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Don't Trust Your Valuable
Trees To Just Anyone
There was once a time in America when a person chose a given
occupation. A series of steps was involved to get to the top of
any field. A few years ago my wife and I decided to undergo a
massive addition and remodel to our home. Without going into a lot
of detail, we were absolutely floored by the lack of knowledge and
skill possessed by some of the subs hired by our general
contractor. I have great respect for any man who chooses a given
profession, starts at the bottom and strives everyday to learn
everything there is to know about his craft.
When I was young, people actually had to be an apprentice and learn
from a master craftsman. This is not so true anymore. All too
often difficult tasks are given to inexperienced workers and the
results are disastrous and sometimes fatal. Here in Florida the
tree care industry has no state certification as required by
roofers, electricians, plumbers, etc. One can simply purchase a
chainsaw and declare themselves an arborist. Unfortunately, some
folks hire a company based on price only. Please take a moment and
read the following and make your decision wisely.
Important things to consider or ask when hiring a tree care
provider:
Does the company you are considering have general liability and
workers' compensation? This protects all parties involved; the
tree company, the workers, and the property owner. Ask to become a
certificate holder. This is issued by the tree care company's
insurance carrier. Your name and address will appear on the
document stating the monetary limits of the policy. If the company
can't provide this before the job begins, DO NOT USE THEM!
Is the salesman a certified arborist? If you are in doubt ask for
a certification number and check to see if it is in good standing
at www.isa-arbor.com
Is the salesman working on a commission basis? Commission only
salesman tend to push unneeded services.
How long have they been in business? If a person uses a company
that has been in business for less than 5 years it is very likely
that they will need to constantly hire new companies. I recommend
establishing a solid relationship with a company that has an
established track record. Also, most companies will go out of
their way for a loyal customer as to one who goes from company to
company.
Never use a company that is knocking on your doors. Reputable
companies do not resort to this tactic. The same is true for
landscapers advertising tree work. Very few qualified arborists do
landscaping and none of those go door to door soliciting business.
Do they require drug testing on new applicants?
Be sure the company you hire asks for no money up front or until
the job is 100% complete.
Request a walk through before and after the job commences. Should
anything be damaged as a result of negligence of the crew, do not
pay until the item(s) are repaired or replaced to your
satisfaction.
Check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or
www.ripoffreport.com. It
is easy to check out any company.
Reputable tree companies are usually involved in the tree care
business only. Beware of companies that advertise pressure
washing, painting, fencing, and tree work. Companies that are
involved in other fields may be the "Jack of all trades" but
master of none.
When trees are to be removed ask the following questions:
Will you cover our lawn with plywood to minimize any damage?
Will you cover our paver driveway with plastic to avoid tire
marks?
Does your company own their own crane or will a sub-contractor be
used?
When finished grinding a stump, will you haul away the
stump shavings and excess soil?
Where do the logs go? Are they recycled?
Who pulls the permit?
Do you have permission from your home owners association?
Should cost be the only factor in deciding whom to use? Not if you
care about your trees or establishing a good relationship with a
company. It is understandable that out of two exact material
products one can always be bought for a cheaper price but services
(especially tree services) vary greatly. In order to compare
prices you must be comparing apples to apples. To a typical
property owner, who has had very little experience with trees,
it's tough to judge credentials, experience, knowledge, etc. Many
people in our area are ripped off by tree companies and don't know
the difference.
Ask salesman if they use climbing spikes for climbing trees to be
pruned. If they say yes, find another company as it damages the
tree.
Are they familiar with the American National
Standard Institute (ANSI) A300 standards for tree care?
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