Choosing a qualified tree service contractor in Chesapeake, VA doesn't have to be hard if you follow the suggestions described below. Each of these tips will aid you narrowing down the tree businesses in the Hampton Roads area helping you select both the best qualified as well one that offers you the best assurance against injury or accident. Do They Have Industry-Recognized Credentials?The tree service industry has various organizations and associations that offer continuing education and certifications to tree care companies. Ask any business you are considering about their participation in these organizations such as the International Society of Arborists and Tree Care Industry Association. Are They Insured and Licensed? All qualified tree service businesses should be insured and licensed. Their Insurance should include two different coverages: liability and workers compensation. Workers compensation protects the company's employees should an injury should occur on your property. Minus this coverage, the liability for this will be on on the property owner. Further, every tree care contractor must have at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance protecting clients from potential property damage that could occur. Always be sure to ask each tree service for copies of both these policies. What Are Their References? The first background check you should perform is with their past clients. Inquire about recent references no older than 3 months - any older will not be representative of their current business operations. Additionally, evaluate Internet references, such as the Yelp, BBB, Google, and Facebook. These online sources will provide a good overview of their quality. Do They Provide You With A Written Quote?Do not accept only a verbal estimate. You could risk a price increase after the tree work is done. Additionally, does the written quote provide not just the price but also detail the work to be done? Did You Evaluate Competing Quotes? Compare the price of each estimate but also evaluate that the quotes are for similar work. Occasionally, the scope of the work estimated will vary from quote to quote so you need to make certain you are evaluating apples-to-apples. Additionally, you should think strongly prior to selecting the least expensive provider. Quality, professional tree services are expensive to provide, with the cost of insurance, labor, and equipment to invest in. What is the Quality of Their Equipment? A professional tree service company will need to invest in quality equipment. This equipment will include stump grinders, wood chippers, bucket trucks, and chainsaws. Inquire about their equipment to evaluate their investment in their business. Additionally, inquire about the maintenance and age of the equipment. Again, maintaining tree care equipment is not a cheap operating cost. What is Their Lead Time?Most quality tree care companies will be several weeks or even a month out on being able to do your work. This suggests the company is in demand and the areas they serve recognize their value. Be leary of a tree company that can quickly do your job. This is not to suggest they are not a quality company, as it may just mean business is slow during the time of you need service; but, be aware of this and evaluate lead times of other businesses you are considering.
If you follow these tips, you will greatly improve your chances of employing a professional tree service company in the area. Regardless if you need a large tree removal or just a few tree trimmed, follow these suggestions to avoid hiring a poor tree care contractor. |
AuthorTimberlake's Tree Service Archives
January 2024
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