Selecting a Tree Care Company
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/chatham/ag/homehort/GreenInd/treequal.html
There are no legal standards for who can perform work on or in trees. In a literal sense, someone needing tree work done
may be as well qualified as the "tree surgeon" who knocks on the door. The care of individual trees is referred to as
Arboriculture, and the work is done by Arborists. Foresters concern themselves with the collection of trees known as forests.
Arborists are concerned with individual trees and their care. Foresters and arborists may both be professionals and
may have overlapping knowledge bases, but their long term goals are different.
For selecting an arborist the following professional organizations are good sources of information:
American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA)
International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA)
Credentials:
ISA Certified Tree Worker/Climber Specialist
Must have a minimum of 18 months experience of professional tree climbing. Requires knowledge of the major
aspects of tree care including pruning, removal, cabling, and safety. Must pass exams of both knowledge
and skills.
ISA Certified Arborist
Requires a minimum of three years experience in tree care and must pass an exam on all aspects of tree care.
Must have an acceptable level of knowledge in all areas.
ISA Board-Certified Master Arborist
Recognized as being at the top of their profession, applicants are Certified Arborists and must achieve
prerequisites obtained through experience, formal education, or related credentials. The exam covers
science, practice, and management related to arboriculture.
ASCA Consulting Arborist
A Consulting Arborist may be needed for tree risk assessment, appraisal of economic value; expert witness
testimony in legal issues involving trees, or long term plans for tree placement, management,
and preservation. A consultation includes an objective report that is a paid service, independent of other
contracted services.
TCIA Accredited Tree Care Companies
Companies inspected and accredited by TCIA for maintaining industry standards, trained professional
staff, and ethical business practices.
You may search in your local area for qualified professionals:
ASCA Members and Registered Consulting Arborists
ISA Certified Arborists
TCIA Accredited Companies
You may also be interested in the Better Business Bureau brochure
How to Choose a Tree Care Company
Or the ISA publication
Why Hire an Arborist?
Standards:
The
American National Standards Institute has developed standards (ANSI A300) for Tree Care Operations
including Pruning, Planting, Cabling, Fertilizing, Support Sytsems, and Lightning Protection Systems.
These standards have been accepted by most major green industry organizations. Familiarity with these
standards indicates and awareness of commonly accepted tree care terminology and practices. Arborists
should also be familiar with ANSI Z133.1, Safety Standards, to provide some assurance that work will
be done safely.
Most of us have neither the background knowledge nor the safety training to work on trees. We must rely on the competence
of professional tree services. Trees may have problems caused by insects; disease; or physical injury to roots, trunks, or branches.
Such injuries may shorten the life of a tree or create a hazard requiring mitigation or removal.
Professional arborists may reduce the effects of these injuries, improve the appearance of the tree, and improve the tree's health
and long-term value. Inexperienced or poorly trained tree workers may with good intentions make any or all of these conditions worse.
It is the responsibility of the property owner to carefully select a professional.
Professionals will not be insulted if you ask about their credentials and will be pleased to share those with you. Professionals will
not recommend "topping" or "lion's tailing." They will not use climbing spikes unless the tree is to be removed.
To avoid liability for hazards associated with tree work, property owners should verify that service providers have insurance
coverage for workmen's compensation, property damage, and personal liability. Many companies will have insurance certificates
available to show you. If there is any question, you may contact the insurer to verify coverage. Requiring that your tree service
be insured is not a matter of trust; it's a matter of making sure there are financial resources available if something goes wrong.
You may have an idea of what you want done. Since an informed consumer is better equipped to make intelligent decisions,
you may want to review some of the ISA publications on trees and tree care.
Since you are hiring a professional, it also makes sense to ask him or her what needs
to be done. You should expect a written estimate of what work is to be done. If it is not clear to you, you can ask for
and expect to get a clear explanation. If you are not comfortable with the plan or its explanation, you are not obligated
to accept the offer.
Be sure to inquire about clean up. Much tree work involves putting material on the ground. Cutting it up and removing it is a
significant expense. If you expect it to be done, make sure you inquire up front. Ask if the area will be raked or just large
material removed. If a stump is to be ground out, will any soil remediation be done?
What will it cost?
All of the lofty expectations come at a cost. One of my college professors liked to ask, “If you can’t afford to do it right,
how can you afford to do it over?” Much of the
work of tree care is strictly speaking, labor. But the work done in and on your trees will affect how long those trees will
live. A professional may enhance the appearance and longevity of a tree. Substandard work may detract from the tree's
appearance, shorten its life, or increase the amount of maintenance that will be required. Running a business includes
many costs that are not obvious. Indirectly, you are paying for a portion of your arborist's equipment, insurance coverage, and
professional expertise.
No matter what the cost, you can get it done cheaper. For now. There may be other costs later, such as tree removal or even
liability issues from work poorly done by someone lacking the skill and training to do it well.
Whatever the cost, if you are paying the bill, you have a right to know what you are paying for. Different companies may
itemize their services differently. You have a right to a detailed estimate before the work is done. If you don’t
like the way the company does business, it’s a good idea to abort this agreement before it’s agreed.
If you and the service provider have discussed what will be done, how and when it will be done, what it will cost, and
how it will be billed and paid, then there should be few unpleasant surprises down the road.
A tree is a living organism. Eventually it will die. As it ages, it may become a hazard. A professional arborist will help you
decide if the tree needs to be removed. A service provider who fails to recognize a hazard tree will not be able to protect
you from its liabilities.
A contractor who understands your tree is better able to enhance its assets.
Thanks to
Guy Meilleur, Board-Certified Master Arborist for reviewing this page and making suggestions for its improvement.
This page created by
Al Cooke, Agricultural Extension Agent
Chatham County Center
North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service
November 29, 2005
Most Recent Update, November 30, 2005