that visit during your first call.

Question 8

How soon can you come out, and how soon can the work be done?

Accepted Answer

The on-site visit is booked on your first call. Scheduling after approval depends on the season and the size of the job.

Question 9

How long does the job take, and is it one visit?

Accepted Answer

Most residential jobs are completed in a single visit. Larger removals, clearing, and plant health care programs are scheduled across the visits the work requires, and the proposal says which applies.

Question 10

Do I need to be home, and how should I prepare?

Accepted Answer

You do not need to be home once the work is approved. Before the crew arrives, move vehicles out of the work area, clear the driveway if the crew needs it for access, keep pets inside, and point out any private lines such as irrigation or landscape lighting.

Question 11

Is there a charge for an estimate?

Accepted Answer

No. Assessments and estimates are provided at no cost.

Question 12

How do I book an estimate?

Accepted Answer

Call the office or use the request form at /contact-us.

Question 13

Will the site be cleaned up afterwards?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Debris is removed and the work area cleared before a job is considered complete.

Question 14

Do you require a deposit, and when is payment due?

Accepted Answer

No deposit. Residential work is invoiced on completion and due on receipt. Commercial and municipal accounts are typically net 30. Invoices can be paid by phone or computer.

Question 15

Which areas do you serve in the Memphis area?

Accepted Answer

Memphis, Bartlett, Germantown, Collierville, Cordova, Arlington, Lakeland, Millington, Eads, Southaven, Olive Branch, and Horn Lake. To confirm coverage for a specific address, request an estimate.

Question 16

Which areas do you serve in the St. Louis area?

Accepted Answer

St. Louis City, Clayton, Kirkwood, Webster Groves, Sunset Hills, Crestwood, Affton, Oakville, Fenton, Ballwin, and Des Peres. To confirm coverage for a specific address, request an estimate.

Question 17

What are your phone numbers and office hours?

Accepted Answer

Memphis: 901-331-8205, open Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. St. Louis: 314-668-7286, open Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Question 18

What happens if something on my property is damaged?

Accepted Answer

Tell the office as soon as you notice it. We are fully insured, and the office will arrange for the damage to be assessed and put right.

Question 19

What about a tree on the property line or a neighbor's tree?

Accepted Answer

We work only with the property owner's approval. Where a tree straddles a line or overhangs from a neighbor's property, the arborist will explain what can be done from your side and when the neighbor's agreement is needed.

Question 20

Can tree roots damage my foundation?

Accepted Answer

Rarely by themselves. Roots follow water and can take advantage of an existing crack, but healthy foundations are not usually at risk. If you have a concern, the arborist can assess the tree and the distance to the structure during the visit.

Question 21

What happens if the tree is near a power line?

Accepted Answer

If a tree is too close to a line, we advise you to contact the utility first so the line can be cleared before our crew enters the tree. The arborist will tell you during the assessment whether that applies.

Question 22

Is a permit required to remove a tree?

Accepted Answer

Requirements depend on the tree's location, whether it stands within the public right-of-way, the municipality, and in some places whether the property falls within a historic district or an HOA. The arborist will confirm what applies to your address during the assessment.

Question 23

How quickly can crews respond after a storm?

Accepted Answer

Response time depends on the severity of the storm and demand. We offer 24/7 emergency service for storm-damaged trees in Memphis and St. Louis.

Question 24

Can you remove a tree that has fallen on my house?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Removal of fallen and hung-up trees and of limbs bearing on roofs and structures is part of emergency storm work.