The Eastern Shore Tree Service Market
Talbot and Queen Anne's Counties have no shortage of people willing to cut your trees. After any significant storm, the number increases dramatically. The question isn't whether you can find someone — it's whether you can find someone licensed, insured, experienced, and honest. Here's how to do that.
Question 1: Are You Licensed in Maryland?
Maryland requires a Home Improvement Contractor (MHIC) license for most tree work over a certain dollar threshold. Ask for the license number and verify it at the Maryland DLLR website. An unlicensed contractor has no accountability mechanism and gives you no recourse if something goes wrong.
Question 2: Can You Show Me Your Certificate of Insurance?
This is non-negotiable. You need to see both general liability coverage and workers' compensation. General liability covers your property if a tree lands on your roof, fence, or car. Workers' compensation covers the crew members — if a worker is injured on your property and the contractor has no workers' comp, you can be held liable under Maryland law. Ask to be named as the certificate holder. Any legitimate company will do this without hesitation.
Question 3: Who Specifically Will Be on the Job?
Some tree service companies quote the job and then subcontract it to whoever has capacity that week. Owner-operated companies like Bayside Tree and Landscape — where Craig Stitcher is personally on every job site — give you a consistent point of accountability. You know who to call if something isn't right.
Question 4: Will You Give Me a Written, Itemized Estimate?
A professional tree service gives you a written estimate before starting. "It'll be around $X" from a guy who showed up in a pickup is not an estimate — it's a setup for an inflated invoice. Itemized means: each tree, each service, debris removal, stump grinding if applicable. Every line.
Question 5: Can I See Recent Reviews?
Google reviews and Facebook recommendations from local customers are the most reliable signal. Look for recent reviews (within the past 12 months), reviews that mention specific jobs and locations, and how the company responds to any negative feedback.
The Bottom Line
Bayside Tree and Landscape is Maryland-licensed, fully insured with certificates available on request, owner-operated with Craig Stitcher personally on every job, and provides written itemized estimates on every project. Call 443-988-5225 for a free estimate.
