You probably have read a lot of guides about hiring a tree service company, but in this article, we will delve into the details of getting professional service for your future tree work. In reality, most homeowners don’t think of hiring a tree service until they have an uprooted tree in their yard or their tree looks ill, or it has simply become hazardous. Generally, tree service companies get the job because of the quality of their work, their reliability, and their expertise. Performing a task that involves climbing a tree and cutting away its branches requires specialized equipment, extensive knowledge, and years of experience to avoid unwanted injuries and property damage.
It is highly recommended to hire a professional tree service company to care for your tree’s needs instead of doing it yourself. Looking for the best tree service company can be challenging and frustrating if it’s your first time to do so. In this guide, we will tell you everything you need to know about the process of searching for the right fit for your tree service needs. Let’s begin the search by learning the basic things you need to know about tree service, what to look for in a tree company, and the process of hiring a reputable tree service near you.
Hiring a Tree Service Company
You need to consider your trees as wonderful assets on your property. They have the ability to increase the value of your property in significant ways that only trees can do. Trees also improve air quality by keeping the air we breathe free from pollutants. They provide us with much-needed shade and reduce household energy costs. The list goes on when it comes to the benefits trees bring us. Trees have always been part of our lives, which is why we sometimes forget how crucial they are to our existence, and neglect their welfare. If you plant a tree of the right species, at a suitable location, and take care of it, the tree will shower you with economic, environmental, and property value.
The Three Steps of Hiring a Tree Company
Do your research
Ask questions. You want to know as much information about the tree company you are considering hiring before you say yes to them. You need to learn if they are licensed, insured, or if they have proper credentials to perform the task. Don’t stop there. You also have to read reviews and ask your friends and neighbors who recently used their service to get an idea of how they perform their work.
Obtain an estimate
A reputable tree service company will willingly offer an estimate for free. The quote should include information about the service you are going to hire and the cost of the entire service. Are they charging you on a flat rate or piece by piece? Take note of any additional charges. The general rule of thumb is to get up to three quotes from equally competent companies. Don’t only focus on their pricing, but the scope of the work they will perform.
Choose your tree service company
After finding out as much information about the service you need and the company you will hire, it is time to choose the company that best fits your needs. Keep in mind that you don’t always have to choose the cheapest company, but the one that provides the best quality of tree work and customer service.
What is an Arborist
Not everyone who calls themselves an arborist is one. Don’t just hire a company with a chainsaw and a truck and always have an informed decision.
Arborist defined:
An arborist is an expert in everything trees. They can expertly prune, fertilize, and diagnose diseases among trees and other woody plants. You can consult them for any tree-related concerns, such as tree removal, transplanting, and planting. Be on the lookout for fly by night “arborists” who will just exploit your money, but don’t provide the proper service you require. Keep in mind that your safety and your property, as well, is on the line, that is why you should be wise in choosing the arborist that you will hire to perform tree work in your yard. Disreputable individuals don’t care if they break your fences or if the branches fall off your roof. They only care about your money, then they will pack up their things, leave, and you will never see them again.
Why Hire an Arborist?
A professional arborist knows how to care for individual trees properly. Since they know the biology and anatomy of trees, they will be skilled in providing the right care for your tree needs. Hiring an arborist should be done with the utmost care and knowledge. Your trees are your investment, and you don’t want to entrust them to someone who is not as skilled as a professional arborist. For this reason, we highly suggest you use professional service when pruning or removing your tree, particularly the larger ones, to avoid safety issues. Tree care should be performed by someone with the right skills and knowledge in the job and an individual with the proper equipment to finish the task. You and your property’s safety should always be the number one priority, and a reputable tree service company knows that. Hiring a professional tree company will give you peace of mind that your tree concerns are handled by the best person for the job.
What is a Certified Arborist?
There is an arborist, and then there’s a certified arborist. A certified arborist is a highly skilled and experienced professional in the field of tree service. This certification is granted by the International Society of Arboriculture to an arborist that has passed a series of intensive exams on various facets of tree care and arboriculture. Certified arborists are not just your typical tree technician because they have spent years doing formal study and hands-on experience in the field. They pass a rigorous examination designed by only the best tree care experts in the country.
Becoming a certified arborist is a big deal. You need to have at least three years of experience in the field and a degree in Arboriculture. They can only be called a certified arborist after they passed all these requirements, but that doesn’t stop here. They need to keep up with their certification and keep themselves updated with the latest trends and technology in tree care. They also need to continue with their studies to stay current with their field. This assures you that you are getting the best service from the best persons in the industry.
When you hire a tree service company with certified arborists on staff, you can rest easy that your trees are well cared for. They have extensive knowledge of tree care, and they can ensure the health and aesthetics of your landscape trees.
Services an Arborist can Offer
Trimming– Only an arborist can determine the kind of pruning or trimming that your tree requires. Trimming is a critical part of tree maintenance, which is why it should be done carefully and skilfully.
Tree Removal- If at all possible, tree removal should not be the first option. However, there are situations that warrant the removal of the tree, especially if your safety is at stake. An arborist can help you make the important decision of removing a tree or if it is even needed.
