Choosing a tree service used to be downright mysterious for most folks until the International Society of Arboriculture’s (ISA’s) Arborist Certification program came along in the early 1990s.
By visiting treesaregood.org (or getting the list from your Purdue Extension office), you can find certified arborists practicing in the area. While the ISA certification program offers no guarantees, it connects you with arborists who have demonstrated their understanding of tree biology as well as skills and professionalism in tree work.
Start by planning on two or three written estimates. Tree work can be expensive, and you will want to know you are getting the best value. Make sure the estimates are for exactly the same work, so that the comparison is fair and useful. Ask for proof of insurance to be included. Certified arborists are accustomed to providing this, and references. Ask for them and know that this is standard.
Avoid tree services that knock on doors looking for work, particularly after a storm. Reputable tree services have all the work they can handle, and have more effective means of marketing their services. Also avoid tree services that rush you into a decision, try to discourage you from getting a second opinion or estimate or ask you to pay in advance.
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Certified arborists will decline to top trees, or to “round them over.” Topping is a destructive method that increases risk and ignores tree biology. It is not included in industry best practices. Certified arborists will also limit the use of boot spikes to removals. Ask in advance.
Arborists may provide a variety of tree care services, including hazard assessment, diagnosis, lab analysis, pruning, removal (including stumps), lightning protection, cabling and bracing, tree moving, fertilization, pest management and soil aeration for compacted root zones.
For the best possible prices, consider planning your tree work going into the dormant season (yes, now), unless it’s an emergency, and get your estimates at least a month before you want the work to be done.
Finally, be sure the estimate reflects your understanding of what should be done with the remaining wood and brush, and that your property will be cleaned up to its original condition. Get it in writing, really. You may never use that document, but it’s great to have should there be a misunderstanding or damage.
Arborist certification and industry national standards have taken much of the mystery out of choosing and working with a tree service. Take advantage of these advances. With luck and good care, your trees will bless future generations as well as your own.
Kris Medic is Purdue Extension Bartholomew County’s educator for agriculture, natural resources and community development. She can be reached at 812-379-1665 or [email protected].
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“If a bad haircut was fatal, you would be very choosy about your hairstyle. However, each year . . . homeowners have their trees pruned by topping — a horticultural ‘bad haircut’ that shortens the life of the tree and leads to greater expense later.” — Lindsey Purcell, Purdue Extension urban forestry specialist
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