Tips for Hiring a Tree Service
The fact that anyone with a chainsaw can create a “tree service,” means that all levels of skills (or lack of) exist in the tree care industry. Usually after a large storm event (or any other large influx of workload), you will see a battalion of new tree companies charging around cleaning up the damage, while most of these companies tend to fail after the initial rush of storm cleanup wears off, a few will linger. Businesses formed in this manner are not necessarily bad, but they do tend to be built on a weak foundation lacking in proper skills and knowledge, which can create risk and liability for the homeowner looking to hire a tree care company.
Deadwood pruning a large oak tree in Stratham, New Hampshire.
An important fact about the tree care industry is that it ranks year after year in the top three most dangerous jobs. On average a tree worker in the United States dies every 2.5 days (based on previous years data). Combine this with the high number of tree companies that are not properly insured, and the potential for liability on the homeowners part becomes very real. If an uninsured or underinsured contractor is injured on a property, most times the owner of that property becomes financially responsible for the medical cost. Verifying proof of insurance for your contractor as well as any subcontractors under them is very simple, and will ensure that you do not become liable in the event of a workplace accident.
When hiring a tree care company here are a few of the things that every homeowner and property manager should be looking for:
Certifications such as ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) Certified Arborist, TCIA (Tree Care Industry Association) certifications/accreditation, or specific state arborist licensing.
Fully insured. General liability, workers comp, company vehicle liability, etc.
Signs of professionalism: website, referrals, reviews, clean uniforms, proper safety equipment, maintained vehicles and equipment, good customer service.
Follows ANSI Z133 Safety Standards and ANSI A300 Tree Care Standards.
Find a company that offers a full range of services: Tree pruning, cabling, removal, plant health care, etc. A fully versed company is going to be more likely to give you good advice as they are not devoted to one specific portion of the market. For example, a tree removal company is going to be much less likely to recommend tree pruning and preservation since their business model is built around removing trees.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to get multiple opinions, just be aware it is rarely worth the financial savings to go with the lowest bid. Property/lawn damage is all too common, and when combined with the lower quality tree work, it may very well end up costing you more in the end.
