It would help if you always asked about insurance and credentials when hiring a tree service. Knowing whether they have certifications from the International Society of Arboriculture or the Tree Care Industry Association is also a good idea.
You should also find out if they have liability insurance to cover any damage that may happen during the work process.
Licensing
As a homeowner, you protect your property from the elements. While your home, vehicles and other structures may be able to withstand storms, trees are often left vulnerable. A short microburst can strip leaves or send a dead limb onto your property. Look for a tree service with credentials from professional organizations. These indicate that the company is dedicated to the industry and takes its work seriously. The company should also be licensed and insured. Liability and workers’ compensation insurance means they have coverage if an accident occurs during the service. Ask the tree service for references and a list of past projects. Check online reviews and compare prices between several different companies. Getting three estimates is common and can help you get the best value. Make sure the estimate includes everything you want done. For example, if you plan on pruning your trees and want to relocate a tree, be sure the assessment consists of those services.
Experience
A reputable Orlando, Florida tree service will be able to provide references or testimonials that can attest to the quality of their work. They should also be able to explain their pricing structure and provide a detailed breakdown of the services included in their quote. Make sure the company has adequate insurance coverage, especially workers’ compensation. This will protect you if an employee is injured or your property is damaged during the job. Ask if they are ISA and TCIA certified or have Certified Arborists on staff. This is a good indication of their level of expertise. Ask friends and neighbors for recommendations, or search for reviews on local forums or discussion groups online. Also, never pay a contractor any upfront for work; you should only have to pay once the work is complete and you are satisfied with the results. Also, look for a company that provides clean-up after the job.
Insurance
Tree work is inherently risky and can result in damage to property. You don’t want to be left holding the bag if an accident occurs. A reputable tree service will have general liability insurance and worker’s compensation to protect you.
Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI) before hiring a company. This should include the policy number, insurance company contact information and coverage limits. Make sure the insurance is active and hasn’t expired. In addition, request that they add you to the policy as an additional insured if the maintenance is performed along a property line. If a company takes offense to this request, you should probably stop doing business with them.
Reputation
A reputable tree service company will care about its reputation, so it should be able to provide you with referrals or reviews of past clients. These reviews give you a good idea of what to expect from the company regarding quality of work and customer service. It would help if you also looked at the length of time the tree service has been in business. While pop-up companies aren’t necessarily bad, they often have a hard time building up their reputation and may not offer the level of expertise homeowners need. Finally, ensure the company you choose provides cleanup after services are completed. This is an important part of the job and should be included in any package you consider. This will prevent messy debris and help keep your yard looking its best. Also, be sure to ask for feedback after the services are performed. This will allow you to diffuse situations that could lead to one-star reviews and show potential customers that you care about their experience.
