Performing tree works either residential or commercial is a serious task that could pose risks to the actual tree and persons performing the task if not done correctly. To help eliminate those dangers, you want to hire a professional that is experienced and has the proper insurance. The following are tips on how to choose the best arborist in your area.
- Hire a Licensed Arborist
When your trees have issues that you’re not able to solve, it may be time to hire the experts. Whether it’s insects, age or weather-related issues, an arborist is a qualified expert in the management of trees. Through their knowledge, they’ll be able to determine whether pruning is necessary or the entire removal of the wooded plant is best. Before you hire just anyone, you want to ensure that they are licensed, insured and bonded to work within your community. Some states even mandate the arborist be registered. When interviewing candidates, ask for a copy of all documents to ensure the paperwork is up-to-date. Aussie Tree Care Aborists understand the importance of removing diseased or damaged trees. They also have experts who are familiar with the local council regulations to better assess the health and condition of your trees.
- Broaden Your Search
If you’re new to the term arborist, you may wonder where to find the best candidate. An arborist can typically be found online under tree services. You can broaden your search to include recommendations from friends, family members and neighbors. Check your city’s chamber of commerce to see if they have any reputable recommendations. While it may be convenient to choose someone who has left a flyer in your mailbox or knocked on your door, they may be opportunists with an untrained eye and looking to make quick money. The health and wellness of your tree is important and adds much to the aesthetics of your yard. That's why it's critical to widen your search when selecting an arborist.
- Ask for the Proper Credentials
There’s more to an arborist than just pruning or cutting trees. An arborist is dedicated to the trees safety, health and wellness. When you’re choosing an arborist, ask if they have credentials and membership to such organizations as the International Society of Arborculture. This form of certification indicates they have gone through training in tree care and maintenance. A proper arborist should also stay current with continuing education courses and research pertaining to their field. If you’re unsure where to find someone with this type of credentials, look for the ISA Arborist directory to find someone nearest your community. The site also allows you to verify the arborists credentials.
- Check References
Choosing the right arborist takes time and patience. While you may be happy with the first candidate you meet, hold off until you’ve interviewed the other companies. Arrange for at least three to five arborists to inspect your tree. Ask them to submit a proposal with the appropriate action they will take. Listen carefully and ask questions. When you have all of the proposals in front of you, compare their plan of action. The interview doesn’t stop there once you have the proposals. You should also check references and do an online search. Call previous clients to determine the scope of their work and if the client would use them for any future jobs. Online review sites will also offer insight into their work ethic and professionalism. Reviewers may also rate a company based on cost.
- Get Written Estimates
You may want to handle the tree removal on your own to save costs. But work performed by an arborist isn’t always costly. When you’re done going over the firm’s previous work and credentials, you want to get down to the specifications of the tree and secure a written estimate. Each bid should have the scope of the work that is going to be performed and costs associated with the job. Your trusting the company you hire to know what they’re doing, and you want to ensure that they are knowledgeable to perform the work. Low estimates may be tempting, but they could have hidden costs associated once the tree has been cut. This could include clean up, and removal of the tree. Discounts may be tempting, but don’t rush your decision to save money. A reputable arborist will never ask to be paid in full before the job has been complete. While a small deposit may secure you a date and time, keep a sizable sum outstanding to ensure that you’re happy with the end result.
- Safety-Conscious
The team assigned to your job should be safety conscious. They should show up with the proper gear such as helmets, steel toe boots, face shields and eye wear. The area should also be cordoned off to ensure the safety of your home, family and passersby. If they show up with a few tools, ladder and no other gear, let them know you’ll be using another company.
- Necessary Equipment
You may have put some thought into cutting the trees on your own before hiring an arborist. Because you now understand the scope of the work and everything it entails, you may know the equipment involved to safely remove trees. When hiring the right candidate, you want to select a company with the appropriate tools. Equipment such as the truck, wood chipper, chainsaws, ropes, wedges, hydraulic booms and cables should all be working and in good condition. If they aren't set up with the necessary gear, they aren't the right professionals for the task.
With the wide variety of equipment on the market today, you may think just about anyone qualifies to remove trees. But arborists undergo extensive certification and training to perform these tasks safely and without issue. The above tips are designed to help in finding someone trustworthy and reputable for the position.
