5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Tree Service Company

Owning trees means you are responsible for keeping them healthy and safe, and it is not always easy to do that. In most cases, you will need help from the professionals to ensure the optimum condition of your tree. Whether you need residential or commercial tree service, it pays to do your research before you decide to hire the right company.

You need to protect yourself from the wrong company because your safety and your property are at stake. The first step in finding the right tree service is to ask the right questions. You should hire a tree service company that is ready and willing to accommodate your inquiries.

Can I get a copy of your license and insurance?
Most tree services, particularly tree removal and emergency tree removal, can be life-threatening. Sometimes, even the most experienced tree service face accidents due to the risky nature of the job. For this reason, it is extremely important to ask the tree company if they are licensed and insured. Don't easily trust the company when it says it has a license and liability insurance. Always ask for proof. If you come across a tree service that refuses to show you these important documents, it can be an indicator that they are not the best fit for the task you require. Any quality company will be happy to provide you with this information because they know it will ease your worries.

Can you give me a list of references?
A seasoned tree service company has served plenty of customers who are willing to be contacted for a reference. The company keeps track of this information and readily gives it to their prospective customer upon request. Who else can you ask for the quality of service and professionalism of the tree service but their previous clients? They can provide you with an honest opinion about their overall experience with the company's service. You deserve to work with the best possible tree company for the job, so make time to check on those references.

Can you provide me an accurate estimate?
Tree care will cost you money, and you want to make sure you spend it on a company that values its worth. Make sure that you are getting the best deal by asking at least three estimates from various companies of the same stature. Be wary of companies that ask for money upfront even before they begin the work. When it comes to tree services, you only have to pay once you see the result, and you are satisfied with it.

The written estimate should be as detailed as possible with information about the timeframe of the task, its scope, and the total cost. You want to hire a tree company that can complete the job safely and efficiently.

Do you perform "topping?"
"Topping" refers to cutting random branches at the canopy of the tree with the aim of reducing its size. This practice is never recommended because the tree develops multiple dominant trunks that make your tree a threat to you and your property. Steer clear from any tree company that uses this poor practice because this will put your tree in danger.

Do you use spikes when pruning or trimming trees?
A reputable tree company knows that using spikes when pruning and trimming can have an adverse effect on the tree's health. Spikes are used for easier climbing for the arborist, but it leaves punctures that make your tree susceptible to diseases and infestations. It is only acceptable to use spikes when you want your tree to be taken down. Other than that, it should never be used on your healthy tree.

Hiring a tree service company is a big decision, which is why you should take the time to screen and select the company that cares for your tree and your safety, as well.

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