I have a great deal of respect for professional arborists. Imagine
a surgeon having to work with a chainsaw while balancing on a tree
limb while trying not to fall off the operating table.
Trees need to be pruned to improve tree health, for public and
private safety and to maintain power lines. Homeowners should know
proper pruning techniques, and they should only prune limbs they
can reach while standing on the ground. Tree care requires experience,
education and skill, therefore professionals should be carefully
selected.
The Tree City USA Bulletin from the National Arbor Day Foundation
offers tips for selecting an arborist:
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Check phone directory under tree service or tree care. A phone
ad is no guarantee of good work, but at least indicates some
degree of permanence.
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Beware of doorknockers. Most reputable companies have plenty
of work without door knocking. Doorknockers are especially common
after a storm.
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Never let yourself be rushed by bargains.
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Ask for certificates of insurance including proof of liability
for personal and property damage (your house and your neighbor's)
and workman’s compensation. Then phone the insurance company
to make certain the policy is current.
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Ask for local references. Ask neighbors and friends if they
have used an arborist. A good reputation is a sign of a good
arborist.
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Check if they are members of professional arborist organizations
such as the Illinois Arborist Association.
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Check to see if they are certified through the International
Society of Arboriculture. To be certified they are required
to take a test every three years and participate in continuing
education units. Unfortunately tree experts are not required
by law to be certified. Certification is based on the individual’s
tree knowledge and does not indicate their standards of business
practice.
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Get more than one estimate.
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Good arborists generally offer a full range of services such
as pruning, fertilizing and pest control.
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A good arborist will seldom ever recommend topping a tree and
only then after severe physical damage to the tree's crown.
Branches should be carefully selected for removal.
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A conscientious arborist will not use climbing spikes on living
trees.
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Be sure to have a contract. Most companies have their own forms.
Suggested items to include in a contract:
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The dates the work will begin and end.
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Exactly what work will be done, such as prune all dead, dying
and diseased branches 1-1/2 inches or greater in diameter. If
the tree is to be sprayed, get a written statement detailing
the specific insect or disease to be treated and the chemical
to be used. If fertilizing is to be done, it should be stated
how much fertilizer will be applied by what method.
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Specify what cleanup work will be done and when. Determine
who gets the firewood and if it is you, determine where the
wood will be stacked and the size of the logs.
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Clarify if removal of the tree includes grinding out the stump
and even filling with soil and planting grass.
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Clarify the total charge amount. Work may be charged as a single
price or on an hourly basis plus materials. With the latter,
be sure to include the wording "...but not to exceed..."
If you have questions about proper pruning procedures, consult
your local Extension office, or your city's arborist.
