Tree services are relatively new to people, and if you are seeking for professional tree service for the first time, finding the best one can be a hassle. There are a few points you should keep in mind, and this article briefly discusses these points. Therefore, if you are looking forward to remodeling or modifying your garden, here are a few points of affordable tree service in Arlington to consider before selecting a tree service.
Table of Contents
Look for Experts
Tree service is not gardening and requires expertise and experience. First and foremost, look for a tree service provider that is trained, certified, and insured. Tree services have been risky and have resulted in a lot of accidents.
However, it is not a by-product that is associated with tree work, and you can avoid all sorts of accidents and mishappenings by hiring Little Rock tree service. Even if you cannot find experienced tree workers in your area, look for tree service providers that are renowned; take referrals from people to get a better idea.
The Legitimacy of the Company
Business licensing and insurance are the two most essential factors to consider while choosing a tree service provider. As discussed earlier, tree work is risky, and the last thing you want is someone getting injured on your premises. Moreover, don’t believe in word of mouth; if the providers say they are certified, ask for the desired documents. Purchasing a chainsaw, renting a small office, and putting advertisements in a newspaper is a piece of cake for anyone.
Licensing: Business license allows a company to do business, and a company cannot carry out necessary business tasks like business insurance, taxation, etc. without a business license. Ask for the business license of the company before hiring them.
Insurance: Since tree work is dangerous, insurance is essential. Look for service providers that have current liability insurance. Similar to business licensing, don’t believe in word of mouth and ask for a copy of the provider’s insurance.
What if you get tree work done by a company without insurance? You can, but you can end up in a tormenting predicament in there is an accident, injury, or property damage at your home. Not only will you, as the homeowner, have to face legal trauma, but you will not get any compensation on damage as well.
Since tree work is gaining popularity among homeowners with large yards, many unqualified people are entering this field to make some side cash. However, you need to be alert as tree work is a dangerous task to perform, and requires training and skill along with safety & rigging gear and necessary documents.
Similar to business license and insurance, ask for the offer in writing as well. How much will a company charge for your house? What services will they provide? — Everything should be available in writing.
Safety Gear
Since we got a mention about safety gear, let’s talk a bit more about them. A standard tree worker should be equipped with safety gear, which at least includes helmets, face shields, and steel-toed boots. For a climber, safety and climbing gear is essential that includes helmet, saddle, glasses, arborist climbing ropes, and steel toe boots.
If you hire a tree service provider, and the workers show up with a ladder, refuse to get the work done and ask them to leave. Tree workers (at least the legit ones) don’t use ladders and are equipped with safety and rigging gear that is developed specifically for climbing and working with trees.
Moreover, if possible, try identifying whether the workers are using the standard ropes and pulleys or using the latest variants designed exclusively for keeping the workers safe. Since wood pieces are heavy, normal ropes and pulleys can suffer shock-loads, which might result in an accident.
No Advance
Certain businesses require advances, and it is completely fine. However, advance payments don’t comply in the case of tree services since it requires only manpower and gear which the workers bring with them. If a certain material is to be purchased, advance might make sense, like in renovation or home improvement.
If you are planning to install an add-on in your yard that needs to be purchased, your contractor might ask for an advance. But if no purchases are to be made, a tree service cannot ask for money down. Therefore, pay the money only after the task is completed, and you are satisfied with the job done.
Get a Detailed Estimate to What the Contractor will do
The chances are that your expectations might not meet the standard services a contractor provides. Different providers provide various packages that offer different services. For example, some might include ground cleaning, whereas others might provide entire tree shaping.
The last thing you want is ending up discovering on the day of work that the services you want and the services the contractor provides do not oscillate. To avoid such miscommunication, make sure you know what you want with your garden.
Make lists of necessary and optional tasks, and give it to the contractor before hiring them. Some contractors might not offer all the services in their standard package but may offer custom packages that include the services you desire.
Patience
Don’t hurry while selecting a tree service provider (unless urgent). Different companies and providers can have varied prices, along with different services. For example, one company might be excellent at tree reshaping but may struggle at uprooting or replanting. These factors can result in variable pricing, which can make it further difficult for you to choose the right provider.
Therefore, it is essential to be patient and carefully choose the right service provider. Browse the web, look for referrals, shop around, talk to people nearby, and seek as many leads and reviews as possible. However, make sure your decision is not price-based because tree work poses risks and challenges, and you surely don’t want to save a few bucks but end up facing loss of hundreds and getting stuck in legal proceedings.
Better Business Bureau
Although this criterion is optional, following it can help you find better companies. Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a non-profit organization that helps customers find companies and businesses they can trust. Companies that are a part of the BBB are usually considered as more trustworthy and reputed.
Moreover, if a complaint arises against a company, BBB holds them responsible for taking immediate action. Furthermore, if companies belonging to BBB do not take of their customers, they can be expelled from the organization.
However, even if a company is not a part of BBB, it can provide excellent services. But to be sure, check out why the company is not a part of the organization. Moreover, also check with a consumer protection agency whether a company has any complaints against it because any company would want to be a part of BBB.
The Bottom Line
Remodeling your garden can be a good call as it can elevate the look and feel of your exterior. However, tree work is risky as it requires a lot of climbing and loading & unloading. Therefore, make sure you don’t hurry while choosing a tree service, and select a contractor that is licensed, insured, trained, and experienced.
