5 Tips for Choosing the Right Arborist
When you call a tree care professional for help with your trees, you must ensure they are the right company for the job. Not only does this mean finding a reputable company and giving them your trust, but it also provides them have the necessary knowledge and equipment to do their job well. To help you out, here are five tips for choosing the right arborist.
1. Search for Reviews
One of the easiest ways to determine whether a company is good is to search for reviews online. Look at their website, Google, and social media and ask friends and family if they have any recommendations. The local chamber of commerce may also be able to provide you with helpful information about arborist services in your area.
2. Ask for Company History
Don’t be afraid to ask for references. If you’re looking at a company that’s new to the area, or one with a different name than they used last time you needed them, it’s good to ask around before hiring someone.
Ask questions about the company itself and its history. How long has it been in business? What kinds of projects have they done that are similar to yours? What kind of experience do they have with your particular problem (or type of tree)?
Don’t just rely on word-of-mouth referrals either: there could be some issues with this method since people may not always tell the truth when it comes to how excellent their services were or how much damage was done by certain types of trees—or even whether or not a problem was fixed in the first place!
3. Ensure Your Arborist Uses Proper Safety Equipment
You should never take safety lightly. When an arborist works on a tree, no matter the size or species, they must be adequately equipped with the right tools and protective equipment. Safety equipment such as harnesses, lanyards, and ropes are used to prevent injury when climbing trees. This is especially important when working at heights above ground level where falling from a ladder could cause severe injury or even death.
- ensure your arborist uses proper safety equipment every time they climb a tree. A good rule of thumb is that if it isn’t necessary for their work in that particular situation (e.g., gloves), they shouldn’t be worn.
- inspect all safety gear regularly for signs of wear and tear (i.e., fraying lanyards). Replace damaged items immediately before using them again!
4. Ask About Insurance
Another important consideration for hiring an arborist is the insurance coverage they have. This includes asking about how much coverage they have if a major insurance company insures them and whether or not they are insured for liability. You should also ask if the arborist has workers’ compensation and general liability insurance.
Of course, not all problems can be avoided with proper planning and preparation—sometimes accidents happen despite our best efforts to prevent them. It’s important to remember that tree care professionals are no exception; even those who work in such a dangerous industry need some assurance that their safety will be protected in case something goes wrong on the job site.
5. Check the Qualifications of Potential Arborists
- check the qualifications of potential arborists.
- find out if they are licensed, certified, and insured.
- ask for references from clients who have used their services.
- get a good feel for their reputation in your community.
- check out how many years they have been in business and what projects they’ve done in your area of expertise (if applicable).
Each of the Tips Above is Important When Choosing the Right Tree Care Professional
So, now that you know the essential considerations when choosing an arborist let’s review.
- selecting a company with a good reputation is essential. You want to know that the tree care pro you choose has been around for a while and has earned a strong reputation in their community as reliable, knowledgeable, and trustworthy.
- choosing an insured company is also very important because it shows they are committed to protecting themselves from potential liability issues that may arise during their work on your property (and yes – these things do happen).
- it’s always best if the arborist or tree care pro has proper safety equipment for working at heights or using machinery near trees so they can keep themselves and others safe from injury in case something goes wrong during their visit (yes – these things also happen).
- make sure any potential arborist hires only skilled employees who meet all industry regulations before agreeing on pricing with them too!
Choosing the Right Arborist Here at SB Tree Service
Whether you need to remove a fallen tree or prune some overgrown branches, hiring an experienced arborist is essential. Not only do they have the proper equipment and training to ensure your trees are healthy and safe, but they can also help with choosing the right arborist for your needs if you want to learn more about our services or like someone who will treat your trees like family, give us a call today!