How to Hire a Tree Care Professional?
There are some factors to consider before hiring a tree care professional. You may want to ask about their qualifications, insurance, reputation, and cost before hiring them.
Qualifications
There are several qualifications you should look for in a tree care professional. Trees come in many forms, requiring regular care and maintenance to stay healthy. Tree care professionals, such as the expert tree care services Blue Ash, OH, are also known as arborists or tree surgeons. There are some routes into this profession, and formal education requirements vary from company to company. Although a high school diploma is generally the minimum, many companies require more. You can also pursue training through the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), Tree Care Academy, or other reputable schools.
Accredited tree care companies have a strong understanding of tree health and safety. Their sales representatives have undergone training equivalent to the TCIA’s Tree Care Specialist credential. The training must include tree biology, pruning standards, tree disease diagnosis, and soil science. Accredited companies must also provide exceptional customer service. And they must ensure the advertised price is inclusive of any additional charges. So whether you’re looking for single tree service or a comprehensive program, a well-trained professional can answer all of your questions.
Insurance
The most important thing to look for in a tree care company is proof of insurance. This should come in the form of a certificate bearing the company name and the insurance company’s contact information. You can also ask the company to provide you with a copy of the certificate of insurance, but this is not a substitute for a real one. Also, check the policy limits and validity before hiring a tree service, as some companies may use fake certificates to hide their real insurance status.
Tree care companies must carry workers’ compensation and general liability insurance. While workers’ compensation insurance may seem unnecessary, the industry is dangerous. Having adequate coverage for accidents is crucial. Insurance coverage will protect you, and your workers should an accident occur. You can also ask if the tree care company has workers’ compensation insurance.
Reputation
Before hiring a tree service, you should first learn about its reputation in your community. While the Better Business Bureau may not have the strength it once had, the accreditation of tree service is still an indication of its reliability. When hiring a tree service, ask to see their BBB rating and whether they are members of a local association. If there are no reviews online, then you may not have a reputable company to hire.
If an estimate is too low, there could be hidden costs or the company may not be fully certified or insured. A good tree service will carry several insurances and pay for specialized equipment. Moreover, they will not rush you into making a decision. The best way to find a good company is to ask for references, view their work, and speak with past clients.
Cost
If you’re wondering how much it costs to hire a professional tree care company, consider what is included. A tree care company will typically charge you by the tree so that they can save on travel and mobility costs. However, if your tree is large and requires more extensive trimming, you’ll need to factor in additional costs, such as removing the old tree stump and cleaning up the stump. The average tree trimming service costs $450 or more.
The cost of hiring a tree care company varies greatly depending on what kind of service they offer. The service can add up quickly if the company provides only tree removal or handles stump grinding and mulch removal. Additionally, the tree care company may bring its log-splitting machine. This can add another $75 to the total cost of the project. While hiring a tree care company may seem expensive, the costs of the process will be worth it in the end.