Considerations When Selecting a Tree Care Company

by Tony Fleischmann, Certified Arborist
[Reprinted with permission from Urban Forest Network newsletter. To subscribe to this newsletter, visit the LEAF web site.]

When you hire someone to care for your mature trees, take the time to ensure that he or she is a qualified Arborist, who will use the best practices. Improper techniques can severely damage the health of your trees. The following are some tips to help you in selecting a reputable company.

Consult the yellow pages under Tree Services. Although anyone can list themselves in the yellow pages, a listing does indicate some degree of credibility.

Beware of door-knockers, especially common after storms when non-professionals see a chance to earn some quick money. Storm damage creates high-risk situations for both workers and homeowners, and there is potential for even further damage to trees if work is not done correctly.

Never be rushed or pressured into bargains.

Experience, education and a good reputation are signs of a good company. Ask for the qualifications of the person(s) doing the work. Consider the advantage of hiring a professional arborist. Determine if the service-provider is a member of a recognized organization such as the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), Ontario Urban Forest Council (OUFC) or Landscape Ontario.

A qualified company will offer a wide range of services such as pruning, cabling/bracing, fertilizing, pest control and safe removal. Look for descriptive terms such as “complete plant health care”, “preventative maintenance” and “organic pest/disease control” as indicators of responsible approaches to tree care.

Ask if they use climbing spikes or spurs. Responsible companies will not use these devices on a tree that is not being removed, as they create punctures in the bark and potential entrance points for pest and disease.

Ask for proof of worker's compensation with the Workers Safety and Insurance Board and proof of Liability Insurance. Contact the insurance company to make certain the policy is current. Under some circumstances, property owners can be held financially responsible if an uninsured worker is hurt on your property, or if damage is done to a neighbour’s property. Insurance is an important step that is sometimes compromised in favour of a lower price.

Ask for local references. Take a look as some of their past work and talk to former clients if possible.

Get more than one estimate and be willing to pay for them. Be aware that the lowest bid is NOT necessarily the best.

Beware of a tree service provider that is eager to remove a living tree. Removal should clearly be the last resort.

(This advice is passed on as a public service by LEAF and the Ottawa Forests Advisory Committee.)