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Buyer Beware When Purchasing
Tree Care
Spring and Summer
storms often bring out the best in a community. Neighbors, even
strangers, help each other cope with aggravations and property
damage left in the wake of a storm.
Unfortunately,
storms also bring out the worst in a community, fast-buck artists
looking for profit from the misfortunes of others. How can
homeowners protect themselves when they need to hire a tree care
company to clean up after a storm?
"With thousands of
dollars at stake, not to mention the integrity and appearance of
your property and your personal safety, make sure you investigate
before deciding which company you should hire," warns Peter
Gerstenberger, senior advisor for safety and standards with the
Tree Care Industry Association.
If the
"professional arborist" you hired to remove a tree drops it on
your house instead of your lawn, it's too late to confirm the
company is insured.
"Disreputable
companies are renowned for ripping gutters off, breaking fences
and bird baths, even dropping trees on houses," says
Gerstenberger. "Then they typically fold up and leave, never to be
seen again."
Disreputable
companies tend to:
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Solicit work
door-to-door
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Demand payment in
advance
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Advertise topping
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Sell jobs without
producing a written estimate or work order.
Start with the
arborists listed in the phone book. Don't place much emphasis on
the size of the Yellow Pages ad - some of the most reputable firms
rely almost entirely on word-of-mouth advertising. Look instead
for what the ad tells you about the company: number of years in
business, professional affiliations, licenses, accreditations,
etc. Avoid companies that advertise topping, an injurious and
unacceptable practice. You should be aware that the credentials of
someone calling himself an arborist can vary widely. Don't just
hire someone with a chainsaw who knocks on your door! Look for the
company displaying credentials of a professional.
When you meet with
the arborist:
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Ask to see current
certificates of liability and workers' compensation insurance, if
applicable.
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Ask for local
references, and check on the quality of their work and level of
service.
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Verify
professional affiliations the company might have, such as
membership in the Tree Care Industry Association.
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Don't be lured by
a bargain and don't pay in advance.
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Insist on a signed
contract as to cost, dates when work is to be performed, and
exactly what is to be done.
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Insist that
climbing spikes are to be used only if the tree is to be cut down.
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Get a second
opinion if it will add to your comfort level. Make sure that a
complete diagnosis of the potential for tree failure is performed
before a tree is removed.
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