Dangers of Hiring Amateur Tree Service

I recently met a homeowner who thought she’d save a few bucks on her tree work, and boy, did it backfire. She had a massive cottonwood looming over her house in Albuquerque, and knowing removal could be pricey, she jumped when her uncle offered to handle it with his friend. They rented a lift and got to work. Disaster struck fast. The lift wouldn’t fit in her yard, so her uncle convinced her to tear out a row of beautiful trumpet vines to make space. Then, they dropped a chaotic mess of limbs all over her yard, leaving it looking like a storm hit. To top it off, her uncle complained he’d undercharged because the lift rental cost more than expected—and then abandoned the job entirely, feeling underpaid. When I visited, I saw the real kicker: that cottonwood didn’t even need removing! A professional trim of the overhanging branches would’ve done the trick. Stories like this are why hiring “some guy with a chainsaw” can cost you more than you think. At Maven Tree Services, we’ve been helping Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, and East Mountains homeowners avoid these nightmares for nearly a decade. Let’s dive into the dangers of hiring amateur tree service and why pros are the way to go.

This is what happens when you hire amateurs!

The Dangers of Hiring Amateur Tree Service

Hiring a friend or neighbor with a chainsaw might seem like a budget-friendly move, but it’s a gamble that often backfires. Here are the top risks you face when you skip a professional like Maven Tree Services:

Injury Risks Without Workers’ Comp

Tree work is dangerous—chainsaws, heavy branches, and ladders don’t mix well with inexperience. If your friend gets hurt, there’s no workers’ comp to cover medical bills, and as the homeowner, you could be on the hook for lawsuits or costs. Maven carries full liability insurance and workers’ comp, so you’re never left liable.

Property Damage Without Insurance

Amateurs often lack proper insurance, so if a branch crashes through your roof or a lift dents your driveway, you’re stuck with the repair bill. In Albuquerque’s tight yards, one wrong move can mean thousands in damage. Our insured team at Maven ensures your property is protected, with no surprises.

Butchered Trees from Lack of Skill

A guy with a chainsaw might not know proper pruning techniques, leaving your trees hacked up, stressed, or vulnerable to pests like bark beetles, common in New Mexico’s dry climate. Improper cuts can also cause unstable regrowth, turning a trim into a future removal job. Our certified arborists use precise techniques with handsaws, pole saws, and chainsaws to keep your trees healthy and your yard beautiful.

Hidden Costs That Add Up

Amateurs often quote low to win the job, but the savings vanish when things go wrong. Like in the cottonwood story, you might end up paying for cleanup, repairs, or even redoing the work. Maven’s transparent pricing and professional service save you money in the long run by getting it right the first time.

Messy Cleanup (or None at All)

“Some guy” might leave piles of branches, leaves, or sawdust in your yard, forcing you to spend time or money on disposal. In the cottonwood case, the homeowner was left with a chaotic mess. Maven includes full cleanup, recycling debris when possible, so your yard stays spotless.

No Permits or Compliance Issues

Tree work in Albuquerque often requires permits, especially for removals near utilities or in protected areas like the bosque. Amateurs skip this, risking fines or halted projects. Maven handles all permits and complies with local regulations, keeping your project hassle-free.

Safety Risks to Family and Neighbors

Without training or safety gear, amateurs can endanger your kids, pets, or neighbors with falling branches or reckless chainsaw use. Albuquerque’s windy storms make this even riskier. Our team follows strict safety protocols to protect everyone around.

Wasted Time and Inconvenience

Amateur jobs drag on due to lack of equipment or know-how, disrupting your life. The cottonwood homeowner lost weeks waiting for her uncle’s failed attempt. Maven’s efficient crew gets in, gets it done, and gets out, respecting your schedule.

No Warranties or Support

If an amateur’s work fails—like a badly pruned tree dying—good luck getting them back. Maven offers guarantees and follow-up care, ensuring you’re never left hanging.

Environmental and Aesthetic Damage

Butchered trees hurt your yard’s look and can attract pests like aphids, which thrive in New Mexico. Amateur work might also disrupt local ecosystems by spreading invasive species. Maven uses eco-friendly practices, like proper debris disposal, to keep your yard and community thriving.

Strained Relationships

Hiring a friend or neighbor can turn awkward if the job goes south, like the uncle who bailed on the cottonwood project. With Maven, you get professional service without personal drama, keeping your relationships intact.

Why Choose Maven Tree Services?

Don’t let a cheap quote turn into a costly mistake. Here’s why Albuquerque homeowners trust us:

• Certified Expertise: Our team knows New Mexico trees inside out, from cottonwoods to junipers, ensuring proper care.

• Fully Insured: We carry liability and workers’ comp, so you’re never at risk.

• Local Knowledge: Nearly a decade in Albuquerque means we understand our dry, windy climate and its challenges.

• Complete Service: From permits to cleanup, we handle everything, leaving your yard pristine.

• Emergency Ready: Storm damage or urgent issues? We’re on it fast with 24/7 services.

Save Money and Stress with the Pros

Hiring a friend or “some guy” might seem like a deal, but as the cottonwood story shows, it can cost you more in damage, stress, and redo work. Choose Maven Tree Services for safe, professional tree care that saves you money in the long run. Contact us today for a free estimate—our friendly team is ready to tackle your tree needs in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, or the East Mountains. Click below to book a call and keep your yard safe and beautiful!