Got wildly different quotes to cut down a dying tree. What’s the normal cost in Bellevue?

I need to remove a dying birch tree in my backyard. it’s about 45ft tall, and the access to the spot is pretty straightforward. I’ve collected four different bids so far, and honestly, the price gap is making my head spin: $900, $1800, $2600, and $3400. The cheapest quote came from a random guy who showed up in an old pickup with just a chainsaw. The most expensive companies have professional cranes, branded trucks, and ISA certifications. The middle two options look completely identical on paper, so I have absolutely no clue what the extra money actually gets me. Everyone on Reddit always says “make sure they are licensed and insured,” but when I asked the $900 guy for proof, he got super defensive and weird about it.

Is $1800-$2600 a reasonable price range for a medium tree in King County? What specific questions should I ask the mid-tier guys to vet them? I don’t want to get ripped off, but I also really don’t want my cedar deck and fence crushed by someone who isn’t bonded. Appreciate any insights!