How to Find the Best Tree Services in Your Area
All trees add value and beauty to our landscape, whether that be in a garden, local park, school grounds or public open space, they are an important part of our environment. This is why it's important to ensure that when they require work or maintenance the right tree service provider is engaged - to care for them properly. But with so many companies out there, the choice can be bewildering - how do you find the right one? The purpose of this guide is to help you understand what to look for when choosing a trusted and reliable tree service provider near you - helping you make an informed decision.
Know What Services You Need.
Before starting your search for a tree service provider, it's important to identify the services you need. Some companies will offer simple services such as tree lopping, pruning or removal, while others may offer more specialist services like stump grinding or tree disease and decay detection. Knowing exactly what tree services you need will help in narrowing your choices and finding a company that has the expertise in the services you require. Additionally, identifying the specific trees, whether that be by size, species or both, on your property that need care can also help - assisting you in finding a company with experience in working on a particular species, or perhaps very large trees for example.
Explore the Options.
The first step in finding the best tree services in your area is to research your options. Start by searching online for local companies that provide tree services. The Arboricultural Association is a leading Trade Association for those involved with tree surgery. To become an 'Approved Contractor' businesses are thoroughly assessed in key areas, such as insurance, qualifications and health and safety, this in itself should provide comfort. A post code filter on the Arb Association website provides a list of approved contractors in your area - very simple to do. Check out their websites, read customer reviews and look for accreditations that indicate their level of expertise. Whilst on line searches are great - don't forget to ask family and friends for recommendations as well. Once you have a list of potential providers, narrow down your options by considering factors like pricing, availability and the specific services they offer. The more research that is done at this stage will ensure that the choices made on which companies are invited to provide a quotation will be more informed and provide better outcomes.
Look at Reviews and Ratings.
As already mentioned, before engaging a tree service company, it’s important to check out their reviews and ratings - modern day references. These will give you an idea of the quality of service they provide and the experiences of their previous customers. Look for comments on great customer service, value, expert advice and communication Companies often, place reviews and ratings on their own website and social media pages. But they can also be found on third-party review sites such as Google Reviews and Trustpilot. Look for consistent positive feedback, as well as any negative comments or concerns that have been raised. If a company has a high rating and positive reviews from many customers, it's likely to be reputable and trustworthy. Conversely, if a company has several negative reviews, you may want to reconsider hiring them.
Verify Insurance and Licenses.
Sometimes things don't go to plan and accidents can happen. It is important that when selecting a tree service company that they have the appropriate insurance for the job being considered, and the level of cover is adequate. Always ask to see evidence of insurance, make it one of the key criteria in your selection process - don't take it from granted that insurance will be in place and it will cover the work you are considering. Any reputable company should have Public Liability insurance to cover any damages that may occur while they are working on your property. Other key insurance cover is Professional Indemnity, providing protection for negligent advice or services.
In addition to insurance, you should also ensure that the contractors selected have the correct licences to move, process or transfer any waste from the works. Like reviews most reputable contractors will display or at least confirm their policies and licences in this handling of waste and debris - review and ask for proof before engaging before hiring a tree service company.
Get several Written Quotes and Compare Prices.
Most, if not all, professional tree service providers will provide a free detailed written quotation, without any obligation for the tree services to be provided. Before making your decision on a tree service company, it’s important to get several quotes and compare prices. Different companies will charge different rates for their services or have additional fees that you may not be aware of at first sight. For example, some may charge extra to remove green waste from the work site, others will include this part of the service within their price. By getting multiple quotes, you can compare the prices and services offered by each company and make an informed decision. Don't necessarily go for the cheapest option - remember to consider the reputation and experience of the tree service companies you are considering as well. Keep in mind that a higher price may reflect better quality work, so opt for finding a reputable company over saving money.
