Buyer Beware When Purchasing Tree Care
Emergency Tree Care
Summer wind storms, though damaging, can often bring out the best in a community. Neighbors, even strangers, help each other cope with aggravations and property damage left in the wake of a storm. Homeowners should be cautious when purchasing tree care.
Buyer Beware
Unfortunately, storms also bring out the worst in a community – fast-buck artists looking to profit from the misfortunes of others. How can homeowners protect themselves when they need to hire a tree care company to clean up after a storm?
“With thousands of dollars at stake, not to mention the integrity and appearance of your property and your personal safety, make sure you investigate before deciding which company you should hire.” cautions, ISA Certified Arborist, Richard Hancock.
“If the ‘professional arborist’ you hired drops the tree on your house instead of your lawn, it is too late to confirm the company is insured.” warns Hancock.
“Disreputable companies are renowned for ripping gutters off, breaking fences and bird baths and even dropping trees on houses,” says Hancock. “Then they typically fold up and leave, never to be seen again.”
"Anything for a Dollar..."
Disreputable companies tend to:
- Solicit work door-to-door
- Demand payment in advance
- Advertise tree-topping pruning practices
- Sell jobs without producing a written estimate or work order
When looking for a reputable company to purchase tree care from, start with an internet search of tree care companies in your area. A good place to start would be TreeCareTips.org. Don’t place too much emphasis on the complexity of the company’s website – some of the most reputable firms rely almost entirely on word-of-mouth advertising. Look instead for what the website tells you about the company: Number of years in business, professional affiliations, licenses, TCIA Accreditation, certification, etc.
Avoid companies that advertise topping, an injurious and unacceptable practice. You should be aware that the credentials of someone calling himself or herself an arborist can vary widely. Most arborist credentials can be verified by the organization that holds the certification. It is strongly advised that you not, out of desperation, just hire someone who knocks on your door with a chainsaw. Too often those people turn out to be untrained and disreputable. Look for the company displaying the credentials of a professional on business cards, vehicles and work order forms.
Establish Credentials
When you meet with an arborist:
- Ask for references, check the quality of their work and level of service before purchasing tree care.
- Verify professional affiliations such as membership or accreditation with the Tree Care Industry Association.
- Don’t be lured by a bargain and don’t pay in advance.
- Insist on a signed contract specifying cost, service details and estimated time for completion.
- Insist that climbing spikes are used only if the tree is to be cut down; they can damage the tree.
- Make sure that a complete diagnosis of the potential for tree failure is performed before a tree is removed.
- Get a second opinion if it will add to your comfort level.
Hire an Expert
What can you do?
Hire a professional when purchasing tree care. A professional arborist can assess the entirety of your landscape and work with you to determine the best course of action to care for and maintain the trees and shrubs on your property.
In an emergency situation, you want to be certain you are dealing with professionals who are trained in every aspect to properly manage emergency situations. There are times that safety and the knowledge of how to manage the situation professionally are paramount. Our team of Firemen have extraordinary special training and experience through our years as Fire Fighters and Paramedics.
At 3 Alarm Tree Rescue, we are insurance damage specialists. Your tree work may be covered by insurance and, if you call us, we will be able to tell you whether insurance will cover it or not. We have worked with countless insurance claims regarding storm damage and we know what insurance companies will and will not pay for. We ask for no money up front and will wait until the insurance company pays out knowing it may be months later.
We specialize in emergency tree removal and travel the country helping people who are affected by hurricanes and tornadoes. We expect no money out of pocket until insurance pays out the claim.
Call 3 Alarm Tree Rescue
Contact our trained arborists when purchasing tree care.
Our priority is protecting your property. We are here to help you get through these disasters by working safely and efficiently to provide our customers a sense of ease during those hard times. Your family’s safety, and our workers’ safety are our main concern. Our concern shows in the safety techniques and equipment we use. This is an area that sets us apart from other companies. Our training to work safely and effectively in emergency situations, combined with our equipment, knowledge and experience will reassure you that we are storm and hurricane damage experts.
