5 Questions To Ask Before Hiring a Tree Service
Before you hire a tree service in Waterloo, do your homework. Tree removal is a potentially dangerous task for the people performing it and property owners.
Before hiring any company, interview the service. Too many people feel uncomfortable asking questions, but probing the professional is the only way to know if they represent a legitimate and safe service.
When interviewing a company, make sure to ask the right questions. According to professional arborists, every business should be able to answer at least five crucial questions.
1. How Do You Minimize Possible Damage to My Property?
A professional service should be able to remove or prune trees without inflicting damage on your property. Obviously, some issues are unavoidable, but every reputable service should do everything possible to reduce the risks to your property.
You will want to inquire about their process, license, and insurance. A licensed and certified business shows that it cares for its employees and clients. Having insurance also shows they take responsibility for their services.
2. Do You Have Reviews or Referrals?
Knowing how other clients feel about a company is an excellent way to judge service quality. Asking to see or speak to referrals is an excellent way to validate the credibility of the company. However, do not make the same mistake that many homeowners make. Call or visit business referrals and speak to the clients.
Also, look for outside reviews of the company. Many small to large businesses will post reviews on their websites, but they might only post favourable responses. Look for third-party service review sites to get a real feel for customer responses. It is best to look at the percentage of positive and negative reviews. If a business receives primarily negative reviews, you should probably stay away.
3. What Equipment Do You Have?
Tree services rely on two methods for removal and pruning: aerial lifts or climbing. If the company uses heavy equipment, ensure your property can handle it. Some unground systems cannot take the added pressure of the equipment, meaning climbing is the only option.
If climbing is the right choice for your property, work with companies that are familiar with it. You do not want inexperienced climbers cutting away branches; it is a risk to the workers, your property, and your safety.
4. What Is Your Cleanup Process?
Some tree services do not clean up after pruning or removing the tree; they charge cleanup as an additional fee or don’t provide the service at all. You do not want to be left with holes, woodchip piles, or loose branches all over your property. Ask all prospective services if cleanup is included or at least an option.
5. Are You Certified, or Do You Have Any Certified Arborists?
Anyone can start a tree service, but that doesn’t mean they are a certified arborist. Arborists are tree professionals and have credentials to prove it.
Being a legitimate arborist means you are a qualified and capable tree service technician. You want someone who knows what they are doing to work on your trees. An arborist actually knows how to maintain a healthy tree.
If a service does not use trained arborists, avoid it. The company may do more harm to your trees and property than good.
Keep in mind a company does not have to employ only arborists. However, you do want a service that knows the value of having such professionals on staff and out on jobs.
Are you looking for a tree service near me? If so, contact Martin’s Tree Service, a local and respected company. The service works with trained arborists to ensure the health and safety of your trees and property.
Steve Martin