The time will come for all home or business owners: you need a tree care company. This is a process that many people will go through a few times in their lives if they own property. However, each time you do it, it can be confusing to determine what company is the best for what you need.
While we’d love to just tell you to give us a call today for all of your Dever, CO tree care needs, we know that you may have questions about how to make the best choice – which we do strive to be. There are many tree care companies out there and not all of them are great; some may do great work but they aren’t safe, whereas others may be completely safe but only do mediocre work.
However, if you wish to do some research on your own, here are some places to start:
Do They Have Up To Date Certifications & Insurance?
- All companies licenses to keep themselves safe
- Insurance keeps them and you safe
- Ask for copies before the project starts
One of the most important things you need to look for when searching for the best tree care company is to determine whether or not they are insured, licensed, and certified to actually work on trees in Denver. There are many companies that are working without all of these components because they can be quite pricey to keep.
However, it is in the best interests of everyone involved that these are in place. Before you even ask about pricing or timelines, you want to ask about these pieces, suggests Stihl USA. The company should have, at the very least, digital copies of these forms. Ask for copies. If they cannot provide all of the certifications, move onto another company.
At the very least, Active memberships in the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) are required. There are other certifications and organizations that they may have – just make sure to check that they actually have to do work to get those certifications. Too often, a tree care company will have a hundred “certifications” that they just paid for and didn’t have to work to get.
Will They Provide A Written Scope?
- Get as many details as possible
- Make sure you read the scope
- Check back with the form after the job is completed
Another thing you should do when looking for a tree care company is to ask for a detailed written proposal and scope. Make sure to get schedules, tools used, and other salient details. This will help to keep the team on track and ensure that you get what you pay for in terms of service, clean-up, and aftercare.
This is very important because you need to know what goes into the estimates for your services. If a company is significantly cheaper for tree removal but doesn’t remove the stump nor clean up, you may be able to make a better decision for yourself. You want to look at their methodologies and determine which one fits with your needs. Many companies will offer something standard rather than make you pay extra for it (such as clean up) but you want to get that in writing.
BrightView suggests that you get as many details as you can and change the contract as need be – once you have signed, it is something that both parties will need to agree with, however.
Ask For References
- You should ask for photos, emails, and phone numbers if they have them
- If they do not have references, move on
- Check the website for detailed information
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) gives a blueprint for how to use this tip: “Ask for references from the company’s last three jobs and contact them for testimonials.” This should be easy enough to get. If they do not have references, say they are a new company or have just moved to the area, ask to see their work as an apprentice. There needs to be something they can show you to prove they can do the work. Make sure to return the favor: tell the tree care company that you will be a reference.
Most tree care companies will have proof of their work on their websites. If they do not, check around for social media proof. You may be able to see many reviews there (as well as on Google) that aren’t curated by the company.
When looking at pictures or talking to real-life customers, make sure to check on timelines, attention to detail, safety, and whether or not they cleaned up after the job.
Ask About Safety
- Safety should be a primary concern of everyone
- Make sure equipment is up to date
- Have a neighbor watch over your property if you cannot be there
One thing you need to think about when getting your trees removed, pruned, or just cared for, is safety. Does the company you hired have safety as their primary concern? This doesn’t only mean safety for you or them – it means safety for structures, the environment, pets, neighbors, and the trees themselves.
Angie’s List provides the following suggestion about safety: ” Hiring a provider that follows OSHA and industry safety standards is vital. Make sure that the crew will wear hard hats, chainsaw chaps and eye and ear protection. This can be the difference between having a serious injury or fatality on your property or having everyone go home unharmed. “
If you are worried about your trees or you see something that just doesn’t look right, make sure to give Arbortec Tree Service a call at (303) 466-3175. While you can certainly watch over your trees and love them, there is nothing that beats the practiced hand of professionals. We can help you to take care of your trees and ensure that you get the best and safest possible care for your yard.