Stihl chainsaw after cutting down treeThe weather seems fine when suddenly, a storm hits your area. Now you are worried about that tree that leans towards your home. How should you deal with it? This tree should be removed as soon as possible before it gets you in trouble. However, you are uncertain whether to remove yourself or hire a professional tree service. Keep in mind that tree work is not for amateurs. You might get yourself hurt in the end, so it is best to get in touch with a reputable tree company. That leads you to another question: “How do I know the company I choose is qualified?”

Here is a guideline that you will find helpful when looking for a tree service company:

Credentials

You don’t just go to any quack doctor to take care of your health. The same goes for the health of your trees. Don’t entrust your safety to anyone without proper qualifications. Make sure you are dealing with the right company by finding out the number of years they’ve been in the business. If at all possible, hire a company that has a minimum of 10 years in the industry.

Are They Licensed?

It is against the law to operate a business without proper license, so if the company you wish to hire is not licensed, steer clear. You shouldn’t trust a company that couldn’t provide you with a license number because it only means they are not professional enough to work on their qualifications.

Do They Have Insurance?

It should be a red flag if a company doesn’t have liability insurance. You can end up being financially and legally liable in case they break something in your property without insurance. You should also want to make sure they have worker’s compensation insurance in case one of their employees get injured while on the job in your property.

Referrals

It is good to choose the company you feel most comfortable with. However, it is still best to get other people’s opinion before you decide. You can ask the company for a list of their satisfied customers and call them. Some companies have reviews available on their website, so make sure to check that as well.

Money Matters

The cost of the service is one of the most important variables when selecting a tree company. Make sure you know how you’re going to be charged and if you will be given an estimate.

How Will You be Charged?

One of the worst things that can happen to you when hiring a tree company is to be charged extra when you thought everything had been covered. You can avoid this by asking the company directly how you’ll be charged. They should be able to tell you this without batting an eyelash.

Getting an Estimate

A lot of companies offer an estimate for free, but some do charge for it. Regardless, you should secure an estimate either in written form or electronic to make sure you know what’s included in the service cost. You don’t want to pay for a service you didn’t get.

Get as many estimates from different companies. Compare their services and the cost so you can make an informed decision in the end.

Note that a qualified company will be more than willing to provide you with an estimate. It should be a warning sign if the company you’re talking to is hesitant to offer you one.

How Should They Protect Your Property?

The tree company you hire shouldn’t only take care of your tree, but they should also be responsible for keeping your property safe from any fallen branches or debris. You should ask the company how they will go about protecting your yard. What precautionary measures will they utilize and what approach will they use? These questions are crucial to make sure that your property is in good hands.

Finding the best company for your tree care needs can be challenging, but these tips would make the search easier for you.

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