5 Signs to Look for When Hiring a Reputable Tree Care Company
Need a reputable tree care company? Learn what to look for to ensure you hire a trusted expert, like Arbor Masters, for safe and reliable tree services.
Hiring the wrong tree care company can lead to unhealthy trees and costly mistakes. With so many options in the Wichita area, it’s tough to know where to start. Focus on these five key factors to distinguish reputable tree care companies from the rest and ensure your trees get the care they deserve.
Key Takeaways
- Look for a tree care company with an ISA Certified Arborist on staff to ensure expert knowledge in tree health, pruning, and disease management.
- Choose a company with years of experience, particularly local experience, to ensure they understand the specific needs of Wichita’s trees.
- Ensure the company is accredited by the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) to guarantee they meet high standards for safety, insurance, and ethical practices.
- Always request a certificate of insurance to protect yourself from liability in case of accidents or injuries during tree care work.
- Make sure the company has the proper equipment, such as bucket trucks and stump grinders, to safely and efficiently complete the job.
5 Things to Look for When Finding a Tree Care Company in Wichita
Trees are an asset to your property and provide numerous benefits. Proper care for your trees can increase their lifespan and allow you to enjoy your trees for years to come. While some minor work on trees can be DIY, not all can. When the job is too big, it’s time to hire a tree care company.
However, not all tree care companies are the same. Much like how you wouldn’t hire the first lawyer you saw for a big case, being selective with tree care pays off. Many companies try to appear reputable, but you’ll find they’re anything but. They may use unsafe practices or not have the training and expertise to handle tree care.
There are signs to look for and questions to ask before hiring a tree care company. The five most important signs to look for are:
1. An ISA Certified Arborist on Staff
The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) recognizes specific individuals as Certified Arborists. To qualify, an applicant must have at least three years of experience in arboriculture and pass an exam. This exam covers numerous topics, such as:
- Soil management
- Pruning
- Tree risk
- Tree identification
- Diagnosis and treatment
- Safe work practices
So, why does this matter to you? An ISA Certified Arborist can provide insight and recommendations others can’t. They may discover a problem with your tree’s structure or find signs of an emerging insect or disease problem. Look for a company with an ISA Certified Arborist on staff.
PRO TIP: Certified Arborists are a game changer when you believe insects and diseases are attacking your trees. Some common insect and disease problems we have in Wichita include:
2. Years of Experience (Especially Local Experience)
Experience is vital when caring for trees. Always look for a company that has been around for a while or employs an experienced team.
Local experience is even more critical when picking a tree care company. Trees across the country are different and have different needs based on the climate they are growing in. What works in one area may not be applicable in Wichita. Look for a company with strong local ties and employees with experience in Wichita.
3. TCIA Accreditation
The Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), established in 1938, is a leading trade organization for tree care businesses. It promotes best practices in safety and operations, ensuring companies prioritize both tree health and customer satisfaction. The TCIA offers accreditation to companies that meet rigorous standards, demonstrating their commitment to excellence in areas such as:
- Proper insurance
- Following safety standards
- Always working with the best arboriculture practices
- Ethical business practices
It is difficult for tree care companies to secure TCIA Accreditation. If you see a company with accreditation, you can rest assured you will get high-quality work and fair business practices.
4. Certificate of Insurance
Tree care is one of the most dangerous fields in the country. Accidents and injuries happen every day in the industry, including:
- Employees killed by electrocution
- Injuries from woodchippers
- Climbers falling out of trees
- Falling limbs strike employees or structures
Even a company following all the best practices can still have accidents. When accidents happen, you’ll be thankful a tree care company has the proper insurance. If they don’t, you may be liable for the damage or injury.
Tree care companies should carry at least two types of insurance: liability and workers’ compensation. Always ask to see a tree care company’s certificate of insurance (COI), and if they don’t have one or refuses to provide it, you should find another company.
5. Proper Equipment
Tree care and arboriculture rely heavily on advanced technology and specialized equipment to ensure the job is done safely and efficiently. Some equipment that aids a tree care company includes:
- Bucket Trucks: These trucks allow us to reach the top of tall trees without climbing them.
- Stump Grinders: After removing a tree, a stump grinder can bring the stump below the soil level and leave you with a blank slate.
- Tree Removal Crane: Cranes make it easier to lift sections of trees out of yards when the space is tight.
- Climbing Equipment: When climbing a tree is necessary, climbing equipment can make it safer.
Before hiring a tree care company, ask them to outline their approach to the job. A reputable company should provide a detailed explanation in their quote. If they don’t have the proper equipment or a clear plan, consider looking elsewhere.
Arbor Masters: Trusted, Experienced, and Ready to Help
Choosing the right tree care company is an important decision – one that shouldn’t be made based solely on price. Always ensure the company has proper insurance and a proven track record of delivering quality tree care. Cutting corners with cheap services can lead to costly mistakes down the road.
At Arbor Masters, we bring the right training, experience, and equipment to handle all your tree care needs. Plus, we carry the necessary insurance to protect both you and our team in the unlikely event of an accident.
Ready to get started with tree care you can trust in Wichita? Call us today at 316-838-3111 or request a quote online.
