When a big storm blows through Greenville, the cleanup can feel just as intense as the wind. Trees are down, power may be out, and you’re just trying to figure out what to do next. And if one of those fallen trees is now lying in your yard — or worse, on your house or car — the pressure to act fast can be overwhelming.
In those moments, homeowners often face three paths: you can try to handle it yourself, you can hire whoever knocks on your door offering to “take care of it cheap,” or you can slow down, ask the right questions, and bring in a professional you can actually trust. Let’s walk through what really happens with each of those choices and why making the right one matters.
DIY Tree Removal: It Looks Easy on YouTube. It isn’t.
It’s tempting to think, “How hard can it be?” You've got a chainsaw in the garage, maybe a ladder, and some grit. But storm-damaged trees don’t behave like well-mannered backyard limbs. They’re heavy, unpredictable and are sometimes under enormous tension — the kind you can’t see until it’s too late.
We’ve seen it happen too many times: a homeowner climbs a ladder to cut a branch and the weight shifts unexpectedly, sending the ladder, and the person on it, crashing down. Or the whole tree rolls, or worse, falls the wrong way. Beyond the injury risks, there's also the potential for serious damage to your home, your neighbor’s fence, or your car. Hire a professional so you don’t become the next viral meme.
Unless you're trained in arboriculture (yes, that’s a thing), have proper safety equipment, and know how to assess load-bearing angles and stress points, the best move is to back away and call in a pro.
The Fly-by-Night “Tree Guys”: A Fast Fix That Can Quickly Go Sideways
If you’ve ever seen a swarm of trucks with out-of-state plates roll into a storm-hit neighborhood, you’ve probably met the other option: the so-called “tree guys.” They often show up within hours of a storm, offering fast cleanup at rock bottom prices. They might have chainsaws. They might even be wearing vests, but that doesn’t make them qualified to work on your property.
Here’s what usually happens. These crews aren’t licensed. They don’t carry insurance. They pay workers under the table, and if something goes wrong — say a limb crashes through your window during removal — guess who’s left with the bill? You.
And because they’re here today and gone tomorrow, there’s no recourse. No warranty. No one to call if your stump starts rotting or your yard is torn up. You get what you pay for, and far too often, that means a sloppy job and zero accountability.
The Right Way: Vetting a True Tree Care Professional
Now for the good news: you can get storm cleanup done quickly, safely, and responsibly. But it takes a little homework upfront. Here’s how you separate the pros from the posers.
Start by asking the right questions:
- "Are you licensed and insured?" If they say yes, ask to see proof.
- "Do you have certified arborists on staff?" Credentials matter, especially when trees are dangerously compromised. Sometimes a tree needs care instead of removal and arborists are certified to know the difference.
- "Can I get a written estimate?" This keeps everyone honest and sets expectations.
- "What’s your cleanup process?" A reputable company leaves your yard spotless. They won’t leave you with limbs and sawdust all over your lawn.
Think of it like hiring an electrician or a plumber. You wouldn’t bring in someone just because they have a truck and some tools. Your property (and your safety) deserve better.
Why You Can Trust Greenville Tree Co As a Storm Recovery Partner
At Greenville Tree Co, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners recover safely from storm damage all across the Upstate from Travelers Rest to Greenville to Easley and Simpsonville. We’re fully licensed and insured, and every job we take on is handled by trained professionals who understand how to assess various tree hazards and remove or remedy them with care.
We don’t cut corners, and we don’t disappear after the job. From the moment you call, our team personally walks you through the process, provides a clear estimate, and takes the time to leave your property better than we found it.
So, when the next storm hits, don’t let panic lead you into a bad decision. Reach out to someone who’s been there before and will stick around long after the clouds clear. Call us today or request a free estimate.