Choosing a tree removal company is a decision that can spell disaster or delight for a homeowner. If you have dead or dying trees on your property that need to be removed, the following questions will help in selecting a company that can perform the job safely and fit your specific needs.
1. Experience: What experience does the company have in large tree removals; especially where a tree is positioned close to a house, fencing, or electrical power lines?
2. Professionalism: Does the company representative arrive on time for his appointment, dressed professionally with company identification?
3. Certifications: Is the company representative an ISA Certified Arborist? Is the tree removal crew EHAP certified to work around electrical hazards?
4. Safety: How will the property be protected from damage during the tree removal? Does the company employ crew members who are Certified Treecare Safety Professionals (CTSP)?
5. Best Practices: Will the job be done according to ANSI A300 standards; the best practices in the industry?
6. Insurance: Does the company have a “Certificate of Insurance” that covers worker’s compensation, property damage and at least $2,000,000 business liability in case of accidents?
7. Security: Does the company do criminal background checks and drug test their employees?
8. Crew Qualifications: Are personnel trained to work around electrical hazards? Does the company require its crew members to participate in continuing education and training in the latest techniques and safe working procedures?
9. Track Record: Does the company have references for work completed in the neighborhood?
10. Ethics: What is the company’s policy on handling problems and ensuring complete satisfaction?
Before starting work, tree removal crews who follow best practices will assess the work area. The crew will set up the job to maximize efficiency and prevent property damage. Finally, the crew must evaluate the proximity of the tree and workers to electrical lines. Tree crew members should be specially trained to work safely around electrical hazards. By federal law, a crew cannot work within 10 feet of a live electrical wire.
When the tree removal operation begins, the angles at which limbs are cut and the weight of each tree limb becomes critical. Limbs that look small from the ground can actually weigh more than the family car when they are cut and lowered from the tree. The tree crew must understand how each limb will behave when it swings free from the tree plus the rigging and equipment required to safely lower it to the ground.
Every tree removal has a unique set of challenges. When research on each company’s capabilities is done before making a hiring decision, a homeowner is more likely to have the job done safely and be satisfied with the end result.
For more information or for a tree removal service referral, please call our office at 775-432-6300.