If you are considering calling in a professional tree service then you may have a few questions on your mind. These may range from how to select the right company, how to understand what they propose to do – you may even be wondering if you really need to hire one at all!
With that in mind, here are the answers to some common questions that we hope you will find useful.
Is this the right Tree Service for me?
Reliability, experience and customer service are the three most important considerations when selecting a pro.
Reliability – You want a company who will perform the jobs they say they will – and do them safely. A good company will always come out for a site visit first to examine the tree(s), offer a valuation of costs and, most importantly, explain exactly what they propose to do.
Experience – This refers both to experience in terms of tree surgery and also to the previous experiences of their customers. Choose a company that has been in business for multiple years, and/or is able to show you the qualifications gained by its staff. Try to get an idea of reviews from previous customers, or contact your local town Tree Warden or consult the Better Business Bureau.
Customer Service – This is a skilled profession, but that is no excuse to try to confuse you with technical terms. The company should be able to clearly explain both what they will do – and how they will do it.
Do I need to be Insured?
No, the onus is on the tree company to insure their workers so they are covered when working at your property. However, always make sure this is the case and that the company has insurance in place before you allow work to commence.
Companies in states that required licensing and insurance info to be displayed on their website must comply, but for most states you’ll have to search local government databases – says Alan Barnes, who himself built, currently owns and operates an Indianapolis based company, check out Alan’s website at www.alanstree.com and feel free to inquire through the form provided. He also mentioned that the state of Indiana does NOT require any licensing info to be displayed, even for licensed trades, however, a contractor must obtain a classified license prior to doing any work.
To learn more about Alan’s work, be sure to check out http://www.alanstree.com/tree-services-their-need-and-their-scope.html for more of an overall understanding of what tree work really is and another great article he wrote here about the importance of removing trees in order to conserve rare natural habitats.
Is my House/Garden/Car going to be safe?
A tree surgeon, also known as an arborist, is a highly trained, highly skilled individual.
Further, there are several methods available either to bring down an entire tree or to merely prune it that will offer protection to both property and the surrounding land. If you discuss your requirements with a good tree service company they should be able to provide the solutions to your needs. If they can’t, consider getting a second opinion from a different company. You should never find yourself in a situation where your property – especially your house – is at risk during their work.
When Should I Hire a Tree Removal Company? What are the Benefits to My Trees?
It is very important that trees on your property are kept well pruned and maintained. For one thing, a well maintained tree is going to be an asset to any garden. A tree, or trees, provide summer shade and in the winter can protect your home from cold winds.
A poorly maintained tree can also be a danger – both to property and even to life. Regular tree pruning will remove dead branches safely and encourage healthy growth. A poorly maintained tree can unexpectedly shed dead branches, causing a falling hazard for people and property below. It will also be more susceptible to disease or damage during storms – again posing a serious hazard.
Hopefully you’ve found this little guide helpful! For more in depth answers however, the best people to speak to are your local service providers. Just use the above as a general guide, and don’t be afraid to walk away and find a new company if you are comfortable with what you hear. Having issues with a tree that’s dead or needs to come down? I’ve wrote about it in my previous article, check it out.