How do I choose a tree arborist is one of the most common questions among people who have trees in their properties? The process involves a thorough procedure that you can simplify by knowing the exact qualities to look for.
Go for a legitimate arborist
If you want to get a qualified arborist then you have to make sure that you go for a legitimate one. This is the only one to offer you the best work. Make sure that you confirm their qualifications.
Do a background check
Do not rely on what you are told when verifying the credentials of a tree arborist. Make sure that you take your time and do a background check to confirm. Take your time and research to know about their skills and experience which are vital when handling your work.
Do they have appropriate gears and equipment?
Tree work is not easy. In most cases it demands a lot of skills, gears and equipment. If you want your work to be done to perfection without any errors then you have to go for a fully equipped arborist. Make sure that you check whether they have the right gears. They are important to protect them when working. Ensure that they have the appropriate equipment as they will determine how good your work will be done.
Check for insurance
Safety is paramount. Work on trees comes with so many risks. As a result, you have to make sure that whoever you hire to work for you, they have an insurance. You do not want to be liable of any injuries that take place within your property.
Check for reviews
In most cases, reviews will tell you more about different types of arborists and companies. By checking them, you are able to understand the reputation of a specific arborist.
Understand your work prior to hiring
Knowing the nature and the amount of work you want to be done prior to hiring an arborist is a very crucial step. It helps you know the type of arborist you need to get. It is also easy for you to discuss the terms of the work before hiring someone. Make sure if possible, you can list down things you want done on your trees.
Ask for a quote
You cannot settle on which arborist to work with unless you understand their quote. A quote for the job will enable you to choose one arborist from the many you might come across in the market. As a result, it is a crucial step. This is why you need to understand the amount of work you have before looking for an arborist since it will help you get the right quote easily. Many arborists will have quotes on their websites.
Where to look
Looking for a tree arborist near you is very easy. You can try asking your family and friends for referrals to find some of the local service providers. You could also check the local Listings of service providers near you for some options. Another alternative is to use the internet. Just narrow down your search to your geographical location to reduce the number of results you’ll find.
There are great free services like GoTreeQuotes.com who match you with top voted local tree service. You could also start with the International Society of Arboriculture’s platform to find some reputable service providers.
Responsibilities of a tree arborist
A tree arborist is someone trained and qualified to nurture different types of trees using different techniques. They take various degree courses arboriculture. They can help you raise healthy trees, maintain those trees, and even remove them when necessary. An arborist can also treat diseased trees and maintain the right soil conditions. Although they usually don’t need licenses after getting their degrees, those use pesticides are required to get licenses. Those who cannot get degrees must get training under a certified arborist before offering services on their own.
Do they need insurance?
The nature of services provided by tree arborists is very risky, especially where tree removal or tree trimming is concerned. Your arborist should, therefore, have insurance that covers accidents to protect you in case they get injured on your property. They should have Commercial General Liability insurance to cover all injuries that could happen. They should also have Commercial Auto Insurance to protect you from liability in case their mode of transportation develops problems or gets damaged on your property. Another important insurance is Equipment Insurance to protect all the equipment they’ll use.
How much do they cost?
The charges of tree arborists differ depending on the service provider you hire. If you hire an individual, you may have to pay less than if you hire a company. The size of the tree and the specific service will also determine the cost. For instance, if you need an old tree to be removed you will pay more than someone who needs a small tree to be treated. Tree trimming services will also cost different price ranges but mostly around $450. You should, therefore, ask for a comprehensive quote before the job commences to ensure you understand all the charges. The price can be as low as $75 or as high as $5,000, depending on your needs.
Do you tip an arborist?
No rule specifies whether you should tip your tree arborist, but like every service provider, you can tip them if you are satisfied with their service provision. If you can’t tip, then you can pay them their rate.
Are tree surgeons and arborists the same thing?
The terms tree surgeons and tree arborists are often used interchangeably, but they are different. A tree surgeon mainly provides tree pruning, felling, and removal services, but they are usually trained to handle more difficult tasks, including where stamps are concerned. Their trimming allows them to handle more dangerous tasks more effectively with a high level of precision. A tree arborist, on the other hand, mostly does diagnostics procedures on a tree to help them treat the tree.
