5 Tips for Vetting Local Tree Removal Companies

When you need a tree removed from your property, you should have the right people doing it. Though it may seem like a simple task, there’s actually a lot more involved than just chopping the trees down. And when you’re dealing with such a potentially dangerous task, hiring the right professional for the job is crucial.

This type of work takes more than just your local handyman, and the list of local tree removal companies in your area may be longer than you imagined. So, who do you call? There are plenty of ways to vet these local tree service companies and find the right one for you.

As one of the most trusted tree removal companies in the Portland, Oregon, area, Mr. Tree knows what questions to ask when searching for a local tree removal company. Here are a few tips for how you can find the best tree removal company for your project.

Find One with the Right Experience

You wouldn’t want to hire someone who hasn’t had much experience in tree removal. This service is serious and if done the wrong way, it can result in damage to your home, property, or people working around the project. Make sure the company you choose is well-qualified for the job.

One way you can measure their experience level is by asking how long they’ve been in business. A trusted company, like Mr. Tree, has likely been in the tree servicing business for decades. Not many companies can survive so long if their work isn’t up to par. That type of experience also makes the arborists and professionals of the company trusted, making you comfortable in the work that they do.

Another way you can tell if they are right for you are if they are experienced in the types of services you’re looking for. A well-rounded tree removal business will have more than just tree removal on their list of services because people rarely need only that. Stump grinding, for instance, is often done in addition to tree removal. If you’re getting rid of your tree because it’s unhealthy or unsightly, you wouldn’t want to be left with a large stump in its place. Stumps are rarely removed during the tree removal process, and if you’re looking for a clean slate of land, finding a tree removal company that also does stump grinding is a good idea.

Does the Company Have a Certified Arborist on Staff?

Another qualification you should look for is if they have a certified arborist on staff. Many local tree removal companies will have arborists on staff, but there’s a difference between an arborist and a certified arborist. An arborist may have a thorough amount of experience, but a certified arborist has gone the extra mile by becoming certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). To achieve this credential, the certified arborist has to be vetted by the ISA, which can help to give you more comfort in choosing that tree removal company.

Getting this certification is not an easy task, and it tests skills and knowledge thoroughly. To become certified, an arborist has to prove they have worked full-time in the field for at least three years and/or have a degree in arboriculture, forestry, or horticulture. They must also pass an exam and follow an official code of ethics.

A certified arborist is the person on staff who imparts wisdom and strategies to help plant, care for, and maintain your trees. Having accredited staff members like a certified arborist is a good way to know if the tree removal company you’re interested in is worth moving forward with.

Talk to Previous Customers

One way people find the right local tree removal company for them is by asking around. Sure, each company will say it’s the best, but its customers’ recommendations will better confirm it.

You can start by asking people in your neighborhood whose landscape you admire if they have worked with a tree removal company before. If they had a positive experience, they’ll probably be happy to share that information with you. You can also look online at reviews that the company has received. Be sure to read a variety of reviews so that you get a well-rounded idea of what people’s experience was like.

Lastly, you can go to the source to ask for this advice. Many company websites have testimonial pages, but if not, the company should be able to give you a list of references if you ask. Hearing from past customers first-hand is a great way to vet a tree removal company and get the answers you’re looking for.

Talk to Them About Their Tools, Equipment, and Safety Procedures

You don’t have to be an expert in tree removal to know that you don’t want the process to cause damage to other parts of your property. Though most tree removal companies will be on the same page as you, the type of equipment they use will confirm they’re doing everything they can to prevent unnecessary damage. Ask them about their equipment: do they own it and how has it worked on other properties? Ownership and familiarity with the equipment can assure you they’re experienced and skilled with it.

You also want to ask about their safety procedures. Tree removal often involves climbing and can be dangerous for the professional doing the service, no matter how much experience they have. Trusted tree removal companies like Mr. Tree will be approved by the Occupational Safety and Health Administrations (OSHA).

Make Sure You Understand the Paperwork

Your local tree removal company shouldn’t have a problem providing you with paperwork to prove they can do a great job for you. Be sure to ask to see their certifications, insurance, and licensing, as well as a contract for the work you want done.

When it comes to tree removal, there are a lot of things at stake. The people working around the site should be protected should they sustain an injury on the job, and your home and property should be protected in case any damages occur. That’s why it’s important to make sure the tree removal company you choose is properly insured.

Contracts are another form of paperwork you want to ask for. It will give you peace of mind to have in writing the exact service that will be done and any type of fine print that you might not see at first glance. It will also protect you should anything change without your consent. A good tree removal company won’t have a problem providing you with this paperwork.

If you’re in the Portland, Oregon, area, we’d love it if you gave us a call at Mr. Tree Services. We know you’ll like what you’ll find.