<p>Got an estimate to have a very large dead oak tree removed. They are coming in the morning. The estimate is around $500. Am I supposed to tip the workers???</p>
<p>That’s cheap. Tip them. I paid around 1200 for a large ash tree.</p>
<p>I would say no, had similar work done (but in NH).</p>
<p>Are you asking for something extra that isn’t in the contract? If not, then no. They probably usually work when the homeowner isn’t even there. Can you ask around your neighborhood?</p>
<p>We had a dead 100-yr old Douglas fir cut down in our backyard. Paid only $350, because there was no stump removal (long story as to why) and the neighbor took the wood for his fireplace, so there was no wood removal fee either. No tipping, just like with any other professional service folks here in WA. I tried to tip a painting subcontractor once, but she refused the money - she said it would be unethical for her to accept it since she was being paid a nice living wage by her boss.</p>
<p>When I had a tree removed, I didn’t tip the people. They were being paid by the company that I employed.</p>
<p>I don’t tip for work like that. Don’t know anyone who does. Only exception would be if the person does something extra for you while doing the job. Like one day when I had furniture delivered, I did not get around to clearing the room as planned because of some unplanned happenings. The delivery men were wonderful and took the time and trouble to do that extra. Yes, I tipped them. When my lawn man insisted on transplanting a bush for me without charge, I did tip the assistant. When they turned off the sprinklers for me the first time and showed me how, I tipped the worker, and gave the lawn man a Christmas bonus, as I do for some who go above and beyond.</p>
<p>I wouldn’t tip for anything like that - they’re just doing their job and getting paid by their employer. I also wouldn’t tip a guy building a fence, painting my house, cleaning my chimney, clearing out my drain, working on my cable TV, replacing my roof, or any other service. </p>
<p>If you have a fireplace you might want to offer them extra bucks to turn it into firewood if that’s not already part of the deal.</p>
<p>For that kind of work, I usually give each worker money to cover their lunch ($10?)</p>
<p>The estimate is $500 if they cut it down and haul it all away, $375 if they haul the main trunk away but cut up the rest for firewood and stack it for our firepit. I’m never sure when I’m supposed to tip! And they did say I didn’t need to be home so I don’t think they usually get a tip. They estimated the oak to be well over 100 yrs old!</p>