How to Choose a Certified Arborist: Red Flags to Avoid

Don’t Let Your Trees Become a Costly Mistake: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Certified Arborist

When it comes to caring for your trees, the difference between hiring a qualified professional and an unscrupulous contractor can mean thousands of dollars in damage, potential lawsuits, and even safety hazards. Your wise choice in selecting a professional who is qualified for the work could help prevent a mistake or even a liability on your property. Knowing how to identify the red flags when choosing an arborist is essential for protecting both your property and your investment.

Why Certified Arborists Matter

ISA arborist certification indicates that an individual has demonstrated both experience in the field of tree care and knowledge of diseases, pests, environmental stressors, plant health care protocols, and other critical areas of arboriculture. It does, however, increase the chances that you are hiring someone with the knowledge, skills and ethics to do the job right. Unlike general landscapers or unlicensed tree workers, certified arborists must pass rigorous examinations and maintain their credentials through continuing education.

Each ISA Certified Arborist has a unique certification number, tied to the state in which they were initially certified. Certification numbers and credentials can be verified online by visiting https://treesaregood.com. If a person claims to be a “certified arborist,” make sure to ask for their ISA number to check.

Major Red Flags to Avoid

Door-to-Door Solicitation

They knocked on your door offering to do tree work. Reputable firms rarely try to acquire work in this fashion. Would you hire a dentist from a cold call? Or a surgeon who left a flyer on your windshield? Legitimate tree service companies build their reputation through quality work and referrals, not aggressive sales tactics.

Tree Topping and Harmful Practices

Avoid any firm or individual who advertises tree topping or view clearing or suggests such practices. Knowledgeable arborists rarely recommend topping a tree or other drastic pruning practices that might injure trees or make them hazardous. Additionally, be wary of anyone who plans to use climbing spikes on living trees, as tree-climbing spikes or spurs cause wounds in trees and open a pathway for diseases and insects, potentially weakening or killing the tree.

Lack of Proper Insurance and Licensing

Another red flag as you seek out tree services could be a lack of insurance coverage. If a tree service doesn’t have ample coverage and someone is injured (or worse killed), or property is damaged, it leaves you at risk as the property owner. This means if victims cannot sue the tree service, you are footing the bill! Always request proof of both liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage.

Suspiciously Low Estimates

Proper tree work is not necessarily inexpensive. Reputable arborists are licensed, bonded, carry insurance, and maintain expensive, specialized equipment. Beware of exceptionally low estimates, which may have hidden costs and/or indicate an arborist lacking professional credentials.

How to Choose the Right Arborist

Verify Credentials and Experience

One of the first red flags to look out for as you search for tree services is a lack of credentials. That’s why you need to look for a company that employs Certified Arborists. Don’t just take their word for it—verify their ISA certification numbers online and ask about additional specialized certifications.

Get Multiple Quotes

Talk to multiple people. See if they all suggest the same work. Obtain more than one quote for the work. This helps you understand the scope of work needed and identify any outliers in pricing or recommendations.

Check References and Reviews

Online review sites such as Google My Business, Facebook, HomeAdvisor, and others are excellent choices to start researching any potential service provider. Pay attention to not only the quantity of reviews and their overall score, but read the comments. Pick a tree removal service with at least a 4.5 star (out of 5) rating and a company with at least a few dozen reviews over various review sites.

Finding Quality Tree Care in North Georgia

For homeowners in the Canton area seeking reliable tree services Canton GA, it’s crucial to work with a company that demonstrates these professional standards. Tree Service 4 U, based in Canton, Georgia, exemplifies the qualities you should look for in a tree service provider. As a leading tree service company in Canton, GA, Tree Service 4 U is fully licensed and insured, offering peace of mind during stressful times.

The company prioritizes safety and customer satisfaction, specializing in “timely arrival, careful work, and thorough cleanup, especially when dealing with trees near structures. We prioritize long term relationships with our clients and customer satisfaction is our top priority.” They serve Canton and surrounding areas including Holly Springs, Waleska, Ball Ground, and Woodstock, offering comprehensive services from routine maintenance to emergency storm response.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring

Before making your final decision, ensure you ask these critical questions:

The Bottom Line

Remember, you are hiring a “doctor” for “preventive care” for your trees; make decisions as thoughtfully as you would for your own health care. Taking the time to properly vet potential arborists can save you thousands in property damage, protect your family’s safety, and ensure your trees receive the professional care they deserve. Don’t let the urgency of tree problems cloud your judgment—a few extra hours of research can prevent years of regret.

By following these guidelines and avoiding the common red flags, you’ll be well-equipped to choose a certified arborist who will provide safe, professional, and effective tree care for your property.

Search
Facebook Twitter Youtube