Emergency Tree Services- You will require urgent help with your trees, especially after a storm, and only an arborist can give you the assistance you need. Storms can be really damaging to your trees, which is why it is critical that they are assessed by an expert for any potential danger.
Planting- Tree planting is not as easy as it seems. An arborist can help you with the process of choosing a desirable species and planting it in the right location where it will thrive.
Plant and Tree Health Care- Prevention is always better than cure, and it is the same concept when it comes to tree health.
Other services. Most arborists can provide consulting services, cabling and bracing, and tree risk assessment, and other types of auxiliary services.
The Questions You Should Ask a Tree Service Company
Asking the right questions will lead you to the right tree service company. If you have never partnered with a tree service before, you should take note of the questions we listed below to ensure you are not choosing a disreputable company. You know you are dealing with a good company if they don’t refuse to answer your questions and happily clarifies things that you find confusing.
How long have you been in the tree industry?
You don’t want to entrust a large-scale task to a young, inexperienced tree company. It can easily turn out to a catastrophe and put you and your property at risk. If possible, choose a tree company that has been in the business for at least three years. Companies that have been working in the field for years can assure you that they know exactly what to do even in an emergency. The fact that they were able to stay in the industry for years proves that they can be trusted with big projects such as tree removals.
Do you have certified arborists on staff?
We already told you the importance of hiring a certified arborist, but we want to reiterate that you should get the service of a tree company with certified arborists on staff. Stay away from tree services that outsource their certified arborists because you can’t be sure of the consistency of the quality of work. They don’t have authority over the outsourced arborist, and they are not sure if that person has the same skills as the other ones they initially hired before. Get a company that has at least one certified arborist on board, and you can be confident that the task will be done in a way that is safe and accurate.
What approach will you use to minimize damage to my property?
A quality tree service will be able to provide an answer to this without hesitation. As a tree company, they should give the utmost importance to protecting your property from any harm. They should be able to give a clear explanation as to what precautionary measures they will take while performing tree care in your yard. If you hear any unclear answers or anything that doesn’t sit well with you, it might be best to consider another tree service for the job. Most reputable companies use plywood to keep your lawn from any damage caused by their heavy equipment.
What equipment will you use?
A seasoned tree service company invests in heavy-duty equipment that enables them to tackle any tree job efficiently. You don’t want a company that has to go to a rental shop to get the tools to complete the task you require unless it’s a crane. They should also use proper protective gear while on the job to keep themselves from any injury.
Are you insured?
Protect yourself by hiring a company that is fully insured. If their worker accidentally falls off the tree and the company is not insured, you will be held responsible for it. You should make sure this is clearly stated in the quote they present you to avoid any liabilities in case something unfortunate happens.
Do you have a license and other credentials?
Most established companies have this information available on their company website and other marketing strategies they use. But in case it is not, feel free to ask them about their license and credentials. They should be eager to provide you a proof of their credentials because it shows how credible they are to perform the job. Never work with a company that can’t present their license because it is not even legal to run a business without it. They should also be able to tell you which associations they’re part of. They can be part of the Tree Care Industry Association and International Society of Arboriculture, which are two of the top organizations in the tree industry. Some companies can even recite their license number without blinking an eye.
Can you provide me with referrals?
Another way for you to find the best tree company is to read reviews online. But make sure to be wise when reading opinions because some reviews can be biased. Read as many reviews as you can and weigh the negative and the positive traits of the company you are looking to hire. Another thing is to get referrals, especially for large scale projects. You can ask the company to give you a list of their recent clients, and they should be able to provide you the numbers that you can contact. You can get an idea of how they work with their clients and if they don’t only provide quality results, but excellent customer service, as well.
What if I don’t want to work with a professional?
While we understand that you want to learn how to care for your own trees, most tree jobs are better performed by a skilled professional. They can ensure the beauty and health of your tree and make sure you and your property are safe throughout the process.
DIY tree work is not recommended. This is especially true if you are dealing with larger trees or if the tree in question is near power lines. TCIA holds a monthly report of accidents and casualties in relation to tree projects, and you don’t want to be one of those who got hurt in the process. You can get yourself hurt or killed if you try to work on your tree without the proper know-how and the right equipment. Do yourself a favor by letting the professionals tackle the challenging job of tree work.
If you think you are saving money because you don’t spend on tree maintenance, you are actually wrong. Studies prove that it will cost you more to spend on repairs and hospital bills caused by tree accidents than maintaining them. It’s up to you what kind of spend you want to do.
When to hire an arborist?
Most homeowners think that the best time to hire a tree service company is during spring or summer. However, there are advantages to hiring a tree company during the offseason.
- A lot of tree service companies offer discounts during winter. They do this to provide employment to their workers still and keep the cash flow coming.
- You can quickly get the service exactly when you need it. It can be difficult to book for tree services in summer, especially if you are hiring the best company. In the winter, they can easily accommodate your request because they don’t have that many customers in line.
- It is easier to prune or trim trees in their dormant state. Trees lose their foliage, and the branches are bare, which is why the tree company can quickly see the shape as well as the dead limbs and branches that need some trimming.