Hiring an arborist
Arborists make a career of caring for trees in urban and suburban landscapes. They work for companies commonly referred to as tree experts, tree services, tree care, arborists, tree specialists, and others. Here are few tips for selecting a company to work with your trees:
- Avoid
arborists who advertise they top trees. Ask the arborists if they will top
your trees. If they say yes, don't use them.
- Have
more than one arborist look at the job, and get a written proposal specifying
the work to be done. Consider paying an arborist to write
specifications so you can give them to the prospective companies.
- Ask
for and check local references.
- Be
sure the company has the appropriate licenses, insurance, and certifications.
Some communities require special permits, insurance or certifications for
all arborists to practice in the community.
- Ask
them what the ANSI A300 pruning standard and the ANSI Z133.1 safety standards
are. Ask if their practices will be in compliance with the standard.
- Ask
them what tree book they have read most recently.
- Ask
them what seminar they attended most recently and when was it held.
- Beware
of an arborist who suggests removal of living trees. Removal of living trees
is sometimes necessary, but should be considered the last resort after all
other options have been considered.
- Determine
if the arborist is certified with the International
Society of Arboriculture in Champaign Illinois. Certified arborists must
pass a written test and maintain certification by regularly attending classes.
Except for registered consulting arborists with the American Society of Consulting
Arborists, membership in other organizations is useful, but no tests or training
are required for membership. Members simply pay dues to belong.
- Ask
for verification of personal and property liability insurance and worker's
compensation (or a waiver of worker's compensation).
- Low
price is a poor gauge of a quality arborist. Often the better ones are more
expensive because of more specialized equipment, more professional training,
and insurance costs.
- Know
if your state or municipality requires a specific license or certification
for providing these services
Click here for fact sheet which includes how to hire an arborist.