The cost of scams is stupefying, and tree services are not exactly immune. The risk is there, and you need to guard yourself against it. Good thing it’s all about learning how to choose a good tree service provider.
Basic Considerations
License and Insurance
With a good tree cutting service, you will have no problems asking for proof of their license and insurance. This will protect your property, as well as the people in it.
Accreditation
Associations such as the Better Business Bureau and your local Chamber of Commerce promote good business practices. Moreover, industry groups such as TCIA and ISA require sustained education and uphold the highest professional standards among their members. Accreditation makes no guarantees, but it reveals how devoted a business is to its clients.
Certified Arborist
If your trees are diseased or close to death, you have to look for a certified arborist. This professional is the most knowledgeable and trained for such a scenario.
Industry Experience
When considering a certain tree service, ask them how long they’ve been in the business and how experienced their employees are. As you may have seen, there is great competition in this industry, and any service that survives for at least five years is probably doing things right.
Year-Round Availability
Good tree services know that nature is unpredictable. Hence, find one that you can depend on, whatever the season. Hiring a different company each time you need one is inefficient, so pick one that lasts.
What to Avoid
Door-to-Door Approach
Good tree companies never go around knocking on people’s doors to solicit business. Those that do are most likely unlicensed and uninsured, which is just too much of a risk for you to take. In case there’s an accident, you will be financially responsible yourself, which shouldn’t be the case.
Upfront Charges
If a tree service is asking money from you upfront, whether as partial or full payment, that’s a sign that they’re not right for you. A good tree company will only bill you after they have finished the task and you are happy with the results.
Written Quote
A reputable tree company will provide a written quote that is highly detailed and complete, and includes a time frame for completion.
Questions
Finally, keep in mind that aside from their technical qualifications, you should know more about a particular tree service you may be considering. For example, how do they run their safety program, if any? Were their employees background-checked before they were hired? They should be able to answer every relevant question you have.