Why Hiring A Registered Tree Service Company is Important & How To Spot Trouble

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When it comes to tree care in towns like Middletown, Long Branch, Highlands, and beyond, many homeowners may not think there’s much difference between an arborist and a landscaper. After all, both professions work with plants and handle tasks like pruning and planting. However, New Jersey’s tree work law makes it clear that tree care is a highly specialized field, and hiring the right professionals is crucial to ensuring your property’s safety and the health of your trees.

At Hufnagel Tree Service, we’ve proudly served local communities for over 25 years, delivering expert tree care with a focus on safety and precision. Improper tree work can lead to dangerous consequences, from property damage to tree failures—especially with the unpredictable weather we’ve experienced in our region. Whether you’re in Middletown, Long Branch, Highlands, or any of the surrounding areas, you can trust our licensed and insured team to handle your tree care needs professionally and effectively.

What Sets Arborists Apart

Unlike landscapers, certified arborists handle high-risk situations daily that require extensive training and expertise. Tree work isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about safety, precision, and preserving the health of your trees. At Hufnagel Tree Service, we understand that tree care involves more than just cutting branches or planting. Certified arborists like us deal with dangerous equipment, work in challenging environments, and often perform aerial operations far above the ground—tasks that landscapers typically don’t handle. Working near power lines, removing hazardous trees, and ensuring public safety are part of what we do every day.

Landscapers don’t have the specialized training, equipment, or insurance required to safely carry out tree care, which is why hiring a certified arborist is so important. When it comes to tree care, experience and expertise matter. This is where Hufnagel Tree Service truly stands out. We are fully licensed and insured, with certifications that guarantee we meet the highest industry standards. We proudly provide proof of insurance at any time, giving our customers peace of mind knowing their property is protected.

A certified arborist is known for:

  • Tree health assessment: Identifying disease, decay, or structural issues that could lead to tree failure or harm.
  • Safe tree removal: Expertly removing trees in high-risk areas, such as near homes, roads, or power lines.
  • Pruning and trimming: Shaping trees for both aesthetic beauty and structural integrity, promoting healthy growth while avoiding potential hazards.
  • Storm-proofing: Reinforcing trees to withstand harsh weather conditions and reduce the risk of damage to surrounding property.
  • Emergency tree services: Responding quickly to storm damage or fallen trees, minimizing risks to people and property.
  • Proper planting and maintenance: Ensuring that trees are planted correctly and cared for throughout their lifespan to avoid long-term issues.
  • Compliance with local regulations: Knowledge of tree removal permits and ordinances specific to New Jersey townships.

At Hufnagel Tree Service, we take these responsibilities seriously. As certified arborists with over 25 years of experience, we have the knowledge, skills, and tools to handle any tree-related challenge, big or small. Whether you need storm-proofing, trimming, or safe tree removal, our team is ready to get the job done safely and efficiently.

NJ Tree Work Law: Protecting You and Your Property

In New Jersey, any company performing tree care must be registered with the state and employ a Licensed Tree Expert (LTE) or a Licensed Tree Care Operator (LTCO). This law was put into place for your protection after an alarming rise in injuries, fatalities, and property damage caused by untrained individuals doing tree work. When you hire Hufnagel Tree Service, you can be confident knowing we comply with every aspect of NJ’s tree work law. Our team is certified, and we have the proper liability and workers’ compensation insurance to cover every job we undertake.

Hiring an unregistered or “pop-up” tree service company is not only risky but can cost you more in the long run. These companies often undercut pricing, but their lack of insurance, certifications, and proper equipment can result in damage to your property or worse—injury. Don’t let low rates fool you into hiring a hassle! At Hufnagel Tree Service, we believe in providing reliable, expert care without cutting corners. “Don’t Hire A Hassle”—hire a company that’s licensed, insured, and prepared for any job, big or small.

