Where to Start - Define Your Needs
Tree experts, known as arborists, provide a variety of services to help you protect the valuable investment you have made in your trees. Well cared for trees are not only attractive but will also add real value to your property. Poorly maintained trees become a significant liability. Pruning or removing trees, especially large trees, can be dangerous work. Hiring an arborist is a decision that should not be taken lightly; tree work should be done only by professionals trained and equipped to work safely in trees.
Arborists are more knowledgeable about trees, tree biology, and tree care and are better equipped to provide proper care than the average property owner. A well-informed homeowner can provide proper tree care (planting, watering, corrective pruning, mulching, etc.) to young trees in the landscape but trees grow quickly in size and most homeowners do not have the training, experience or equipment to work safely on large trees.
So when do you need an arborist?
If you answer yes to any of the questions below then you need to hire an arborist.
- Has a storm damaged your tree?
- Are there cracks in the trunk, branches or roots?
- Are there mushrooms or bracket fungi growing on the branches, stems or roots?
- Does the tree have dead branches or a dead top?
- Has there been any soil disturbance or construction activity in or near the root zone?
- Do you plan to build on a lot with trees, and you want to save some of them?
- Are the leaves on your tree wilting, necrotic, chlorotic, malformed or does the tree exhibit early fall coloration or premature leaf drop?
- Are more than the usual number of insects noticeable, or do you see symptoms and signs of their presence?
- Does your tree need to be pruned?
- Do you need other services performed on your trees?
How to Find An Arborist
We offer a free referral service on this website to assist you in finding professionals in your area. The listings on this site are from members of The Underground. You can also obtain referrals from your friends and neighbors. If you see a landscape professional that is doing good work in your neighborhood write down their phone number.
How to Select An Arborist
When searching for an arborist or tree care company, there are several things to look for before making a selection:
Are they certified?
Ask if the arborists on staff are certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). ISA offers a range of certification credentials from certified tree worker to certified arborist. To be certified, individuals must pass a voluntary comprehensive exam. Certification must be maintained through continuing education, which means they should be up to date on the latest in arboricultural technology and are knowledgeable of acceptable tree care practices.
Are they licensed?
Some municipalities also require licensing for tree care companies. The purpose of licensing is to restrict entry and control an activity or a profession, presumably to only those qualified. Possession of a license, however, doesn't ensure quality tree work. It simply means that the tree care company has the privilege to operate within the municipal limits because they paid the required license fee.
Do they have professional credentials or affiliations?
Ask about membership in professional organizations such as the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), the National Arborists Association (NAA), or the American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA). Affiliation with these organizations demonstrates a willingness to keep current on the latest techniques and information.
Are they insured?
Ask for proof of insurance and then verify coverage with the insurance company. A reputable arborist should have insurance to cover personal and property damage as well as worker's compensation. If you hire an uninsured tree worker, you can be held liable for any damages or injuries that occur while they are on the job.
Do they have a list of references?
Ask for references from past customers and do not hesitate to check them, or to visit the locations where the company or individual has done tree care work.
Get an estimate.
Do not be afraid to ask for an estimate, and it's best to get more than one estimate. Keep in mind, selecting the lowest bid is not the best way to select a tree care company. Rather, when examining the bids, look at all specifications and credentials, and the work to be done to determine which company will provide the best service with the skill and professionalism needed to protect your investment. And, most importantly get it in writing. Most reputable arborists will have the customer sign a contract so be sure to review it and do not be afraid to ask questions before signing.
Do they practice responsibly?
Reputable arborists will only perform industry-accepted practices. Unacceptable practices include tree topping, using climbing spikes on trees that are not being removed and removing or pruning trees without a good reason. Remember, at first glance a well pruned tree often looks as if no work was done at all.
What other kinds of services do they offer?
Many arborists do more than just prune trees or repair storm damage. Some offer a wide range of services including installation of lightning protection systems, cabling of forked trunks or branches, appraising tree value, planting, fertilizing, spraying and on-site inspections to monitor tree health.
They may also recommend a preventative health care program whereby they provide inspections of your trees for a flat annual fee. This is an excellent way to monitor insect and disease problems in time to take effective action. It can also assure proper early pruning to prevent major, corrective pruning later. Regular maintenance practices will also help your trees remain healthy.
Final Considerations
Ask questions.
Who will be responsible for clean-up? Is this the total price? If I would like more done what is your hourly rate?
Check with consumer protection agencies.
See if any unresolved complaints have been made against the arborist. Verify they have the appropriate registrations with your municipality, if needed.
Get a contract.
A reputable firm provides you with a contract specifying estimated start and completion dates. It should include all the details of the job--the more detailed the better. It should include the amount of the deposit required, as well as any scheduled payments during the job and terms upon completion. The contract should include all warranties offered. What is covered and what isn't? What is the length of the warranty?
The Final Decision
One of the best methods to use in choosing an arborist is to educate yourself on some of the basic principles of tree care. Once you have done your homework you should be able to select the best arborist for your needs. Don’t forget to check our free referral service to find professional listings from members of The Underground. Good Luck!
Portions of this article by Patrick Weicherding, Regional Extension Educator, Natural Resources and Environment, Minnesota
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