I found that to be true also. I assume you are talking about a tree removal?

That's why I always recommend getting 3 estimates. Ask for references, make sure they are insured (and supposedly they have to give you an insurance paper on the day of the job with your job details on it, not just a copy of a stock form). Some of the big companies charge more if they have specialized equipment (and plan to use it). That may help you understand the price difference.

I would ask each of them how they intend to remove the tree (if that is what you are doing) - drop it into a cleared area or take it down piece by piece. It's good to make sure you agree on the approach - fewer surprises. And that affects the cost (and their estimate).

Atlanta is a large metro area; it might be hard to get specific recommendations. You might want to post this question on the Georgia forum, there are some Atlanta folks there (I live north of the metro area).

Here is a link that might be useful: Georgia forum on Garden Web

Make sure they aren't the ones that did the Buford mainstreet.

Make sure they have a certified arborist on their staff.

i will never understand why you would need a certified arborist when it comes to removal .... it wouldnt hurt ... but i wouldnt pay more for it ...

restorative pruning on the other hand ... i can see the need for such ....

ken

You may not but I said to find a tree service with a certified arborist on staff because that's an indication that having someone on staff with formal education in arboriculture, that the people operating the chainsaws will know what they're doing and have good supervision.

Picking the lowest bidder is usually not the best way to pick contractors especially in an industry where fly-by-night contractors are a fact of life and when death or injury is a real risk. And in an economy where so many people are out of work and looking for things to do to make a few bucks in their spare time like chopping down trees, you need to be extra careful that you are going with a reputable company that is insured and knows what they are doing.

I'd ask work assoc, friends, family, neighbors, church members, local garden centers/shops for several recommendations of who they used or knew of. Usually when you get the same co. from a couple of sources it may be a good sign, but I'd follow the above recommendations also.

I searched online for "cost of Atlanta tree service" and found a curious site: Atlanta Tree Service at Cost.com which claims because of the economy they are letting their tree workers work for you at cost, with little or no profit, just to keep everyone employed. They list their costs on the page and if they are true they are much cheaper tha the typical rates they show for their compeitiors. I haven't called them yet to get a quote.

Here is a link that might be useful: Atlanta Tree Service At Cost