Hiring a tree care service can be stressful. Some may not want to remove a tree that was part of their yard but fear it could damage their property. Also, as many already know, having a tree removed can be quite expensive.
A simple web search will lead you to many tree care companies, but how do you know if they’re a professional or just someone with a chainsaw? Below are some best practices to make tree care less stressful.
What is an arborist?
First: what is an arborist or arborist? Arborists and/or arborists are professions that do not require training. However, a certified arborist, certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), is a professional who has demonstrated a basic knowledge of tree care by passing a comprehensive exam of pruning, tending, and removing trees. In addition to the initial exam, ISA-certified arborists must earn continuing education credits annually to stay current with the latest techniques for safely removing or tending your trees.
Professional tree care companies may also be members of organizations such as the International Society of Arboriculture, the American Society of Consulting Arborists, or the Tree Care Industry Association. Fortunately, you can search for ISA certified arborists in your area on the ISA website.
Visit leavesaregood.org/findanarborist and enter your zip code to find a list of certified arborists, the company they work for, and any additional ISA certifications they may have.
By law, tree care businesses do not require a license other than a regular professional license. Both personal and property damage liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance are very important.
You can ask the arborist for contact information on his/her liability insurance(s) and then contact the insurance company and ask for proof of insurance confirming coverage for you while you are on the job.
You can confirm Workers’ Compensation coverage by contacting the insurance carrier (if any) or by visiting the Florida Department of Financial Services’ Proof of Coverage website: dwcdataportal.fldfs.com/ProofOfCoverage.aspx. They may also be contacted by phone at a toll-free number: 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (1-877-693-5236).
Get more than one estimate
Once you’ve checked the above, it’s a good idea to get two or more estimates for the work you’re going to do. Most tree care companies offer estimates free of charge. However, if you need professional advice on what to do, a consultation fee may be appropriate. Remember that quality of work may be more important than price.
Ask them to prioritize which tasks are most important to achieving your goals (e.g. which trees are most dangerous or which are most expensive) so you can tailor your plan to fit your budget. Before signing the contract, request a full written estimate of all recommended services.
This should be done on a formal estimate with full details of all work to be carried out. This includes tasks such as disposing of waste, cleaning the work area, removing wood or cutting and stacking firewood. It should also include a formal safety plan to protect traffic and pedestrians.
Written contract
Finally, you should clearly state in writing how your property, driveways and lawns will be protected from potential damage that may result from tree felling and/or the use of heavy equipment.
A special note about stump milling: This process typically leaves the customer with large amounts of wood chips that may need to be removed. Additionally, if you plan to replant this area, you will need to remove the wood chips from the hole and fill it in with soil before replanting. Who should be responsible for this should be determined in advance.
Always have a signed contract detailing the scope of work, the total amount, and the completion date of the work to be performed.
Like any document, read the contract carefully before signing it. You should receive a legible copy. This protects against possible future disagreements about which services have been proposed and agreed. All insurance certificates should be issued to you directly by your insurance carrier, with you listed as the certificate holder.
Stan Rosenthal is a ranger with Natural Resources Planning Services and forester emeritus with UF/IFAS Extension Leon County, an equal opportunity organization. For gardening questions, email the Advisory Office at AskAMasterGardener@ifas.ufl.edu.
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