What To Look For In A Tree Service Company
When a tree service company comes out to your home, they can do much more than trim branches. They can identify and address issues with your trees that you may not have noticed until it was too late.
Before hiring a tree service, ask for references. The best companies will be more than happy to provide you with a list of local customers who have been satisfied with their services. Visit https://www.tinostreeservice.com/ for more details.
If you want to hire a tree service, find out whether they are accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). This will give you an idea of their overall reputation. You should also ask how long they’ve been in the business and if they have any positive online reviews. If you notice that the tree service company has a lot of negative online reviews, look elsewhere for another provider.
You should also check if the tree service has the appropriate insurance policies. In addition to general liability insurance, they should have workers’ compensation and professional liability coverage. This will protect you in case an accident occurs while they’re on your property. Additionally, the tree service should be able to provide you with proof of these policies.
While some homeowners are tempted to hire a door-to-door contractor, this is generally not a good idea. These contractors are usually scam artists who travel from town to town and prey on homeowners. They often have no insurance or do not carry proper licensing and certifications. In addition, they will likely offer a much lower price than a reputable tree service.
There are a lot of leading scientific tree and shrub care companies. It has offices throughout the country and in several other countries. Customers can log in to their customer portal to go paperless and pay their bills from anywhere. The company also offers 24/7 emergency services.
A reputable tree service will not use unethical practices to get your business. For example, they should not prune a tree using techniques like “tree topping” or “lion’s tailing.” These methods are against industry standards and can injure the tree. In addition, they may require more expensive restoration work in the future.
In addition to checking the above factors, you should also find out if the tree service has any safety measures in place. For instance, if they are removing a large tree, you should verify that they have the right equipment to handle the task. You should also find out if they have a permit to conduct tree removal in your area.
Experience
The tree service industry is a highly specialized field. It requires years of education and training, and a licensed arborist must be present for all work performed on your trees. A reputable tree company will also be a member of industry organizations and have accreditation with the Better Business Bureau. They will be able to provide you with references and reviews from previous clients. You can also check out their website and social media pages to see how they communicate with customers.
When looking for a tree service, ask about their experience and whether they have the proper licensing and insurance. If they claim to have extensive experience, ask them what kind of projects they’ve worked on and how long they’ve been in business. It’s also important to make sure they have the right tools for the job. For example, will they be using a crane or climbing? Do they have certified equipment like earplugs, hard hats, glasses, gloves, and vests? If they’re claiming to be professional tree services, they should also have a written contract for every project.
Ask about their insurance and liability coverage. A reputable tree service will have liability and workers’ compensation insurance. In addition, they should be able to provide you with proof of insurance directly from their insurer. If they don’t, that’s a red flag.
Another question to ask is how they’ve structured their business. Many tree services are structured as sole proprietorships, LLCs, or partnerships. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to weigh your options carefully before choosing a structure.
A reputable tree service should prioritize customer satisfaction and have an organized schedule that allows for prompt response times. They should also have the skills to diagnose and treat common problems such as tree diseases and pests.
The best way to market your tree services is by leveraging inbound marketing. Inbound marketing is the opposite of traditional outbound marketing, such as cold calling, direct mail, or paid television and radio ads. By embracing inbound marketing, you can build relationships with potential customers and grow your business.
Insurance
There are many risks associated with running a tree service business, including property damage, bodily injury, and financial loss. Having the right insurance in place can help protect your company and ensure that any losses you experience don’t put you out of business. Work with a licensed insurance agent to understand your business’s unique needs and the specific policies that are available to you.
General liability: This policy helps to cover costs if your tree service company is sued over third-party injuries or damage caused by work performed or while traveling to and from job sites. For example, if a customer trips over a fallen branch or your tree trimmer accidentally damages their home while working on an assignment, your general liability insurance will help to pay for necessary legal fees, settlements, and repairs. General liability insurance is typically included in a bundle with commercial property and workers’ compensation coverage in a business owner’s policy (BOP).
Workers’ compensation: If your employees are injured while working on the job, this type of insurance will help to pay for lost wages, medical expenses, and other costs related to their recovery. Most states require workers’ comp, although the exact requirements vary by location so be sure to research the laws in your area.
Commercial auto: If your tree care business requires you to travel between jobs, you will need a commercial auto policy. This type of insurance will cover the cost of an accident or damage to any vehicles your tree service business owns (vans, trucks, and any other equipment used for the company).
Umbrella insurance: Umbrella insurance is a larger policy that can pick up where the existing limits of your other policies leave off. This is important because a single claim could result in thousands of dollars in losses for your tree service company.
Lastly, you should also consider a contractor’s tools and equipment coverage policy to help pay for the repair or replacement of your arborist’s climbing gear, chainsaws, and other expensive tools if they are stolen or damaged while on the job. This is a type of inland marine policy and is typically included in bundling with general liability, commercial auto, and workers’ compensation insurance.
Safety
Performing tree work is one of the most dangerous occupations in the country, especially if it is done by amateurs or untrained personnel. It is important to hire professionals who follow on-the-job safety standards and are fully insured to cover worker’s compensation, property damage, and personal liability in case of an accident.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the fatality rate for grounds maintenance workers — including tree trimmers and pruners — is more than three times the national average for all jobs. The industry also has a higher-than-average rate of occupational injuries and illnesses.
The fatal accidents that occur most frequently in this occupation are electrocutions and being struck by a falling limb or branch. Many of these incidents can be prevented by following safety practices that include avoiding working near overhead power lines, using proper climbing techniques, and wearing personal protective equipment when needed.
Another common hazard is contact with poison oak or poison ivy. These plants can cause painful, itchy skin reactions that can lead to infection. A prestart hazard inspection is essential to prevent these types of incidents.
When trimming large trees, it is important to use a crane or other aerial equipment and avoid climbs that require free-climbing techniques. Ladders should be set up on solid limbs that can support the weight of the person who is using them. In addition, ladders should be firmly secured and never placed in the bed of a pickup truck to extend the height that they can reach.
A common accident occurs when a climber falls or loses his footing on the ground while cutting a branch or removing a stump. Often, these individuals wear flip-flops or other slippery footwear when wet or covered with mud. It is imperative that a climber always wears sturdy boots or shoes when climbing and that he carefully evaluates the condition of the ground below him before beginning to cut.
