How Do I Hire a Tree Pruning Company?

Tree pruning is an important aspect of maintaining healthy and beautiful trees. It may be tempting to do it on your own, but it’s best practice to call in a professional tree pruning service to prune your trees for you. A professional can ensure that no problems occur during the tree pruning process and that the work is done right. They can also ensure that your trees are left at their healthiest and looking their best.

You probably already know the reasons it’s important to prune your trees—it helps trees grow, removes dangerous branches, helps in terms of fruit production, and helps your trees stay beautiful and not look overgrown. But how do you go about hiring a tree pruning company?

Know When It’s Time to Prune

Before you hire a tree pruning company, you need to know when the right time to begin pruning your tree is. There’s no need to begin pruning immediately after it’s planted. Instead, there are a few telltale signs to look for that will let you know you should hire a tree pruning company. Those signs include the need to get rid of certain branches and/or stems on the tree in order to keep it healthy, or the need to correct potential hazards. You also need to make sure it’s the right season. Usually, pruning is best done during a tree’s dormant season or just before it buds in the early spring.

Trees are susceptible to disease, animals, and storm damage, which are all natural and common things that can cause a tree to need pruning. If you continue to get your trees pruned on a regular basis, you’ll be able to maintain a healthy tree, as any potential concerns will be caught right away.

Do Your Research

You want to hire a tree pruning company that has trained, experienced, and reputable professionals. Start by searching something like “tree pruning company Portland” (or the area you’re located in). Read the websites that come up in the search results and read the company reviews. Once you’ve narrowed it down, do a separate search with the names of the companies you’re interested in. Read their social media pages.

If you know anyone who has used a professional tree services company, ask them for their recommendations. You want to make sure the tree pruning company you hire will get the job done in a safe manner and take good care of your trees.

If you’re unsure of what you should research, here are some things to consider when choosing a tree pruner.

Make Sure the Company Is Insured

Accidents happen, even when caution is used. You don’t want to be the one who’s liable if there’s an injury or accident on the job. Because of this, it’s critical to make sure the tree pruning company you choose is licensed and insured. It’s not enough to just assume that all companies are. Don’t take the risk. Choosing a company that’s insured will protect you and your property.

In addition, it’s also good to make sure that the company has a certified arborist on staff. By double-checking this, rather than just choosing an amateur company, you’re giving yourself an extra layer of knowledge and safety. A certified arborist knows exactly how, where, and when to make the cuts on your tree to keep it at its healthiest and help it live its longest life. A certified arborist will also be able to recognize and diagnose any issues with your tree and treat them accordingly.

Get Cost Estimates

Don’t choose a company without getting a cost estimate first. It’s a good idea to get at least three estimates from three different tree pruning companies so you can compare and contrast. Pruning can be expensive, and we don’t want you to break the bank because of it. If pricing is different between companies, ask the higher bidding companies why their services are more expensive—is there a specific reason, such as the use of higher-quality equipment or extra services you get if you choose them? Ask about debris removal once the job is done. Also, make sure there are no hidden costs. Finally, be sure to get the estimate in writing so you have it to refer back to.

Check That the Tree Pruning Company Has Worked in the Area

It’s not critical that you choose a tree pruning company that has done work in your area before, but it’s an extra layer of comfort and reassurance. If they’ve done work in your neighborhood, they know about any rules, regulations, or permits that are required. Additionally, they also know the climate and can make suggestions based on that to keep your tree at its healthiest.

As tree pruning is something that should happen regularly, it’s also in your best interest to choose a tree company in the area so they can come back to maintain your trees. They’ll already know you and your trees, which will make it easier for them to spot any abnormalities that may arise. They can spot a problem much more quickly if they know what the tree looked like before.

It may seem tempting to prune your trees yourself, but there are many wrong ways to prune a tree. So you shouldn’t risk it unless you’re experienced and confident that you know what you’re doing. It can seem daunting to have to hire a tree pruning company, but we hope the above guidance helps to put your worries at ease.

It’s important to choose a tree pruning company you’re comfortable with, that makes safety a priority, and that puts the best interests of your trees first. At Mr. Tree, we fit the bill, so give us a call today, and we’ll be happy to come to see if your tree needs pruning.