6 Questions to Ask Your Tree Service Expert
Friday, June 23, 2017, 6:00 AM | Leave Comment
Caring for the trees on your property is a job best left to the professionals.
A knowledgeable arborist will know when a tree in healthy or diseased. He or she will understand the best way and appropriate time of year to prune a tree or whether it needs to come down.
And, they will be acutely aware of the safety precautions that need to be adhered to when working with saws, pruners, ladders, and lifts, as well as how to protect you and your property.
When it comes to hiring the right company, do your homework so that you trust the team, and make sure to check references.
Here are some initial 6 questions to ask your tree service expert before having the work performed.
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What are your professional credentials?
A tree professional who calls themselves an arborist is someone who is trained in the cultivation, management, health, and safety of trees and wood stemmed shrubs.
Although it is voluntary, the company should be certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Make sure the company is legitimate and has any licenses that might be required by your state or municipality.
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Is your company insured?
The last thing you want is a tree care company that does not carry appropriate insurance. At the minimum, the company needs to have General Liability and Worker’s Compensation for employees.
You need to be protected from any property damages, job site injuries, or accidents. Tree trimming and felling can be dangerous jobs. Feel free to ask for certificates of insurance.
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Do you adhere to OSHA regulations and practices?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets standards for worker’s safety in most industries, including tree care service.
Crews are required to where hardhats, use safety harnesses, and have training in working near utility lines. Ask if the crew is properly trained in safety practices.
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What type of equipment do you use?
You need to find out if there will be a cherry picker or lift driving across your property and how the company plans to protect your lawn, gardens, driveway, and irrigation system.
You also don’t want a company that allows their crew to climb trees with spikes that could be damaging to the trunk.
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How will you clean up?
It is important that you know up front if the company is going to cut up the trunk and branches of felled trees and remove them. Also, who will get rid of the stump and how?
Make sure your lawn will be restored after a tree has been cut down. If you are hoping to keep the wood for your fireplace or woodstove, make sure the details and associated costs of preparing the logs is spelled out before signing the contract.
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Will you provide a detailed estimate, schedule, and contract?
Be sure to get an all-inclusive cost estimate and a work schedule detailing the project sequencing and how long the job will take.
Make sure you get a written proposal and a signed contract that protects you and your property. If the contractor requests a large deposit before doing the work, such as 50%, be wary.
Working with a skillful, properly educated, and certified tree service expert is one of the smartest things you can do for the care of your trees and shrubs.
Tree maintenance is not inexpensive, so make sure you are getting the best service for the money you are paying.
Do your research and ask questions. Peace of mind is necessary when having this type of technical work performed.
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Ryan Bridges is a contributing writer and media specialist for the Cascade Tree Works. He regularly produces content for a variety of home improvement and outdoor blogs, based around the transitional challenges which comes with managing home and outdoor services.
