It can be difficult to decide upon which company to hire for your tree care. There are many factors to consider, and not all tree services are equal. While most people usually just compare prices, you'll need to consider a few other factors before making your decision. If you follow these 10 guidelines we are confident that you will find a reliable and reputable company to work on your trees. We urge you to print and use this list prior to hiring any tree care service.
1. Ask for an ISA Certified Arborist - If the company doesn't have one on staff, they are not qualified to advise you or perform work on your trees. Always verify the arborist.
2. Get your estimate in writing - Simple as it sounds, this will prevent the company from changing the price on you mid-work. A price on the back of a business card is not sufficient.
3. Request proof of insurance - Any tree care company seeking work on your trees and/or property must have a General Liability policy and a Worker's Compensation policy. A piece of paper with declarations is not sufficient proof, you need to contact the company's agent directly.
4. Verify the business online - A company that has no online presence may not be legitimate. All businesses will have some verifiable 'paper-trail' online. Check the BBB, angieslist, or just do a simple google search for their business name and pull up their website. Legitimate companies should have an online presence.
5. Ask for referrals or customer reviews - You need to find out if the business operates in a professional manner. Completing the work safely, timely, within the quoted price, and to your satisfaction should be a priority. While hand-written referrals are becoming a thing of the past, online reviews are usually available for most businesses.
6. Check for professional affiliations - Memberships with the International Society of Arboriculture, TCIA, or other local arborist associations such as the Kansas Arborist Association means the company is dedicated to excellence in the tree care industry and are likely performing their work at higher standards.
7. Never pay up-front for services - You should be suspect of any tree care company that asks you to pay any amount prior to beginning work on your project. You should not need to pay a deposit, and you should take it as a sign of a bad business if the company requires money up-front prior to starting your project.
8. Never pay for an estimate - A reputable tree care service will provide no cost estimates for your work. You should always be weary of a company that charges you for estimates.
9. Customer satisfaction - Be sure that the company has a customer satisfaction guarantee. Do not do business with a company that uses aggressive and pushy sales tactics, or that require you make an immediate decision on their estimate.
10. Never do business with a company that uses door-knockers - If someone knocks on your door and wants to give you a quote on tree care, always reject the opportunity. More often than not, you will be lied to about their workmanship, insurances, and credibility, and you'll be pressured into work that you likely do not need. If the company is going door-to-door soliciting work, it speaks volumes about their operation, and more often than not you will be ripped off. Legitimate tree care companies do not need to beg for work.