Ok everyone here is the million dollar question everyone starting out is asking

[treetop flyer]

What exactly do I need to get started in terms of licensing, insurance, certifications etc. Every person that is trying to start their own tree service is wondering these questions. I am in Massachusetts so I am preparing for the MCA exam this spring. I am also planning to get certified for pesticide and Moget application. My company will most likely begin with myself and one or two other people. What kind of liability and WC insurance do I need? Do I need a certain kind of commercial vehicle insurance? What about registering vehicles as commercial? Holy @%$* this is a lot of work! Thanks for any replies.

 

[(WLL)]

u will need every-thing u asked about plus a lot of money this is a tuff biz. good luck

 

[OLD CHIPMONK]

Go to work for the big boys such as Bartlett Tree Co. . Then , with expierience, you can make a big decision .

 

[Ed Roland]

Go to work for the big boys such as Bartlett Tree Co. . Then , with expierience, you can make a big decision .

Not a bad way to go. It worked for me. After a year in the saddle for the big "B" you get to keep the climbing gear they provide for you, depending on the office. Combined with the abundace of safety training its smart to start this way. I worked for these guys MANY years before striking out on my own. Would have stayed with them but i moved to another area so my wife could make some real $. No Bartlett here.

 

[Bigus Termitius]

You people our such party poopers.

Everyone knows all you need is a pickup truck and a chainsaw!

 

[MS TreeMonkey]

My 2 Cents

Unless you absolutely love this line of work - get a full time job with insurance and benefits and do this stuff on the side!! I've only been doing this for 3 years (only 1 full-time for myself) and I still love climbing the trees and working off the ropes. As my wife will tell you though, the business takes a ton of time - if i'm not climbing, i'm bidding jobs - if i'm not bidding jobs, i'm doing maintenance on equipment, if i'm not doing maintenance, then i'm working on the budget and writing checks to Uncle SAM. Kinda bitter sweet. Happy customers make all the difference in the world!! Oh, and don't try to compete with lowballers - just make sure your work is in a class above them!