How to Select the Best Arborist for Your Tree Maintenance Requirements

When it comes to tree service, choosing the right arborist is important. It would help if you took the time to research and ask questions before selecting an arborist. The best place to start is by asking for recommendations from friends and family. It is an easy and effective way to find a quality arborist. 

Certification

Arborists who have obtained ISA certification have proven to be experts in their field by passing the ISA’s rigorous exam. Certified people have the skills and knowledge to perform proper tree care, pruning, and safety practices. A reputable arborist usually has a track record detailing their success stories on their website. They should also describe any trials and errors they encountered while trying to help a tree regrow and how the work performed turned out. Be wary of any arborist who places flyers on your door or calls you directly to solicit business. Those who resort to such tactics are often desperate and may need more qualifications to provide quality service. Ask for references and verify them.

Experience

Ensure the arborist you choose has several years of experience. Their track record will help you determine their success rates, trials, and errors. Years of experience means they have dealt with various tree care situations and challenges, making them better equipped to handle your needs. Ask for references from previous clients. Ideally, you should call them and discuss their experiences with the arborist. It would help to consider whether the company is TCIA Accredited and ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified (though these are not a quality guarantee).

Additionally, find out if they have a worker’s compensation policy and insurance coverage. It protects you in case of damage during tree work. You should also request a detailed estimate before you hire an arborist.

Reputation

You also want an arborist with a good reputation in the community. You should find reputable arborists by requesting references from previous clients or checking online reviews. A good arborist will strive for a minimum number of complaints. It is a good sign that they care about their work and are committed to providing quality service. It is important to take the time to find a qualified arborist for your tree services. Make sure to compare prices and insurance coverage between potential candidates. Ask each for a detailed, written estimate that includes the scope of work and costs. Ultimately, it would help if you chose an arborist with the right combination of experience and expertise at a reasonable price.

Pricing

You might find it tempting to call a tree service company with a telephone pole sign in your neighborhood, but you should take the time to compare their services before deciding. Taking the extra steps to check their insurance, reviews, and years in the industry can help you feel confident that you’re hiring a knowledgeable and professional arborist. During your consultation, an ISA Certified Arborist will identify your trees’ needs and recommend treatment options that will keep them healthy and beautiful for years. Be wary of arborists who advertise at extremely low rates, as this could signify subpar work. Be sure to ask for local references and examples of previous work. An honest and reputable arborist will be happy to provide you with this information.

Insurance

Arborists and tree care business workers can be exposed to various risks on the job. Working at heights and handling equipment can lead to accidents that can injure people or cause property damage. Additionally, the specialized nature of the work can put employees at risk of contracting certain illnesses. Finally, the technical equipment used by arborists can be subject to theft and vandalism.

It’s important to do your homework and find a well-qualified arborist. Make sure you ask for references, validate them and check online reviews. Also, only hire an arborist with the appropriate insurance coverage. If something goes wrong, an uninsured arborist leaves you with enormous liability. Ask for a copy of the company’s general liability and workers’ compensation coverage. A certificate of insurance is the best way to verify this information.