There are a few things you need to bear in mind when selecting a company to trim or remove your trees.
Below we discuss the four big things you need to pay attention to.
Informative Tree Assessment
Any tree removal specialist worth his weight should be able to tell you the name of your tree and, in most cases, the Latin name, too (as this is an international requirement for identifying tree species.)
Depending on what you need to be done with your problem tree, whether it’s just a single branch removal, canopy lift or complete tree removal, your prospective contractor should also be able to walk you through exactly how he is going to carry out the job and how long it will take. If he is standing there scratching his head, cross him off your list.
Professional Documentation
The tree lopping industry as a whole is completely unregulated as far as needing licensing to operate is concerned. This has brought an endless supply of “cowboys” to the industry who have not completed any Arborist courses, nor do they have any insurance.
Along with your quotation (which should be a written or typed professional document), your tree lopper contractors needs to supply you with their insurance details (which I advise checking it’s active via a simple 2-minute phone call to the insurer on the documentation) and in some cases you are well within your rights to ask for proof of their qualifications.
Being handed a scrap piece of paper or just a verbal quote should be a good sign for you to move on.
Communication
Nothing is more frustrating than trying to call tree service companies, and they won’t pick up the phone. In most cases, the owner of the tree removal business also works on-site, so hearing a phone over screaming chainsaws is next to impossible, but if your call is not returned within a few hours, this company doesn’t want your business.
If this is the case during the quotation process, there isn’t going to be improvement when it comes to getting them to book a date and turn up to do the job.
Equipment/Attire
Even though the tree lopping business is a dirty one, with dust, oil and petrol in larger quantities than normal, your tree removal professional should be well presented. If they don’t look after themselves or their equipment is looking like it came straight out of a mad max film, you might want to consider what you are getting yourself into. If they have no desire in looking the part when meeting you and quoting your job, looking after your fences, lawn, and garden when the tree lopping begins, you may not be their top priority.
As mentioned above, some leeway should be given due to the dirty nature of the business.
