Points to consider when hiring or contracting with an arborist: by
Dave Mooter, Community Forester and Mark Harrell, Forest Pest
Specialist, Nebraska Forest Service
- Check your local telephone directory under the yellow page listing
"Tree Service". While anyone can list themselves in the phone book, a
listing at least indicates some degree of permanence. Be cautious of an
arborist that advertises "topping" as a service. "Topping" is not an
approved tree maintenance practice and will seriously damage the tree.
- Ask if the arborist is certified by either the Nebraska Arborists
Association (NAA) or the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).
The NAA identifies those who have earned designations. Certification is
not required but it does indicate that the arborist has a high degree
of knowledge and a commitment to continuing education.
- If the arborist you are considering is not certified, determine if
he/she is a member of any professional organizations, such as the NAA,
the ISA or the National Arborists Association. Membership in these and
other professional organizations does not guarantee quality, but does
indicate professional commitment. You may contact the NAA office for a
listing of NAA members in your area or to verify membership or
certification claims, 402/476-3852 or naa@assocoffice.net.
- Ask for certificates of insurance, including proof of liability for
personal and property damage and workman’s compensation. Then, contact
the insurance company to make sure the policy is current. Under some
circumstances, you can be held financially responsible if an uninsured
worker is hurt on your property or if the worker damages a neighbor’s
property.
- Ask for local references. Take a look at some of the work, and if
possible, talk with former clients. Experience, education and a good
reputation are signs of a reputable arborist.
- Don’t rush into a decision just because you are promised a discount
if you sign an agreement now. Be sure you understand what work is to be
done for what amount of money. It is not generally a good idea to pay
in full until the work is completed.
- Most reputable tree care companies have all the work they can
handle without going door to door. People who aren’t competent
arborists may solicit tree work at your door pointing out a condition
that needs "immediate attention" or the "tree will die." If a tree is
that close to death, there is probably nothing that you or anyone else
can do about it. These kinds of people are most active after storm
disasters.
- If possible, get more than one estimate.
- A conscientious arborist will not use climbing spikes except when
removing a tree. Climbing spikes open unnecessary wounds that could
lead to decay.
- Good tree work will not be inexpensive. A good arborist must carry
several kinds of insurance as well as pay for expensive and specialized
equipment. Beware of estimates that fall well below the average. There
may be hidden costs or the arborist may not be fully insured or trained.
- A good pruning job is often one that cannot be noticed after the work has been done.
- Some communities require that arborists be licensed in order to do
tree work within the city limits. If you are unsure, contact the city
office to see if such a license is required.
