A Guide To Hiring Professional Tree Removal Services

Adding trees to your property can be an attractive feature that enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of your home. In fact, research suggests that maintaining trees on your property can potentially increase the market value of your home by anywhere from 3.5% to 15% or more.

Contrary to how trees can enhance your surroundings, they can also become bothersome and potentially hazardous to your home. Overgrown trees shed leaves, twigs, and branches that can clog your gutters and damage your roof. Likewise, these elements may also fall when there's a storm or strong winds, causing serious injury or posing a safety hazard to your property or the ones on it.

If there are trees that are causing you issues, the best approach is to have them removed. But it's essential to remember that tree removal isn’t a simple DIY or a hobby project, and should be handled by the experts.

When to opt for a tree removal service?

Given that this task is not recommended as a do-it-yourself project, you might be wondering when exactly to avail of professional tree care services. These are some instances to consider:

Dead or dying Tree.
Leaning Tree.
A tree close to power lines.
Obstruction to your house or other structures due to the tree.
The tree is an obstacle to your construction project.
To relocate a particular tree to another spot.
To improve your house's curb appeal.

If any of these situations pertain to you, it is advisable to use the services of trustworthy tree care professionals.

How to choose a professional tree removal company

With the massive number of companies offering tree removal services, it can be overwhelming to pick one from the lot. According to a recent study, the worldwide tree care service industry is expected to grow by about multi-million by 2028, larger than in 2021. The growing number of tree removal experts in the market makes it harder to select a suitable fit for the task.

Here are some useful pointers to aid you in selecting the best tree removal experts and simplify your search:

1. Assess the company's insurance policy

Possessing insurance is crucial for every tree service company, as it offers a form of protection in the event of accidents or incidents. For example, the company will shoulder the repairs if your property is damaged during the tree removal process. You won't have to worry about footing the bill for the damage.

It's best to ask for proof of insurance when meeting with a potential enterprise. Request to see a copy of the policy and check the following:

The insurance policy should be valid.
The policy should cover damages to property and personal liability.
The policy should cover the company's employees while working on your premises.

All these coverages should be indicated in the insurance policy. If you can't find this information, it's better to consider other businesses.

2. Look for their certifications and licenses

To ensure that the job is done right, it’s best to choose a tree care company that employs certified arborists. Look for certifications by reputable organizations like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), as these can indicate the company's reliability. Additionally, it's important to check if the tree care business is licensed to operate in your location. Having these credentials can give you peace of mind, knowing that you are working with a legitimate and trustworthy business.

3. Check their website

When considering a company, its website can provide you with much-needed preliminary information on the company. It provides a good overview of their services, how long they've been operating, and the range of services offered. It's important to seek out a company with a professional-looking website that provides clear and concise information about the areas they serve and their tree removal process. You should also see evidence of its work, such as photos and videos of past projects.

4. Read online reviews

Were you aware that prior to purchasing a product, 93% of consumers review online ratings? This same trend extends to picking a tree removal service. Customer reviews can provide valuable information about the company's quality, response to customers, and work ethics. Ultimately, customers provide the best feedback to help you decide if a company is worth your investment.

When reading reviews, pay attention to the following:

Company's overall rating
Total number of reviews
Type of feedback received
How people are reacting to the company’s work

It's also essential to note that positive reviews can be faked. Not every feedback is honest they could instead be paid advertisements. So, take everything you read with a grain of salt. If possible, try contacting past clients to obtain a first-hand account of their experience.

Ideally, genuine reviews usually have detailed information about the customer's experience. They often mention the company by name with the media profile attached. On the other hand, fake reviews may sound vague, lack specific details, and sometimes be too good to be true. So, when in doubt, it's best to err on the side of caution.

You can find reviews on the company’s website or social media pages. You can also check reviews sites like Google My Business, Yelp, and Angie's List. Read feedback from the past few months to get an idea of the company’s recent work. All it takes is to balance the positive and negative reviews to get an accurate picture of what the company is really like.

5. Inquire about their removal methods

There are different ways to remove trees. The method that'll be used depends on the size of the tree, its location, and your preferences.

The common tree removal methods are as follows:

Felling: This is the most common way to remove trees, but it can also be dangerous. A report found that among patients hospitalized due to a tree-related injury, such as felling and pruning, 38% of the injuries were severe. Felling involves hacking or cutting the tree trunk's base to make it fall. A responsible tree care service plan where the tree will fall to avoid accidents. This technique is ideal for properties that have enough space to contain the tree fall. This will not only ensure the safety of your home but also the structures around it.

Climbing: Climbing is a technical method to remove trees. It requires some arborist gear, such as ropes, harnesses, and various other safety tools, to climb the tree and cut it by working from the top. This method is often employed to deal with trees near power lines, buildings, or other structures. The arborist climbs and cuts the branches of the tree, section by section. Although it is a time-consuming process, it's still one of the safest.

Removal by crane: As the heading suggests, tree care experts will use a crane to uproot the tree. This is usually a last resort method as it is only used to access difficult-to-reach areas and when methods like felling or climbing are deemed dangerous.

These are just a few ways of tree removal that companies use. Each one has its own purpose and is only applied in certain situations. A reliable tree care service will first inspect the area in question before deciding on the method to be used.

6. Evaluate their experience

Tree removal is a complex job that demands a lot of experience and expertise. Many things can go wrong, so you can't afford to take any risks. That's why extensive experience is crucial when hiring a tree care service. This criterion will determine its ability to handle your project efficiently without complications.

A reputable tree removal enterprise would ideally have at least five years of experience. A tree removal expert with comprehensive experience is likely to have a good reputation in the tree removal industry. Due to the company's experience in handling different types of tree projects, it would know how to tackle various situations, complicated or not. But this does not mean you should not consider ruling out new companies altogether. The business might be new but they could still possess experts with plenty of experience in the field. You can ask about their individual experience to better understand their abilities and skills.

The bottom line here is it's best to base your decision on the company's experience, not its tenure as a business. After all, it's quality of work that counts.

7. Consider their rates

At the end of the day, it all boils down to the cost when dealing with home improvement projects, likewise with tree removal services. It's important to determine the amount you need to spend on the job. The rates differ based on the company and the extent of work required.

The price of the project depends on the tree type, its size, and the difficulty of removing it. Typically, the average tree removal costs around USD$1,200. Some tree care services charge anywhere between USD$900 to USD$1,300. Get quotes from multiple companies to make the most out of your money.

Once you have a few options, compare their rates and see which has the best deal. But don't just be swayed by the cost factor; consider experience, skills, and reputation. The key is to hire a company that provides superior services at a reasonable price.

Conclusion

Tree removal is inherently a complex and dangerous job. It requires understanding, expertise, and the perfect tools to deal with the job efficiently.

A professional tree removal service is your best bet to ensure your home's safety. Consider this guide when selecting a reputable tree removal service that satisfies your needs and budget.