Although most tree care tasks are simple enough to do on your own, some jobs are too complicated and dangerous, requiring the assistance of professional experts who have the skills and experience to properly care for your tree.
A good rule of thumb is to call a professional if the job involves getting off the ground (i.e. climbing the tree). Sure, you probably climbed trees as a kid, but working at height without any training to prune tree branches is flirting with disaster.
Of course, that’s not to say hiring a tree car company doesn’t have its own risks. If you want to make the most of your money and make sure your trees are safe and healthy, you need to work with tree care professionals with the right combination of customer service, expertise, and experience.
Here are some factors to consider.
1. Insurance
A reputable tree care company will provide updated certificates of insurance and will disclose insurance details in their contracts. Hiring a company with no insurance puts you at risk for liability should their personnel have an accident in your property. Not only do you have to pay for medical bills, you also have to pay for potential repairs to your damaged property.
2. Credentials
It’s always a good sign if a tree care company is affiliated with the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) or the Tree Care Industry Association. Bonus points if the company carries WSIB. Having these credentials means the tree care company had to pass certain regulatory requirements, helping to ensure that you get reliable and quality service.
3. Equipment and Approach
Ask the company how they plan on approaching your tree care issue, and what equipment they plan on using. You need to know beforehand if they plan on bringing heavy machinery, which may damage your lawn, flowerbeds, and garden.
If damage should occur, what’s their contingency plan? Can they give you an estimate of the work to be done?
These are just 3 factors to consider when looking for a tree care company. Remember to do your homework, ask for referrals, and find the sweet spot between high quality service and reasonable rates.