Ask These 5 Questions Before Hiring a Tree Service?
Trees are nature’s true works of art. Their pure beauty and intricate shapes are rivaled only by their incredible fragrance. But trees are also living beings and need care too. If you want your tree in your yard or garden to grow strong and beautiful, you’ll need a professional tree service. But with so many tree care service providers to choose from, you might be overwhelmed. To help you make a better decision, we’ve compiled a list of questions to ask when hiring a tree care service. These questions will help you determine whether the tree care service is truly committed to taking care of your tree and doing a good job. They should also help you stay safe and make sure your tree is getting the care it needs. So, without any further ado, let’s get started!
1. Can They Provide a List of References
As a concerned homeowner, you want to know if the tree care service provider can provide you with references. It shows that they’re confident enough to vouch for their own services—at least to their own past clients. If the tree care service provider has a list of references, ask to see some photos of their past work first before contacting the references. This will give you some idea of what you can expect from the company. When contacting each reference, make sure you ask some open-ended questions as well as some specific questions. Ask questions about the service provider’s work as a whole, as well as specific details of their work. You want to know they’re a professional and that they’re familiar with your trees and trees in general. In essence, you want to trust that the company can help your trees reach their full potential—and that they’ll do it safely.
2. Do They Provide Detailed Estimate
We often say the devil is in the details. If you want to avoid being taken advantage of, you have to look at the details themselves. The most important detail in any estimate is the expected cost of the work. So, when looking at an estimate, pay close attention to the details. Your favorite tree care service provider may not always know exactly how much the work will cost. The estimate is merely an educated guess. However, if they can give you a general estimate, that’s already a good sign that they’re working with you, honestly. If the price they give you is outside of your budget, don’t be afraid to negotiate. But make sure you clarify what exactly they’ll be including in the estimate—and what they won’t. There are many additional charges that may not be included. Make sure you know the full extent of the estimate before committing to it. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
3. Are They Certified
You don’t want to hire a tree care service provider that isn’t fully committed to quality work. So if you want to ensure that the company is doing the best job it can, you should look for a company that’s certified. Some credentials to look for are: International Society of Arboriculture, Practicing/Certified Forester, Certified Arborist, Climber Safety Certified, AED, and CPR Trained. Although some credentials are shorter than others, they can all indicate that the company you’re hiring is trying to do its best work. They’re also putting your personal safety and that of your trees first – a much-appreciated quality in any company.
4. Are They Insured
Tree care can be dangerous work. Protect yourself and your trees by enlisting the help of a company that’s insured. It’s not just you or your trees that are at risk of getting injured or killed while the company is working on your trees. Even if you don’t plan to sue, if an accident does happen, you’ll want some kind of compensation to help pay for the damages. If an accident happens on your property, you can also get sued if they aren’t insured. So, always ask whether a company has professional liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, and many more. In fact, the U.S. government makes it mandatory for all companies to have workers’ compensation or equivalent insurance.
5. What Type of Equipment Will They Use
The tree care company that you choose to help work on your tree will be responsible for the tree (and the people working on it). Thus, you’ll want to make sure they use high-quality equipment and safety gear. Check to make sure they use the correct tools for the job—including the right extension ladder and the proper aids for climbing. You should also make sure they use safety equipment like ropes (harnesses and mechanical descenders) and the proper tool and lighting. The equipment being used must be maintained and in good condition. Don’t forget to check for proper hard hats as well.
MAKE SURE YOU HIRE THE RIGHT TREE SERVICE
There are many companies out there offering tree care services. But if you want the best service, you’ll need to ask the right questions when hiring a tree care service. These five questions are the most critical ones. If the service provider you’re considering can’t provide satisfactory answers to these questions, think twice and look elsewhere. We hope you and your trees will be happy with the results of your decision.
If you have questions about tree service or plant health care or would like an estimate, give us a call at 978-768-6999 or click here to contact us.
If you’d like to learn more about Why Should Trees Be Pruned just click here.
It’s great that you explained how to identify a reliable tree company! Recently, my wife and I decided we’d like to start a gardening project. We want to plant some trees and have lots of flowers, so we think your hiring tips will definitely help us! Thanks for the advice on asking for detailing quotes before hiring a tree care specialist!
I appreciated it when you shared that it is crucial to hire a tree care service that uses high-quality equipment and safety gear. My friend just mentioned the other day that she is worried about her house as the trees are no longer in good condition due to a lack of maintenance. I will suggest to her find a reliable service that has the right equipment to maintain them.
It really helped when you said that we should hire those that are certified to ensure that they can do the job well, especially those with credentials that are mentioned in your article. I will keep that in mind now that I need a tree removal service for the one in our backyard. It have been leaning towards the pool area which concerns me a lot regarding the safety of the property.