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Do-it-yourselfers want to do everything.
They’ll climb on roofs to trim overhanging limbs. They’ll scale to the top of a ladder to trim tall hedges. They’ll spray chemicals on everything with the hopes of controlling insects, weeds and diseases.
All activities are fraught with potential dangers, which is why sometimes it's a smart idea to hire a professional for such jobs as tree removal and pruning.
Local companies tend to be more reputable than fly-by-night operators that show up with out-of-state license plates on their trucks. It doesn't take storm damage for them to appear, either. You may find them trolling neighborhoods, looking for anyone who'll believe that their trees are in "desperate need of pruning or they'll cause serious damage."
The first thing you should ask for - and look closely at - is an up-to-date insurance certificate. Don't just accept "Oh, it's back at the office," or "We're in the process of changing firms."
Before a company does any work on your property, especially tree care, look at that insurance certificate. Check the date to make sure it's still in effect.
Read it carefully. This is an absolute must for anyone doing tree work on your property. No ifs, ands or buts.
What does happen if a tree worker falls and gets hurt? If branches, or worse, the entire tree falls on your house, your neighbor, a passing vehicle or someone out for a stroll? Who is liable? Insurance helps determine that.
There is no set rule on the amount of insurance needed, but consider what your homeowner's insurance is and plan accordingly.
Don't be afraid to ask for references - this is another must. Ask for a list of satisfied customers, for photos of the company's work or the location of some of the trees they have worked on. Unless the tree poses immediate hazards, there is no reason to rush. Most tree work can wait a week while you check out references.
Make sure you fully understand what the company is intending and that they comprehend what you want done.
Don’t be convinced when an uninsured tree worker tells you that your trees need to be topped. Industry standards recommend against topping practices that eventually result in damages from unhealthy trees.
If certifications would bring you greater peace of mind when hiring a tree professional, look for those tree companies who employ ISA certified arborists, and who are members of the Tree Care Industry Association.
You can find qualified tree care companies with certified arborists in your area at treecaretips.org.
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