Mature trees contribute to the quality of life in Mill Creek by lending an aesthetically pleasing image to the City's landscape, helping reduce greenhouse gases, and providing wildlife habitat. In addition, trees help prevent erosion on steep slopes and stream banks. As such, the City of Mill Creek Comprehensive Plan promotes the preservation of mature trees, and the Development Code has restrictions on removing trees. Additionally, many developments within the City have tree preservation plans identifying specific trees that must be preserved and/or property buffers where trees are to be retained.
Hiring a Tree Removal Company
The following information is provided on the Department of Labor and Industries website and contains valuable information to keep in mind when you are considering hiring a tree service to either remove or prune your trees.
Make sure you:
Plan your project
If you know what you want done and can clearly explain it, you're less likely to misunderstand instructions or encounter cost overruns.
Interview contractors
Interview several qualified registered contractors and solicit written bids. Evaluate all aspects of the bids, including the scope of work, warranties, references, time frames and price.
Check that the contractor is registered
Verify that the contractor registration number is current with L&I. Look for the contractor registration number in advertisements for contractors. The law requires this number to be included in all advertisements, including business cards and the Yellow Pages.
Verify workers' comp coverage
If your contractor has workers, ensure they have an up-to-date workers' comp account. Contractors using workers on the jobsite must have a workers' comp (industrial insurance) account and should be paid up-to-date. Contractors not using workers (owner-contractors) are not required to open workers' comp accounts.
Check the contractor using other resources
Office of the Attorney General
TDD users call 1-800-833-6384
Consumer Resource Center: 1-800-551-4636
Better Business Bureau:
206-431-2222 (western Washington)
Ask for references and check them
If possible, view the work, interview the homeowner and visit a site with work in progress.
Get a disclosure statement
Make sure you receive the legally required Notice to Customer (disclosure statement) before work begins.
Check for warning signs of a scam
- Provides a credential or reference that can't be verified.
- Offers a special price only if you sign today, or use other high-pressure sales techniques.
- Only accepts cash, requires large deposits or the entire costs up front, or asks you to make the payment in their name.
- Does not provide a written contract or complete bid.
Please visit the Department of Labor and Industries website for more information and a Step by Step Guide to Hiring Smart.