While hiring a tree service should never be a gamble, most property owners find themselves with a damaged piece of property, or the work is only partially completed, or worse yet, the service provider is at fault for the potential liability that results due to the fact that they did not ask the proper questions prior to signing off on the project.
It really comes down to the simple act of asking a few key questions that will determine if the service provider is legitimate and/or competent to perform the work you hired them to complete.
Are You Properly Insured?
Insurance is number one, not last. Both liability and workers’ compensation insurance are required by law for anyone performing tree services. Liability insurance protects the homeowner (or business) against damage to their property if something goes wrong during the course of the project. Worker’s compensation protects the homeowner (or business) if an employee is injured while working on their property.
You need to get proof of both types of insurance and confirm that the coverage is current. Insurance policies expire, and there are many instances where service providers claim to have insurance, but do not. A reputable service provider will be able to provide you with evidence of their insurance, including a certificate of insurance, immediately.
If the service provider you hire is not insured, you could be held responsible for injuries to their employees or for damages to your property if something goes wrong.
What Experience Do You Have Doing This Kind Of Work?
Not all tree work is created equal. Removing a small tree in an open field is much easier than removing a large tree that is located close to a house and electrical wires. You need to know what kind of experience the service provider has doing the type of work you are hiring them to complete.
Ask the service provider how many other jobs they have completed that are similar to the one you are hiring them to complete. If the job you are hiring them to complete is complicated, you need to make sure they have experience completing similar jobs.
A reputable service provider who has a solid history of successfully completing projects will be able to tell you exactly how they plan to complete the work and explain specifically why they plan to do each step of the process in a certain way. Incomplete or vague explanations are likely indicative of a service provider with little or no experience.
What Type Of Equipment Will You Be Using?
The type of equipment the service provider uses is a good indicator of their level of expertise and capabilities. Can the service provider provide you with access to cranes, or do they rent them? Do they have the necessary equipment to remove difficult-to-reach branches or stumps?
There may be specialized equipment required to complete a particular job. If the service provider does not have this equipment, they may attempt to improvise using equipment that was not designed for the task. Improvising increases the risk of accidents and damage to your property.
Well-established tree services like GTS Trees have the equipment needed to complete a wide range of tasks, from routine tree removals to complex jobs requiring specialized equipment. Services that operate with minimal equipment are unlikely to be capable of completing anything other than basic tasks.
What Is Included In Your Bid?
You should ask the service provider for specifics regarding what is included in the bid. Will the bid include the removal of the entire tree, or just the removal of the trunk? Will the bid include the removal of stumps, or will that be extra? Will the service provider clean up after they complete the work, or will that be an additional charge? Will the service provider haul the debris away, or leave wood chips behind?
There are some service providers who may quote you a low price for the work, but then charge you for items you thought were included in the original price. Make sure you ask specifically about stump removal, cleaning up after the work is done, and disposing of the debris to ensure you understand what is included in the price.
Will They Cut And Stack Firewood?
Another important detail to consider is what happens to the wood. If you want the service provider to cut the wood into firewood and stack it, you need to clarify that in advance. This information will help you determine the total cost of the project and help you avoid any misunderstanding.
How Will You Protect My Surrounding Property?
Ask the service provider to explain how they will protect your surrounding property, including your landscaping, fences, driveways, etc. Do they have ground protection mats they can lay down to protect your lawn and gardens? Do they have a method for protecting your nearby plants?
When removing a tree near a structure, ask the service provider how they plan to do it. Will they be using a sectional removal technique with rigging? Will they be using a crane? The method used will greatly impact the likelihood of damage to your property.
Service providers who cannot clearly explain how they will protect your surrounding property are likely to lack a comprehensive approach to protecting your property.
Will You Provide Me With Any References?
Reputable service providers will have satisfied customers who are happy to speak to the quality of the service provider’s work. Ask the service provider to provide you with references for previous jobs that are similar to the job you are hiring them to complete. Take the time to call the references and ask them if they were satisfied with the work. Were the service provider’s people timely? Was the area cleaned up after the work was completed? Would they hire the service provider again? The references will give you insight into the pattern of behavior of the service provider that quotes will not.
Be very cautious of service providers who cannot or will not provide references. This is often a sign of trouble.
What Is Your Timeline?
Knowing when the work will begin and when it will be completed is important to your ability to plan for the project. There are service providers who are so busy with good work that they are booked well in advance. There are service providers who claim to be available to start the project immediately. While neither is necessarily good or bad, knowing their schedule will help you understand what to expect.
Additionally, ask the service provider how long the actual work will take to complete. Some small jobs can be completed in a matter of hours, while larger removals may take several days.
Who Will Be Working On My Job?
Ask the service provider to describe the qualifications of the staff members assigned to your project. Are the climbers certified arborists? Are the staff members trained in rigging and safety?
While inexperienced staff may be acceptable for the ground crew, it is unacceptable for the climbers who will be making critical decisions in the trees.
Will I Need To Get Any Permits?
Some jurisdictions require permits for tree removal. Ask the service provider if they handle obtaining the necessary permits or if that responsibility rests with you.
Service providers who are knowledgeable about local ordinances can assist you in navigating the permit process. Service providers who are not knowledgeable about local ordinances may proceed with the removal without the proper permits, resulting in potential legal liabilities.
What Are Your Payment Terms?
Find out what payment terms the service provider expects from you before you allow them to begin the project. Most tree service providers expect payment upon completion of the work. However, some may request a deposit for particularly large jobs.
Beware of service providers who demand large amounts of money before they begin the project. Reputable service providers do not require large amounts of money before they begin.
Reading Between the Lines
In addition to what the service provider says, how they say it is equally important. Reputable professionals will answer your questions directly, provide documentation as requested, and explain their methodology.
Red flags are raised when service providers avoid answering your questions, refuse to provide proof of insurance, or become impatient or aggressive when asked for more information. Professionals do not mind being questioned. Professionals want educated clients.
Making Your Decision
Asking these questions will help differentiate a professional tree service from someone who will cause more harm than good. The time invested in asking questions and verifying answers will protect your property and your pocketbook.
Tree work is inherently dangerous and costly. Service providers who appear frustrated or annoyed by the questions you are asking are probably not the ones you want working on your property. Professional tree services expect to be asked these questions and will respond accordingly.
