Several Ways to Verify the Legitimacy of Tree Removal Services

For many people, it is a sad day when they must remove a tree from their property, especially if they have lived at the home for a long period of time. Unfortunately, some trees must be taken down, especially when they are showing signs of rot and decay. Hiring certified tree removal services are in the best interest of your property and your safety, but there are a few things you should verify before contracting with a service.

Certification

As with most industries, tree removal requires appropriate certifications and licensing. Any company you hire should have proof of membership with the International Society of Arboriculture or Tree Care Industry Certification.

Proof of Insurance

Also, all tree removal services should be able to provide proof of insurance on demand. This extends to workers as well as the company. Coverage ensures that your property is protected against damage potentially caused by the removal process. While receiving proof is typically good enough, you may want to call the insurer to verify.

Safe Practices

Every company should have a working knowledge of the safe practices established by the American National Standards Institute. These standards discourage the use of climbing spikes and lion’s tailing as both have been proven to be unnecessarily dangerous, to the tree and the workers.

References

Beyond the certifications and proof of insurance, you should follow-up with references. Find out if the company performed as expected and if there were any concerning issues. You do not have to depend on the provided references. You can research through other sites and find company reviews. Also, you can reach out to friends and family to find a trusted contractor.

Tree removal services are sometimes necessary when dealing with a dying or dead tree. However, don’t just hire the first company you see. Do your research and verify the company’s certification, insurance and reputation.