1. Are You and Your Staff Certified Arborists?
Before you hire a tree removal service company, you should make sure they are a certified arborist. The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) categorizes an arborist as someone trained to take care of a tree.
An arborist can inspect your tree and provide advice if you want to prune, remove, or remove a tree.
Tree Removal
If you want your tree removed, a consultation with an arborist will let you know if this is the best decision. An arborist will consider the following before removing a tree:
The tree is dead or dying
Removal is necessary for new construction
Tree can’t be fixed with pruning
The tree presents risks
The tree is harming other trees
Pruning
Arborists can also help determine if your tree issues can get solved by pruning the tree. They prune trees under the following circumstances:
The tree is in the way of utilities and structures
Tree obstructs the trees or sidewalks
The tree is weak, dead, or in the process of decaying
The tree is infested with insects
Storms have damaged the tree significantly
After they inspect your tree, an arborist will know how to remove a tree safely.
Emergency Care and Planting
You can also consult with an arborist is you want to plant a new tree. They will be able to let you know the exact location where it’s safe to plant a tree.
You can also call an arborist in an emergency. For example, if thunder harmed the tree or branches are hanging off, they can fix the problem in a safe way.
2. Does Your Company Belong to Any Organizations?
Aside from finding out if you’re hiring an ISA certified arborists, you should also find out if they belong to a professional organization.
The most common professional organizations are the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) and the American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA).
3. Do I Need to Get a Permit?
Depending on where you live, you might need to get a permit before you can remove your tree. Make sure you check with your homeowner’s association whether or not you need clearance before removing the tree.
If you skip getting clearance from your HOA, you could be looking at hefty fines. Not too mention, you will create a negative reputation for yourself in the neighborhood.
You also need to check with the county and fill in the paperwork and pay the filing fee.
4. Are You Insured?
One of the most important questions you should ask a tree removal service is whether or not they’re insured. You should never hire a tree removing company if they can’t show proof of a valid insurance policy.
For example, if the tree removal goes awry, and they damage your property, their insurance will cover the repairs. However, if they’re not insured, you will either have to pay for the damage or engage in a lengthy litigation.
You should also ensure the company complies with OSHA Work Safety Rules and the Department of Transportation Regulations.
5. What is Included in Your Fee?
Before you sign a contract with a tree removing company, it’s important you find out what is included in their quote.
For example, a tree removing company can cut down your tree, chop it into manageable pieces, and dispose of it for you. However, other companies will cut the tree and leave the pieces for you to handle.
Also, they might charge you a filing fee to get rid of the tree.
If you think the quote is too low compared to other companies you’ve talked to, chances are you won’t get all the services you need. The lowest quotes aren’t always the most practical.
Ask the tree removing company for a detailed breakdown of the services included in the quote. The last thing you want is to come across a surprise on the day of the removal and have to deal with a full tree in your backyard.
6. How Long Is My Quote Good For?
If you’re shopping around for a tree removal company, you will get quotes from multiple people. After all, you want to get the best price possible, so you will get a second opinion.
Most companies will get you a quote while you make your decision. It’s essential you ask how long the company will honor the quote.
It is your right to find the best price, so don’t ever let a company pressure you into hiring them on the spot. Most companies will give you a time frame for honoring their quote.
7. Will You Require Up Front Payment?
Most reputable companies don’t ask you for upfront payments. They can’t expect you to pay for a job they haven’t yet completed.
If a company asks you for full or partial payment upfront, you should proceed with caution.
8. How Long Will it Take to Remove the Tree?
A tree removal company should be able to give you an estimated time frame based on the level of complexity.
You should never expect a tree removal company to give you an estimated time frame without inspecting the tree’s surrounding tree area.
9. What Is the Cleaning Process Like?
This is a very important question because the last thing you want is to have a tree trunk on your property for weeks.
Learn about the cleanup process before you hire the company.
Ask These Questions Before Hiring Services for Tree Removal
Now that you know what to expect when hiring services for tree removal, you can pick the best company for your needs.
Remember to ask if the company is certified and insured, how long will the process take, and ask how long it will take for them to complete the job.
If you enjoyed this helpful article and would like to check out other helpful tips, check out the rest of our blog.
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