If you’re not an arborist or a lumberjack, then you should read this.
We all love our trees, but sometimes they get in our way. Whether it be to clear space for your yard, to keep your kid from falling out of it, or to stop your cranky neighbor from complaining about the leaves in their yard, there are many reasons for tree removal.
Even if you fancy yourself a DIY expert, you may want to think twice about tackling this task. Chopping a tree down sounds pretty easy, right? Just take a chainsaw to the bottom and try to avoid it falling on your house!
Well, not so fast. There’s a reason why tree removal services exist… to keep you from dying!
Tree removal is dangerous and should only be done by a professional. But how do you make sure you’re getting good service?
Here are some tips to consider when hiring a tree removal service.
Tree Tips for Finding a Tree Removal Service
The first thing you should do when looking for a tree service is to obtain estimates from several companies. Depending on the complexity of the job, it could cost a lot and take a lot of time.
If someone promises you they’ll finish significantly faster than the others, be wary. Likewise, if they ask you for money up front, then stay away.
Check the BBB score for any businesses you’re looking into. If they’re an accredited business, you’ll see the BBB seal. Most legitimate companies will also be members of professional arborist associations; the International Society of Arboriculture and the Tree Care Industry Association are two of the bigger organizations.
When obtaining estimates, always make sure you know what you’re getting. Some tree cutting companies will take care of everything for you, down to the last bit of stump. Others may leave you with a bit of work to do. Have them break down where your cost is coming from.
If you’ve found a tree cutter that you trust to do the job properly, the last thing you need to do is ask to see their license and liability insurance. Questionable companies will tell you they have insurance but might be lying to you. You don’t want to be liable for any injuries that may happen on a job like this.
A few of the aforementioned arborist organizations offer certification. The ISOA and TCI both offer certification in arboriculture. Any good tree removal service will have a certified arborist on staff and a certified tree care safety professional on staff.
Once you’ve checked these boxes, you should be all set!
Use Your Common Sense
If a tree removal service makes the effort to look like a legitimate company, then it should be easy to find out about liability, licensing, estimates, and certification.
Look at their website. Search for testimonials and on-the-job pictures to ensure they have the proper equipment. And if you’re in a smaller community, just ask around.
When you’ve found the right company, your tree will be down in no time.
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