When you have such a large tree in your area that you have to extract, it is crucial you choose a tree removal contractor with care. The job of pulling out hazardous trees can be catastrophic if it is not done properly. Your house may get damaged, including your landscaping, driveway, cars and utilities. Worst, people could be placed in harm's way. 

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So how should you select a tree removal service?

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First off, make sure they're insured. A tree service company should be available to provide you a certificate of insurance, including:

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> General Liability

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This takes care of any property damage that might occur, and has to be exclusive to tree removal instead of general landscaping, with a value no lower than $ 1 million.

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> Worker's Compensation

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This is extremely important because without worker's compensation,  the property owner may be held accountable for any accidental injuries suffered while the job is ongoing. 

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Auto Insurance

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All trucks and equipment that will be used on the job should be covered by commercial auto insurance in case any of them causes accidental damages.

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Umbrella

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More established companies usually have a policy that protects against the possibility of any of the other policies falling short. Note that it should be the insurance company - not the contractor - who sends you the certificate of insurance, and your name must be indicated on it as a client. Anything can be faked these days. 

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Now look into certification or qualification. The contractor you pick must belong to the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) or any professional organization. Membership offers a reasonable guarantee that the company will apply proper practices. 

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On top of having certification,  the contractor you choose should be able to explain as well the tree removal estimate and technique that they will be using. Ask your estimator to describe their strategy. If they don't sound fully knowledgeable to you, consider other companies. There are many out there.

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You'd also like to know from your prospective contractor if they will be responsible for the removal of the debris once the tree has been removed. If not, then it's probable that the tree service doesn't have the required equipment to handle the job. Of course, to save money, you may decide not to have them haul it away. But this should be a choice for you to make.

Finally, they should submit a clearly written formal proposal, which, upon your acceptance, instantly becomes your contract. It must come with all of the contractor's information, such as credentials and business location. And remember to pay for the job only upon completion, not before the work commences.