Tree maintenance usually requires the services of a professional tree service. It’s a complicated job, which can bring disaster if performed by amateur contractors or ambitious homeowners.
Luckily, there are a few questions to help you root out the professionals from the not-so-qualified. Read on to learn more about what to ask tree service companies before hiring them and other tips when selecting tree care companies.
What to Ask Tree Service Companies: 5 Important Questions
Do You Have Recent References?
Any professional tree service should have recent and verified references, showing what type of service they have provided to customers.
Always ask a potential hire about its list of clients and follow up with those clients to verify their experience with the company. These reviews are usually honest and upfront and will give you an idea of what to expect. However, be careful not to get fake reviews from interested parties favoring the tree company.
Whether you are looking for a residential or a commercial tree service company, they should always have a list of references ready for your evaluation.
May I See Your Credentials, Licensing, and Insurance?
Tree maintenance and removal companies must have certain credentials, licensing, and insurance to practice their profession.
Be sure to verify these certifications and licensing requirements. Licensed tree companies should belong to the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), which means that they abide by this professional body’s recommendations.
Equally important, they should have relevant state licenses and insurance, including worker’s compensation and public liability insurance.
Any company that does not have these documents may not be worth doing business with and could pose a danger to you and your property.
Do You Give Detailed Written Estimates?
Tree services that give written estimates demonstrate transparency and honesty. Professional tree services can be expensive, so you don’t want to verbally agree to a job, only to get a hefty bill full of unexplained fees and costs.
Always ask for a detailed, written cost estimate before hiring a tree service company to prevent busting your budget and hurting your finances. This estimate should indicate:
- The total cost
- Itemized costs
- Length of time the job will take
- Any discounts, taxes, or other fees
What Safety Equipment Do You Use?
When considering what to ask tree service companies, be sure to inquire about what safety equipment or personal protective equipment their arborists use. These items should include, at a minimum, hard hats, harnesses, chaps, gloves, eye goggles, and hearing protection.
Likewise, they should follow the safety procedures set out by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. A reputable company that cares about the safety of its employees is more likely to do good work.
Do You Practice Spiking and Topping?
Spiking is when arborists use spikes on their boots to help them climb trees. Unfortunately, this practice damages trees and causes wounds on the bark. Topping, on the other hand, involves removing live sections from the treetop, a shortcut that exposes trees to insect invasions, disease, and decay.
We recommend avoiding any tree service company that practices spiking and topping at all costs.
Hire a Professional and Licensed Tree Service Company in Santa Monica, CA Today
Hiring a professional tree company in Santa Monica, CA is a complicated decision. The wrong company can cause lasting damage to your trees, shrubbery, and property.
If you are looking for experienced tree service experts in Santa Monica, CA with the proper licensing, certification, and insurance, look no further than International Environmental Corporation. We have the experience, equipment, and trained personnel to guarantee you a smooth residential or commercial tree service experience.
Call (818) 892-9341 today to speak to our friendly team, get a free written estimate, and schedule service.
