Are you hiring a tree services provider for the first time and wondering how to go about it? Here’s what you should do:

Ensure the professional has an insurance policy

Ensure that any tree service you consider has enough liability and workers’ compensation insurance. All insurance certificates should be delivered to you immediately by the tree service’s insurance agency.

You should note that if a corporation has an accident and does not have the necessary insurance, you are accountable. You will be responsible for paying for any property damage and injuries that arise in your property. You don’t want this, do you?

Check the company’s reputation.

You should research the tree service’s reputation in the local community. The ideal tree service should have favourable online reviews from various sources.

Check whether the company is a member of respected trade organizations like the Tree Care Industry Association or the International Society of Arboriculture.

How long has the company been in business? Do they have any issues about local forums, discussion groups, etc.?

If you need additional confidence, ask the company for recommendations. You should contact the recommended clients and learn about their experience with the company.

As a rule of thumb, you should work with a company with a good reputation.

Get multiple estimates

You may wonder, “How will I know if a price is too high or low?” You should get quotations from at least three different companies.

The three estimations should give you an idea of what pricing is normal. If possible, meet with each representatives in person.

This will allow you to assess the company’s skills and professionalism. You can also ask questions and learn more about what is involved.

A good rule of thumb is to get the estimates from at least 3 companies and compare them.

Stay away from door-to-door contractors.

You shouldn’t work with door-to-door contractors, especially for significant operations like tree removal.

The reason for this is that door-to-door tradesmen are frequently con artists who go from town to town, preying on householders, especially seniors.

If you refuse to conduct business with them, you will not get caught up in a scam. Furthermore, deciding to do tree work on the spur of the moment is not a good idea; there are too many elements to consider first.

Check the Better Business Bureau

Check that the Better Business Bureau accredits the company in question. Although the BBB is no longer as strong as it once was, BBB accreditation remains a reliable indicator of a respectable service.

Also, find out what rating the company has. The tree service should be in good standing with the Better Business Bureau.

Be cautious of the price the company is charging.

If the price the company charges appears too good to be true, it probably is. We all enjoy getting a good deal. However, if a tree service offers you a low price, it could be because they a) lack experience, b) do not have the necessary insurance and certifications, c) will do a poor job, or d) are looking to steal from you.

The same way you should avoid a cheap company is the same way you should avoid an expensive one. Don’t allow a smooth-talking salesman to convince you to pay a premium to remove a tiny oak tree in your front yard.

Again, you should ask for different quotations, and the average price you should expect to pay will be determined from the quotations.

Compare similar services

When considering several estimates, compare what is being offered. If one tree service provides additional services or benefits, you should consider that.

For example, one tree service may intend to fall the tree, while another wants to remove it in little chunks. Felling a tree is easier and takes less time, but it harms your property more.

Piecing down a tree in small chunks will do less harm to your yard, but it takes more time and effort, making it the more expensive alternative.

This is also an excellent place to compare each company’s service, professionalism, competence, presentation, etc.

Remember that money isn’t everything; you should decide which company is the most reliable.

Be ultra-cautious, especially after a disaster.

Natural disasters (or any other type of calamity) typically attract many con artists. Unfortunately, this may be the only case where hiring a door-to-door contractor is required.

If, for example, you have a tree on your property and no electricity, you may need to engage a passing tree service. Even in this case, ensure you’re being charged a reasonable fee.

There are several cases of corporations charging high fees for minor tree removal jobs following a hurricane, ice disaster, etc. You should also confirm that the organization carries the proper insurance and certifications. You don’t want a contractor to take advantage of you.

Only pay once satisfied.

Once you’ve chosen a tree removal services Bethesda you trust, the most important rule is to never pay for a tree removal or tree trimming project until you’re completely satisfied with the results.

Numerous reports have been of homeowners paying upfront for a tree service project, only to never hear from the company again.

One common tactic used by dishonest tree services is to start a project, collect money (for a variety of reasons – “I have to pay my staff”, “we need money for fuel”, “we need payment to finish the job”, etc.), and then never return.

To stay safe, do not pay until your project is completed and you are satisfied with the service.

You should double-check the work done and confirm that the contractor did well. As a rule of thumb, avoid a company that wants you to pay before they do the job.