Question 1

Do you have proper insurance and workers compensation?

Accepted Answer

Yes, [wpbb site:acf_option name='company_name_full'] is fully insured with liability and workers compensation insurance that is specific to tree care work. Please call the office at [wpbb site:acf_option name='business_phone'] for proof of insurance.

Tree work is inherently dangerous, both for the workers and the property on which the work is done. Without the proper insurance (this is very different from insurance for "landscaping") and workers comp, you are on the hook in the unfortunate event that something goes wrong.

Please, always check the insurance credentials of someone you're considering hiring to do tree work on your property.

Our liability policy covers damage to any property, people, or buildings. It specifically covers any damage caused by tree work.

If a contractor shows you a certificate of insurance, it may be expired or not cover the job that you are having done (for instance, most landscapers have insurance that only covers work done up to 10-15 feet off the ground, but not above).

Question 2

Do you work with HOAs?

Accepted Answer

We work with many HOA management companies around the area and would be happy to provide you with any details you may require. Please call us at [wpbb site:acf_option name='business_phone'] for more information.

Question 3

Do you work in the winter/snow/rain?

Accepted Answer

We work year-round through all types of weather conditions. However, we may shift our schedule during particularly harsh weather, not only for the safety of our crew, but also for the health of your trees and landscape.

For safety reasons, we are unable to work during lightning and/or strong winds. Winter storms may also delay work.

Question 4

Do I need to be present when you visit my property to provide an estimate?

Accepted Answer

It is not always necessary to be present. Your estimate is always personalized to meet your needs. However, to do that, it's best if we have a chance to meet and examine your property together so you can help us understand your objectives for the work, as well as any limitations or other factors we need to be aware of.

For your first appointment with our company, it's best if you can be present. Although we can access your tree(s) if they're not behind a locked gate, we prefer to meet you in person. We like to build a relationship with our clients, as well as explaining what we suggest for your trees and the reason why.

However, if you cannot be present, we request that you mark the tree(s) in question so we know which tree(s) to inspect. Ribbon, tape, snowplow markers, and paint (for removals) all work well. We also ask that you be available by phone for any questions or a virtual walk-through.

Question 5

Do you charge to provide an estimate?

Accepted Answer

We provide free estimate for all our tree care services. In some cases, we are hired for Arborist Services on issues that require more time and in-depth evaluation, such as in cases of insurance damage claims, tree preservation plans, arborist reports, etc. However, we can give you a free estimate for these paid consulting services as well.

Question 6

Can you give me an estimate over the phone?

Accepted Answer

We cannot provide an estimate without visiting the site where the work will be done. Each tree and location is unique. Our representative needs to examine the tree its and surroundings to be able to give an accurate estimate.

Question 7

I'm ready to move forward. How do I accept your estimate?

Accepted Answer

There are 2 simple ways to accept a estimate.

Accept the estimate electronically from the link in the email we send to you with the estimate information.
Print and sign the estimate, then scan it and return it to us via email at [wpbb site:acf_option name='business_email'].

Question 8

How can I get my project scheduled?

Accepted Answer

After you have accepted an estimate, we will call you to schedule your service. If you need to be scheduled right away, please give our office a call at [wpbb site:acf_option name='business_phone'].

Question 9

Why can't I schedule a date for my work to be done right away?

Accepted Answer

We usually have a backlog for work to be completed, so cannot schedule new work to be done immediately.

Even though it sounds like the logical thing to do, we also cannot just pick a date to schedule your work to be done. A lot of factors influence our scheduling. For example, timing is affected by weather, equipment, employees, permits, and sometimes we need to coordinate assistance from energy providers and utility contractors.

When we schedule, we first look at the date on which an estimate was accepted; work that was accepted first will be scheduled first. We usually notify you 48 hours prior to the work to let you know your work has been scheduled. These scheduled workdays are always weather and equipment pending.

Question 10

Hey, I see your guys working across the street! Can they come over to do a quick job for me today?

Accepted Answer

Even though you see a crew in your neighborhood, they cannot be called over to work on your property. Their day is fully scheduled with work they have to complete. They will not have a window of time available to add more work.

If you like what you see, please call our office at [wpbb site:acf_option name='business_phone'] We will schedule one of our tree care professionals to visit your property. They can examine your tree(s), discuss your needs, and provide you with an estimate for the work. After you accept the proposed work, we will call you a few days before the work is scheduled to be completed.

Question 11

Do I need to be there when you do the tree work?

Accepted Answer

No, you do not need to be home unless we have specifically asked you to be there.

The crew will have a work order describing the work described in your estimate and they will complete the work following these guidelines.

Question 12

Can you diagnose a problem over the phone?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes the symptoms you're observing in your tree(s) are very distinctive and one of our Certified Arborists can make an accurate diagnosis over the phone. However, there are often other factors influencing your tree's health, such as nearby landscaping, soil conditions, irrigation, etc., that you may not be aware of. A site visit to inspect the tree in person is usually required.

Question 13

What if I have pets or animals on my property?

Accepted Answer

If there are any animals on the property, please let us know before we come out to provide an estimate. All animals must be brought indoors or contained before staff arrive.

Some animals find the noise and activity associated with tree work to be distressing. Please ensure that all animals are kept well away from the work zone while our crew is on site.

