4 tips for hiring the right tree service

Date Published: Jan 13 2011

Before hiring someone to trim your trees, consider these tips:

Check for International Society of Arboriculture certification.
ISA Certified Arborists are experienced individuals who have passed an extensive examination covering all aspects of tree care. Equally reputable are companies with Tree Care Industry Association accreditation. They have at least one ISA-certified arborist on staff and are audited for trade licensing compliance. They're also evaluated for trained personnel, proper insurance, and reliable and ethical customer service.
Ask for proof of insurance and a list of references. Don't hesitate to call former clients or drive by a recent job site to check out their handiwork.
Avoid hiring tree companies that employ topping techniques, unless you're pruning a fruit tree. Knowledgeable arborists know topping is harmful to trees and isn't an accepted practice.

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Topping techniques bad for trees, homeowners

Photo by Brandon Smith | Gordon Adams of highly rated Ping&rsquo;s Tree Service Inc. in Indianapolis demonstrates a proper technique to prune trees.

Certified arborists and industry groups fight to educate consumers about the pitfalls of tree topping.

Comments

Permalink Submitted by Chris on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10

ISA and TCIA are great resources to find a certified arborist. Also, don't forget you local chapters. For example here in Massachusetts we have the Massachusetts Arborist Association (MAA) that works with local arborists.

Permalink Submitted by Evan Keller on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10

You mentioned insurance, but all insurance is not created equal. Did you know you could be held liable for an injury or death on your property when hiring a tree service in Orlando which lacks Workers’ Compensation coverage? While many tree services may carry liability insurance, few have Workers’ Compensation. This coverage is critical in an industry as dangerous as ours, and it is mandated by law. Sadly, most local tree services skirt the law to save money, leaving their workers and their customers exposed to liability. If they don't show it to you, they likely don't have it. Alarmingly, when the vast majority of tree services cut this corner, they expose you to the liability of million dollar lawsuits. Remember, all insurance is not created equal! Insist on being provided with proof of current Workers Compensation rather than settling for less important, less expensive coverage. Only Workers Compensation shields you from paying for exorbitantly expensive injuries.

Permalink Submitted by Cindy Clark on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10

You forgot one thing! Check the tree trimmer's criminnal background! I checked the liability insurnce - even called the agent to verify that the policy was in effect. I checked work comp - even called the state of Florida, division of work comp, but I did not do a criminal background check! Big Mistake! This guy was a big criminal with a long record of prior frauds connected to the way he did business! Buyer beware!!!

Permalink Submitted by Ann on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10

It's important to be an educated consumer; there are different kinds and levels of tree pruning - from only removing dead branches 4" and larger down to removal of dead or misshapen branches less than 1". Crown elevation removes lower branches - I did not know, did not communicate with one "expert", and since then my 100-year old oaks will never be the same. A good arborist will take the time to communicate with you about needs, expectations and results. Good work is not cheap, but you can't easily replace your trees.

Permalink Submitted by holly m bednar on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10

Your article addresses the issue of tree topping, but you don't define the procedure. The picture that is included in your article shows a trimmer taking of blranches/leaves from the top of the tree. When I had my trees topped they removed branches from the lower trunk. This was quite different from what I expected and would assume other consumers would be surprised by this.

Permalink Submitted by Elizabeth on Tue, 2012-02-07 14:10

I read this article and the several others related to tree topping. As Holly (above) also says, none of them defined topping or explained the difference between topping (bad) and pruning (good). Could someone do that, please?

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