Are you planning to make your backyard look good this fall season? Planting new flowers and spreading mulch around your trees is something you can do with your family. But trimming the trees and pest control? You may need to hire a tree service contractor. This is because trees can fall during pruning and they can injure you or damage your property. You need to work with a contractor who has the right tools and is skilled in bringing trees down safely. 

To hire a good tree service contractor, you need to take time and do your research. Similar to hiring any other contractor to work in your home, you need to know if they are insured, certified, trained, and licensed. If you are in an emergency with an old tree that has fallen on your roof, it can be tempting to hire the first tree service that picks up your distress call. Doing this can be dangerous. It may turn out you are working with a fly-by-night crook who is only out to scam you. 

To avoid risks, here are 4 questions to ask your tree service contractor

1. Do You Have Proof of Insurance?

This question is a must-ask. The tree service company must have the proper liability insurance and worker compensation for all the workers they send to your home. These insurance certificates should be sent from the insurance agency to you. This is because in the event one of the tree service workers gets into an accident within your premises and they are not insured, you will be liable. You will also have to pay for all the damages that have occurred after the accident. 

2. How Long Have You Been in Business?

A tree service that has been in business for some time, is a green flag. Working with a tree service with many years of experience and many repeat customers can feel safer, especially during emergency situations. It can be risky to work with a tree service that has recently been established. Before you accept to work with an arborist check their website and read all the customer reviews. If most customers attest to their work, they are a good choice. 

3. Is Customer Satisfaction a Priority for You? 

A tree service that ensures that every interaction with their services is magical is worth paying for. Work with a tree service contractor that cares about their customer’s feelings. When you call them for the first time, pay attention to their customer care. 

Did they put you on hold for a long time? Are they friendly and professional? Did they go above and beyond in trying to understand your unique situation? A tree service that offers multiple channels for communication such as a telephone number, an email, or a live chat to enhance customer satisfaction and feedback is a good choice. 

4. What Is Your Clean-Up Process? 

The tree service contractor should leave your yard as clean or even cleaner than they found it. Ask them if they clean up after the work is done. Some tree services will cut and stack up wood for you if you ask them but you may need to pay an extra fee.  

When going through the contract, check if the clean-up details are included. You should discuss all the cleaning aspects with the service manager to ensure that everyone knows what they are responsible for.