Selecting a Tree Service or Arborist

Remember the terrible ice storm that hit the Eastern United States and Canada earlier this winter? Weather conditions such as ice can cause severe damage to trees, necessitating a call to a tree service.

A qualified and trained arborist knows how to prune safely and properly. Consider the following points when hiring a tree service or arborist.

• Check your telephone directory's yellow pages under "Tree Service" for a listing of those businesses which do tree work in your area. While anyone can list themselves in the phone book, a listing at least indicates some degree of permanence. Be cautious of any arborist that advertises "topping" as a service. Topping is not an approved tree maintenance practice.

• Ask if the arborist is certified by a state arborists association or the International Society of Arboriculture.

• Ask for certificates of insurance, including proof of liability for personal and property damage and workmen's compensation. Then, contact the insurance company to make sure the policy is current. Under some circumstances, you can be held financially responsible if an uninsured worker is hurt on your property or if the worker damages a neighbor's property.

• Ask for local references. Take a look at some of the work and if possible, talk with former clients. Experience, education and a good reputation are signs of a good arborist.

• Don't rush into a decision just because you are promised a discount if you sign an agreement now. Be sure you understand what work is to be done for what amount of money. It is not generally a good idea to pay in full until the work is completed.

• Most reputable tree care companies have all the work they can handle without going door to door. People who aren't competent arborists may solicit tree work after storms, seeing an opportunity to earn quick money. Storm damage creates high risk situations for both workers and property.

• If possible, get more than one estimate.

• A conscientious arborist will not use climbing spikes except when removing a tree. Climbing spikes open unnecessary wounds that could lead to decay.

• Good tree work is not inexpensive. A good arborist must carry several kinds of insurance as well as pay for expensive and specialized equipment. Beware of estimates that fall well below the average.

Source: NebGuide, University of Nebraska CES

Spring 1998
University of Illinois Booksale | Zoysiagrass! Can You Believe the Ads? | Crabgrass Control | Choosing Home Lawn Care Services | Selecting a Tree Service or Arborist | All America Selections 1998 | All Tomato Varieties Certainly Not the Same | Some Noteworthy Perennial Combinations | Bug Bites | Lawn Care Calendar | Cybergarden Sites | Hort Shorts | Hort Tips | Healthy Eating: Butter vs. Margarine | Health Update: Vitamin & Mineral Supplements | Food Safety: Eggs | Health & Household Update | Did You Know?

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