Rhode Island requires licensed arborists
The rule
According to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Rhode Island requires that all practitioners of arboriculture be licensed. That includes town tree wardens. The program runs through DEM's Urban and Community Forestry office under the state's rules for licensing and registering arborists.
Massachusetts has no equivalent rule on this site's list, so this check is for Woonsocket, Lincoln and Cumberland jobs.
How to check a company
DEM publishes a list of licensed arborists showing each person's name, city, license number, license type and the year it's valid. Ask the company for the license number of the arborist on your job, then look it up. DEM notes the list is for information only, doesn't endorse anyone, and may not yet include people licensed very recently.
What else to ask
Proof of liability insurance and workers' compensation, what's included in the price, and who checks with the tree warden if the tree is near the road.
Ready for quotes?
A tree on a wire or on the house? Keep away from it and call 911 or your electric company before anything else.