Trees provide food, improve air quality, combat climate change and help to prevent soil erosion. On top of that, a well-manicured lawn and properly maintained trees can add value to your property. Poorly maintained trees, however, can be dangerous. Rotted trees, for example, pose a significant risk to life and property in adverse weather.
To ensure your trees are healthy and safe, consider hiring a qualified arborist. An Arborist is a tree care professional who provides services to improve the health and appearance of trees. An arborist will conduct a thorough inspection of your trees to determine whether they suffer from disease or have damaged limbs that may fall at any time. You may also need to consult an arborist if you have tree branches hanging over your roof, your neighbours’ property, or too close to power lines.
Choosing the right arborist is essential for ensuring your trees will flourish. Here are a few tips to help you make that decision:
Check with the credentialing authority
The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) is a global membership association and credentialing body that promotes professionalism in arboriculture. ISA maintains a directory of certified arborists worldwide. From this list, you can identify arborists in your area who demonstrate a commitment to providing quality tree services.
Do your research
After you have identified certified arborists in your area, your next step is to research each company on your list. Confirm they are licensed and insured for liability should there be damage to person or property while they are working.
Get multiple estimates
Once you have narrowed your list to include only certified, licensed and insured companies, request estimates from each candidate. These estimates should outline not only the cost but also the scope of the job. For instance, if a tree is dead and must be removed, your quote should tell you whether the company will remove the branches and debris after they have cut and dismantled the tree. You should also see what the company will charge for disposal.
Consider their reputation
Next, find out what past clients have to say about their experiences with the companies on your list. You can request references from the companies themselves, but it might be more helpful to read online reviews. Also, check company ratings with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB rating will give indications of the company’s integrity.
Evaluate quality before price
Beware of any company that offers extremely low prices. While you may want to save money, a quote that is well below market price may be an indication that the company lacks professional certification, or you may find there are hidden costs along the way.
Ask questions
To be sure the company you are considering offers services that will ensure the best results, you must ask the right questions.
Here are some questions you may want to ask before hiring an arborist:
- Are they experts in large trees or small trees?
- What kind of equipment will be used?
- Since spurs can damage healthy trees, do they offer spurless climbing?
- Do they provide a comprehensive package with services such as hedge maintenance and stump grinding?
- When necessary, is an arborist report provided?
- Are their methods environmentally friendly?
Looking to hire an arborist in Vancouver?
With the tips above, you are sure to find the right arborist for your home or office.
If you are looking to hire an arborist in Vancouver, contact us at Ash Grove Tree Solutions Inc. At Ash Grove Tree Solutions, we guarantee exceptional tree services at competitive prices. We are certified by the International Society of Arboriculture and fully licenced and insured.
Call us today to request a free quote for our tree services.
