Americans spend approximately $24 billion on tree care services each year. A number that big makes it undeniably one of the most important expenses a property owner can take on.
But are they spending too much? And is that even the right question to be asking?
In the following article, we'll be discussing the seven key things to look for in a tree removal service. But first, let's start with a question.
Why Is a Tree Removal Service Necessary?
You don't have to own property very long to see what trouble trees can cause when not properly addressed. Keeping your property mowed and edged is a big part of it. But overgrowth can lead to unsightly spots as well as structural issues.
How do you know when things are getting out of control? There are a few factors.
You Are Overwhelmed with Trees
Most people can mow and edge on their own. But if you moved into a home or acquired a property that already had a headstart on brush and tree growth, that can demand more than you're able to do with limited knowledge and equipment.
You Lack the Time
Most people work if the latest unemployment numbers are to be believed. Trying to hold down one or two jobs, working 40 or more hours per week, and balancing all of that with family and fun can leave little time for tree care. That's especially true if you're already behind.
You Do Not Have the Money or the Resources
Large amounts of overgrowth, saplings with deep roots: these take more than a mower and weedeater to properly address. You may not have the money to buy all the equipment necessary or the knowledge of which equipment you should buy.
And even if you do have the equipment, you may not have the proper arboricultural knowledge. Which trees do you keep, which do you get rid of, and which do you trim? How do you do it to ensure healthy continued growth?
All these factors will weigh into your decision to hire a tree care service. Once you're comfortable with that decision, watch out for these key factors.
1. Project Scope
Before hiring a tree care service, make sure they understand the full scope of the job. Nothing's more frustrating than getting what you think is a fair price for tree care before realizing there was a miscommunication.
Get multiple quotes before you decide on one, and make sure each quote is an apples-to-apples comparison. Cutting out misunderstandings is important in the beginning.
2. Commitment to Safety
You'll want to inquire about what tree service insurance the company provides. This ensures if there's unexpected damage during the job, you're covered.
Furthermore, make sure their business license is current. Also, look into the company's claims history as well as their commitment to OSHA regulations, particularly as those relate to the tree care industry.
3. Tree Care Resources
You'll find when price comparison shopping that a big factor is the resources that the company has in place. Long-established companies can actually price way more competitively because they likely have the manpower, equipment, and experience in place to work more quickly.
4. Online Presence
Careful here. A flashy website isn't what we're talking about. That's just a web developer showing off.
What we mean by "online presence" is this: how responsive are they to questions? What are others saying about them? How do they respond to issues?
You want people with high ratings working for you. But high ratings don't mean there haven't been negative experiences.
Listen to negative reviews and see if the reviewer has a point. Also, if the company has responded, see how they handled it. If they haven't, ask about it when you're discussing the job.
Last but not least, the Better Business Bureau is your friend. Every reputable tree removal service will have an entry on there where you can see their rating and if any formal complaints have been launched.
5. Personal References
One thing that definitely carries more weight than online reviews is personal referral. You still shouldn't discount what others are saying on social media, however. That's because it may be difficult to find someone in your sphere who's used the same company you're considering.
At the same time, social media can be very helpful in figuring this out. Don't be afraid to reach out to a distant acquaintance (i.e., someone you know through another friend) if you see they've had an experience with the company in question.
Also, when speaking to a reference, make sure you understand the scope of work they had done. A company that provides basic yard care services well may not be your best bet over one capable of the more difficult jobs.
6. Price
Don't agree to anything until the full scope of the work is understood. Even then, do one more walk-through to make sure everything they plan on doing reflects what your expectations are.
But don't stop there. Other questions to ask:
- Does that include tax?
- Are there any other fees that haven't been discussed in the total?
- Is there a surcharge for forms of payment (i.e., a 5 percent addition for paying with a credit card)?
Do this for each of the companies in your market comparison. The difference can mean thousands in savings.
7. Satisfaction After the Job Is Done
The last thing you need to consider before hiring a tree care service is how to gauge your satisfaction after the job is done. Make sure the company knows that you'll be checking the work before submitting payment.
It's important to set this expectation upfront so there are no oversights on the company's part. If there are, it gives you the option to have it addressed or renegotiate the price before the final payment.
Not All Tree Removal Services Are Created Equal
Once you've worked through this checklist, then and only then should you hire a tree care service. If you're ready to take the next step from a company with 30 years of experience in the industry, contact us today.