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Dangers of Hiring Unregistered or "Pop-Up" Tree Services

  1. No Insurance Means Big Risk
    Unregistered companies typically don’t carry the proper insurance. If they cause damage to your property or injure someone, you could be held liable. Hufnagel Tree Service is fully insured, meaning you’re protected from any potential liabilities.
  2. Inexperienced Workers Lead to Poor Results
    Hiring an unregistered company often means you’re getting untrained workers. They may not follow proper safety protocols or have the experience needed to handle complex tree care tasks. At Hufnagel Tree Service, we bring 25+ years of experience and highly trained professionals to every job. You can trust us to do the work safely and effectively.
  3. Low Rates, High Risk
    When a tree service company offers rates that seem too good to be true, they probably are. Low rates can indicate corner-cutting, subpar equipment, and a lack of proper certifications. Don’t fall for these gimmicks. At Hufnagel Tree Service, we offer fair pricing for top-quality work, ensuring your trees and property are in the best hands.
  4. Lack of Proper Equipment Can Lead to Safety Hazards
    Unregistered or pop-up tree service companies often don’t have access to the proper, industry-standard equipment needed for safe and efficient tree work. Without the right tools, workers may resort to dangerous practices, increasing the risk of accidents. At Hufnagel Tree Service, we use state-of-the-art equipment to ensure every job is completed safely and up to industry standards, protecting your property and our workers.

  5. No Accountability for Subpar Work
    When you hire an unregistered company, you risk getting subpar work with no accountability. These companies may disappear after a storm or leave without fixing the damage they caused, leaving you to deal with the aftermath. Hufnagel Tree Service, on the other hand, is a longstanding, reputable company with 25+ years in the business. We stand by our work and ensure every job is done right, providing peace of mind with every project we undertake.

Permits Are Essential for Tree Removal - If They Don't Ask They Don't Care You Will Get Fined.

New Jersey law requires permits for tree removal in every township. This regulation is in place to prevent unsafe tree removal practices and to protect the environment. Failing to obtain the proper permits can lead to fines or other legal issues. Unfortunately, unscrupulous companies won’t care whether your job requires a permit. They may skip over important legal requirements, leaving you vulnerable to fines and penalties. These companies won’t inform you about the need for a permit or guide you through the process—putting you at risk. Hufnagel Tree Service, on the other hand, knows the permit process for every NJ township and can guide you through the necessary steps to ensure compliance with local laws, keeping you and your property protected.

Call The Middletown Tree Expert Company Trusted By Hundreds of Homeowners

If you’re ready to hire a certified, experienced tree service company, look no further than Hufnagel Tree Service. Whether your trees need trimming, storm-proofing, or full removal, we have the expertise to care for your property year-round. Our certified arborists can keep your trees healthy and vibrant while enhancing the overall landscape around your home.

Hufnagel Tree Service is more than just a tree removal company. We specialize in shaping trees to improve curb appeal, creating beautifully manicured hedgerows, and sculpting tree canopies to perfection. By removing dead or diseased trees, we protect your property and ensure that your healthy trees thrive in their environment.

Fall is the perfect time to assess your trees before winter storms arrive. Take advantage of our Fall Tree Service to ensure your trees are ready for the colder months. Whether you need trimming to prevent storm damage or shaping to create a picturesque landscape, our team is here to help.

Don’t wait until it’s too late—get ahead of potential risks and maintain the beauty of your property. At Hufnagel Tree Service, we combine 25+ years of experience with cutting-edge techniques to give you the best possible results. We are licensed, fully insured, and ready to provide proof of insurance at any time, so you can feel confident in choosing us.

To get started, simply fill out the contact form below or call us at 732-291-4444 to schedule your service today! Don’t Hire A Hassle—hire Hufnagel Tree Service, the team you can trust to care for your trees and enhance your landscape.

Mention One Of These Money-Saving Offers When You Book Your Service!

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Please contact your local municipality to determine if a permit is required for your tree removal project. They will provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information.