Question 14

Do I need to mark any underground lines or structures?

Accepted Answer

It's always a good idea to contact Call Before You Dig (call 811) to get underground utility lines marked before stump grinding, tree removal or large pruning jobs.

If you have any underground sprinklers, drain lines, invisible fences, septic fields or underground cables, those should also be marked or mapped.

Unless the underground lines and structures are adequately and accurately marked or mapped, and that information is presented to our crew before work starts, we can't be responsible for any damage caused during performance of the work.

Question 15

What about debris - will that all be cleared away?

Accepted Answer

We clean up all debris  from performing our tree services  before we leave your property (unless you've made other arrangements with us and it says so on the estimate).

That means we rake all lawn areas, clear streets and sidewalks, and remove all brush, branches, and logs from your property.

Question 16

How long will the job take?

Accepted Answer

The length of time required to properly and safely complete tree work will vary based on a lot of factors. Until we see the tree(s) and the job site, we can't give you a realistic estimate for that. We will discuss timing with you during and/or after the site visit is completed.

Question 17

Do I need to pay the crew when they are done?

Accepted Answer

When the project is finished, we'll send you an invoice for the work.

Question 18

Should I tip the crew?

Accepted Answer

Tips are never expected and are always at your discretion. However, our team members certainly appreciate a tip if you feel they've done exceptional work.

Question 19

What forms of payment do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept the following forms of payment: cash, personal check, Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.

Question 20

Can I pay with a credit card?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can pay by credit card by calling our office at [wpbb site:acf_option name='business_phone'] or using the online payment portal from the link in your invoice.

Please note that a 3.50% convenience fee will be added to your invoice if paying by credit card.

Question 21

What is a Certified Arborist and why should I hire one?

Accepted Answer

A Certified Arborist brings extensive knowledge about:

Tree biology and proper tree care techniques
Safe and effective pruning and removal methods
Identification and treatment of pests and diseases
Professional safety protocols
Specialized equipment operation

Through rigorous training and certification by the International Society for Arboriculture (ISA), Certified Arborists demonstrate their expertise and commitment to following industry best practices. They must maintain their certification through ongoing education and adhere to a professional code of ethics.

Question 22

What's the difference between a Certified Arborist and other tree care workers?

Accepted Answer

While anyone can offer tree services, only Certified Arborists have verified credentials and expertise. Other tree workers may include:

General landscapers who primarily focus on lawn care and basic plant maintenance
Independent workers with varying levels of experience but no formal qualifications
Tree service workers who have some training but lack professional certification

The key difference is that Certified Arborists have proven their knowledge through testing and must maintain their expertise through continuing education.

Question 23

Is hiring a Certified Arborist worth the investment?

Accepted Answer

Yes, especially when you consider that mature trees add significant value to your property. Here's why:

Proper pruning by an arborist promotes long-term tree health and prevents costly damage
Expert knowledge helps avoid common mistakes that can lead to tree decline
Professional assessment can identify potential tree issues before they become major problems
Correct pruning techniques eliminate the need for repeated "fix-it" pruning
Proper care extends the life of your trees, protecting your landscape investment

Question 24

What tree work can I do myself?

Accepted Answer

While you can handle some basic tree care, safety should be your primary concern:

DO:

Prune branches you can reach while standing firmly on the ground
Remove small dead branches
Clean up fallen twigs and leaves

DON'T:

Use ladders for tree work
Attempt to remove large branches
Work near power lines
Climb trees to prune them

Question 25

Why is professional tree work considered dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Tree work consistently ranks as one of the most hazardous professions because it involves:

Working at significant heights
Handling heavy, unpredictable tree sections
Operating powerful equipment like chainsaws and chippers
Navigating confined spaces between buildings
Working near electrical lines
Managing complex rigging systems

This is why Certified Arborists use specialized safety equipment and follow strict safety protocols.

Question 26

When should I contact a Certified Arborist?

Accepted Answer

Call a Certified Arborist when you notice or have:

Signs of tree illness or pest problems
Dead or broken branches
Trees growing too close to structures
Storm damage
A need for routine pruning
Questions about tree planting or selection

Early intervention by an arborist often prevents more serious problems from developing.

Question 27

Why shouldn't I have my landscaper prune my trees?

Accepted Answer

While landscapers excel at maintaining lawns and ornamental plants, tree work requires specialized knowledge, insurance, and equipment that the typical landscaper doesn't possess. For example:

Arborists understand tree biology and growth patterns, so they know how trees will react to different types of damage and pruning cuts.
Arborists are trained in proper pruning techniques that promote long-term health, rather than using common but highly damaging pruning methods like tree topping and lion-tailing.
They carry appropriate insurance for elevated work. Usually, this refers to any work done at heights above 15 feet. Landscaper insurance does not cover work done this high above the ground.
Arborists have specialized equipment for safe tree work, such as spider lifts, grapples, and bucket trucks.
They focus on both the current appearance of your trees and future tree health, whereas landscape crews are most often concerned primarily about appearance.

Question 28

How can I verify someone is a Certified Arborist?

Accepted Answer

Every ISA Certified Arborist has a unique certification number. You can verify credentials at https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist. Always ask for:

Their ISA certification number
Proof of insurance (including workers compensation)
Local references
A written estimate

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