How to Hire an Arborist
Article written by
Steve Houser
Owner and President of Arborilogical Services
There can be a great difference between Arborists as far as knowledge and
experience. Understanding the difference between a Consulting Arborist, a
Certified Arborist, and a tree climbing Arborist is important in judging the
particular person to use for a given task.
Any person that is involved with trees must have one common understanding.
They must have some knowledge of current tree care practices and philosophies.
To quote Dr Alex Shigo, "Ignorance of tree science is the biggest cause of
worldwide tree problems." In my opinion, the biggest cause of tree problems
in our area is not Oak wilt or a deadly pathogen. It is due to the care (or lack
of) that the trees receive from property owners, or sometimes, the tree care
providers. In any case, it is still a lack of education. Are you the trees worst
enemy? You might be, and not even know it!!!
Here are important things to consider or ask when hiring a tree care provider:
- Is the salesperson you are talking to on a commission? Obviously, more
dollars sold will equal a larger paycheck for the salesperson. This creates
an inherent tendency to sell more.
- Are you in doubt about an Arborist’s recommendations? Ask him (or her)
to send information or research to back them up. There are, however, certain
instances where no scientific studies or data exist. In these situations it
is very important to believe someone who knows the biology of trees and is
familiar with native tree species.
- How long have you been in business? Most companies don’t make it beyond
5-7 years. Watch out though! Some companies overstate the facts to gain
credibility. You can ask for a copy of an "Assumed Name
Certificate", which shows the date they filed for the company name. If
a person wants to use a company with less than 5-7 years in the business it
is very likely that they will need to constantly hire new companies. The
best advice is to establish a solid relationship with a company that has an
established track record. Also, most companies will go out of their way to
please a loyal client as opposed to one who bounces from company to company.
When a windstorm hits the area causing severe damage and an Arborist
receives calls regarding dire emergencies from old clients and new, which one’s
do you think take priority? The loyal client comes first.
- 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 two exact products should 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!! This requires research and
time.
To a novice, it is tough to judge credentials, experience, knowledge etc…
Many people in our area are ripped off by tree companies and unfortunately, DON’T
KNOW THE DIFFERENCE! Trust me, the best "deal" you can get is a
company that cares, enjoys the work and knows what they are doing.
- Is the Company charging a fair rate? How much do you pay per hour for
other services on your property? An average would be $ 75-95 per hour
(excluding lawn mowing). Area tree companies are not at these rates, but I
believe they will be someday. The work is far more difficult and dangerous
than any other service provider that you currently use. A Company with
quality employees, from top to bottom will charge more than a company that
hires some or many average or below average employees. Prices charged are in
direct relation to the quality of the company, therefore cost can vary
greatly.
- Is the consultant charging a fair rate? Consultants with education and
experience charge more than those with less experience or education. This
does not mean that because they charge more they are better. Close scrutiny
of a consultant’s credentials is of absolute necessity. Your trees and
landscape can be worth thousands of dollars. Don’t trust just anyone!!!
- How many of the company employees have competed in the I.S.A. Texas Tree
Climbing competition? This competition is a rigorous test of skill, safety,
balance, coordination, technique and knowledge! Good companies train
employees in climbing technique, but more importantly, in safety, on a regular
basis. They also place well in the competition.
- Do they drug test their employees? Quality companies do not allow
employees on a job site until proper screening is complete.
- Do they provide references? Don’t put much stock in references because
companies give you someone they know is a good reference. It is better to
ask for the address of recent work in your neighborhood. This way you can
drive by and view their work.
- Does the company want your input AFTER the job is complete? Only a company
that cares wants your input AFTER the sale to detect company deficiencies.
Also, they should act immediately on any deficiencies noted.
- Is the company good in all areas of arboriculture and business management?
Very few companies are good in both areas. If someone is a State Champion
tree climber, it doesn’t mean he knows the science of trees, or that he
knows how to run a company. A company must be solid in all areas to offer
everything a client needs in a long-term, holistic sense.
- What happens if the salesperson underbids the time required to do the job?
Most companies that underbid work, cut corners to make up for time or try to
charge the client more. Good companies do the job right even if they lose
money. Reputation is more important than a loss on one job. How good is anybody’s
work when they are in a rush?
- Does the company have a newsletter to keep clients informed? It’s not a
necessity, but it is a mark of professionalism. A company that takes the
time, effort, and expense is interested in the education of clients and
being in business for many years to come---not simply making a quick buck.
- Check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). BBB now has a web-site and
E-mail so it’s easy to check out any company. Those that are not members
can still have records indicating unresolved complaints.
- Is the company you are considering insured for liability and injury
protection? Ask for a current "Certificate of Insurance". It may
take a few days to receive but it is worth the peace of mind. If you ask for
a certificate but don’t receive one or if you receive one and it does not
have your name (or company name) listed as the insured, DON’T USE THEM!!!
- There is no licensing of Arborists in the state. Any claim otherwise is
untrue. Bonding is only important on extremely large jobs (larger than most
any homeowner jobs) or if you are dealing with a small company that you may
be concerned that they can (or will) complete the job. Except in the case of
unusual circumstances, most companies don’t ask for any payment up front.
- It’s always good to ask if they are active in the community or donate
time to worthwhile causes. It’s not a necessity but rather something to
offer a further judgment of corporate responsibility.
- Reputable companies are members of the International Society of
Arboriculture, National Arborist Association and sometimes the American
Society of Consulting Arborists. There are no other official trade
organizations. I have heard of companies that invent their own organization
(within a company) that may sound official but mean nothing. Only the three
organizations listed are officially recognized.
- Never use a company knocking on doors. Reputable Arborist don’t engage
in this practice. The same is true for yardmen that leave door hangers
stating that they provide "tree trimming." Few qualified Arborists
offer yard care service, and of those, none go door to door.
- Reputable Arborist are generally involved in Arboriculture alone.
Companies that are involved in other fields may be the "Jack of all
trades but master of none" variety.
- Be sure the company you hire provides complete tree care services. If they
don’t, you may need to hire other companies to fertilize, grind stumps,
remove trees, etc. If you're not sure, ask.
- Ask if the company recycles the chip mulch and logs. With decreasing
amounts of landfill space available, its good to know that material from
your job will not take up landfill space. Also note that many cities do not
recycle brush and logs removed from a property. So if the Tree Company you
hire does not haul off the brush and logs or if it’s left for the city to
haul it may reduce our landfill space.
- Never let anyone climb a live tree with spikes unless it is to be removed.
If they are used on a live tree they can cause extensive damage. Simply ask,
"Do you use spikes?"
In regard to any proposal/estimate received:
- Be sure all-specific requirements and costs are clearly stated.
- Be sure you include tax when an estimate does not state that it is
included. All tree services are taxable, and if a company does not charge
sales tax, your dealing with the wrong company.
- Be sure the arborist signs the proposal. Although legally it may not
matter, if someone signs his or her name to something, it provides further
comfort.
- You may wish to ask if they accept credit cards or have a payment plan (if
necessary).
- Be careful what you sign. Read the fine print.
- Tell the arborist you are getting bids from two other specific companies.
If the reaction is "Boy those guys are dirtbags" you know you are
not dealing with a professional. A reputable company does not allow any
employee to degrade any other company or their personnel.
- Be careful of techniques and materials used in the cabling and bracing of
trees. Materials specifically designed for our industry must be used.
If the proper materials are utilized, but the cables angle or tension is
wrong, or an improper method of installation was used, it can actually
increase rather than decrease the odds of structural failure. It’s wise to
ask about materials and if they will be installed according to industry
standards.
|
