FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why Hire a Tree Service?
Tree services are specialist in the care of individual trees. Tree services are knowledgeable about the needs of trees and are trained and equipped to provide proper care. Hiring a tree service is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Proper tree care is an investment that can lead to substantial returns. Well cared-for trees are attractive and can add considerable value to your property. Poorly maintained trees can be a significant liability. Pruning or removing trees, especially large trees, can be dangerous work. Tree work should only be done by those trained and equipped to work safely in trees.
Services That A Tree Service Can Provide
1. Pruning - The tree service company can determine what type of pruning is necessary to maintain or improve the health, appearance, and safety of trees. These techniques include:
• Eliminating branches that rub each other.
• Removing limbs that interfere with wires, building facades, gutters, roofs, chimneys, windows, or that obstruct streets or sidewalks.
• Removing dead or weak limbs that pose a hazard or may lead to decay.
• Removing diseased or insect-infested limbs.
• Creating better structure to lessen wind resistance and reduce the potential for storm damage.
• Training young trees.
• Removing limbs damaged by adverse weather conditions.
• Thinning or removal of branches to increase light penetration.
• Improving the shape or silhouette of the tree.
2. Removal - Although tree removal is a last resort, there are circumstances when it is necessary. A professional tree service can help decide whether or not a tree should be removed. Tree service companies have the skills and equipment to safely and efficiently remove trees. Removal is recommended when the tree:
• Is dead or dying.
• Is considered irreparably hazardous.
• Is causing an obstruction that is impossible to correct through pruning.
• Is crowding and causing harm to other trees.
• Is to be replaced by a more suitable specimen.
• Should be removed to allow for new construction.
3. Emergency Tree Care - Storms may cause limbs or entire trees to fall, often landing on homes, cars, other structures, or other trees. The weight of storm-damaged trees is great, and they can be very dangerous to remove or trim. A tree service company can assist in performing the job in a safe manner, while reducing further risk of damage to your property.
4. Other Services - Many tree companies also provide a variety of other tree care services including:
• Practicing Plant Health Care; a concept of preventive maintenance to keep trees in good health, which will help the tree better defend itself against insects, disease, and site problems.
• Cabling or bracing for added support to branches with weak attachment.
• Ask for proof of insurance and then phone the insurance company if you are not satisfied. A reputable arborist will have personal and property damage insurance. Many homeowners have had to pay out large amounts of money for damages caused by uninsured individuals claiming to be a tree experts. You could be held responsible for damages that occur as a result of the job.
• Some governmental agencies require contractors to apply for permits and/or to apply for a license before they are able to work. Be sure they comply with any local, state, provincial, or national law that governs their work.
• Don't always accept the low bid. You should examine the credentials and the written specification of the firms that submitted bids and determine the best combination of price, work to be done, skill, and professionalism to protect your substantial investment.
• Get it in writing. Most reputable arborists will have their clients sign a contract. Be sure to read the contract carefully. Don't be afraid to ask questions, such as:
- When will the work be started and completed?
- Who will be responsible for clean-up?
- Is this the total price?
- If I would like more to be done?, An estimate will be given just ask for it.