Top Questions To Ask A Certified Arborist: An Edmonton Homeowner’s Guide
When it comes to the professional tree care industry, it’s crucial that you select a qualified and reputable professional arborist. Even if you are hiring someone for a seemingly straightforward task, such as planting a tree, it’s crucial not to underestimate the numerous aspects of tree care, arborist tools, and the knowledge of tree biology. As complex organisms, trees require the proper nutrition, growing conditions, and attention in order to reach the phase of a mature tree. To become an ISA-certified arborist, it takes years of job training, arborist exams, and an appreciation of trees that not everybody possesses. It’s hard work, but rewarding work, and any certified arborist in Edmonton will tell you that.
By choosing a certified arborist, you can ensure the health and longevity of your trees while also contributing to the overall well-being of the environment. The knowledge and expertise of a professional arborist can make a significant difference in the care and maintenance of your trees. Trusty Tree Services is a 100% locally owned and operated business, dedicated to providing reliable tree care services in Edmonton, Sherwood Park, Stony Plain, and the nearby areas. With decades of experience, our tree care company is Edmonton’s most reliable, knowledgeable, and experienced tree care team dedicated to educating Edmonton homeowners about aspects of arboriculture that can contribute to proper care for tree health, tree pruning, and proper tree maintenance.
Our Edmonton arborists understand that trees play a vital role in our ecosystem, and that’s why we prioritize their health and well-being. Our certified arborists are committed to providing comprehensive and personalized tree care solutions that meet the unique needs of each client. Whether it’s tree pruning, tree removal, or tree planting, you can trust our team to deliver exceptional results with the utmost professionalism and attention to detail. In this informative blog post, we will present a comprehensive guide on the essential inquiries to make when selecting a tree care company for your needs. From insurance and certifications to job work experience and the services offered, allow us to guide you through the most fundamental questions to ask before you hire a tree care company.
1. Are You an ISA Certified Arborist?
Perhaps the most important commencement in this process is determining whether the tree care company employs ISA-certified arborists. These tree care professionals have undergone rigorous training and testing to ensure the highest level of expertise in caring for trees. To become an ISA (The International Society of Arboriculture) certified arborist, a minimum of three years of experience in tree care or a college degree in horticulture, forestry, landscape architecture, or urban forestry is required. They have also passed a comprehensive examination that covers all aspects of arboriculture, including tree care, planting, tree identification, and more. By hiring a certified arborist, you can have confidence that their knowledge about proper tree care is met with industry standards.
2. What Arborist Services Do You Offer?
Next, you will want to inquire about the services they offer. Oftentimes, you can tell if they are a legit company or professional by the types of services they offer. In Edmonton, there are bylaws that prevent homeowners from removing trees from their property. Tree removal requires a certified arborist and a company that is licensed to perform the job. But licensing and certification aside, it’s important to ask about the services offered because the company may not offer the service you desire. Furthermore, it’s wise to inquire about any additional services they provide, such as tree pruning, stump removal, or deep root fertilization. This way, you can ensure that all your tree care needs will be met by the same reputable company.
3. What Is Your Experience in the Field?
Experience, experience, experience. Just like an employer choosing the best candidate for the job, you want to select a tree care company that has combined experience in performing all types of tree services. You’re more likely to hire a company that has ample experience in a wide range of tree services, so be sure to browse their website, ratings, and, if they have one, the About Us section, so you can learn through photo galleries and reviews. Companies that have been operating for at least a decade will most likely have that incorporated into their site, so keep an eye out for that. It is crucial that the certified arborist you choose has the relevant experience for the specific job you are hiring them for. Tree removal and tree pruning demand distinct skills and techniques. Assessing the arborist’s skill level after a removal is particularly challenging, as once the job is done, the evidence is gone along with the tree.
When it comes to tree pruning, the effects can persist throughout the tree’s entire lifespan. Poor pruning is easily detectable by experts and can have detrimental consequences for the tree in the future. Corrective pruning requires extensive training and experience. By investing in an experienced and certified arborist for tree pruning, you can ensure that your trees receive the necessary care and attention they need to thrive. With a certified arborist’s expertise, they will be able to identify and execute proper pruning techniques that promote healthy growth and prevent future issues.
4. Do You Have Proper Insurance?
Just like purchasing a car, insurance is a rudimentary requirement before hiring somebody for the job. In case a tree professional gets injured or your property gets damaged during the pruning process, having proper insurance coverage will protect you from liability and financial burden. It’s important to verify that your arborist has liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance before any work begins. Performing comprehensive tree maintenance poses a significant risk. Arborists involved in tree care may have to operate heavy machinery or work at great heights while pruning.
5. What Is Their Local Reputation in Edmonton?
When hiring a company, you want professionals with a good reputation in Edmonton. Unfortunately, the Internet can create a space where lies are portrayed as truths. As mentioned earlier, be sure to rake through the tabs on a company’s website to make sure they have a local review section. From there, that section will be able to tell you about the experiences of previous customers in Edmonton. It’s important to read both positive and negative reviews to get a well-rounded understanding of the company’s reputation in the local area.
It’s also important to ask your family, friends, neighbours, and co-workers if they have ever hired a tree care company in Edmonton, and if so, which one? Your closest ones will be able to be transparent with you, so make sure you take their word for it. Be sure to find out what affiliations the tree care company is involved with, too. Typically, local affiliations like chambers of commerce indicate that the company is well-established and trusted in the community. In addition, certifications or memberships in professional organizations such as the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) can also demonstrate the company’s commitment to upholding industry standards and best practices in tree care.
6. Does The Company Have A Mission Statement?
While this may seem like a small frill, it should not be overlooked—or taken for granted. Mission statements are an introspective way to 1) learn more about the company, and 2) truly see what the goals of the company are after each service. Furthermore, a well-crafted mission statement can provide insights into the company’s values, guiding principles, and its overall approach to its work. This can help potential clients gauge if the company’s mission aligns with their own tree care needs and preferences. For example, at Trusty Tree Services of Edmonton, our core values are:
- To keep a positive work environment
- To maintain personal safety, safety for our coworkers and our clients
- Commitment to quality in what we do
- To maintain integrity, respect, and accountability.
Again, do not underestimate the power of authentic, strong, and encouraging core values. These core values not only foster a positive work environment, but they also create a sense of trust among coworkers and clients. When we commit to maintaining integrity, respect, and accountability, we are able to establish strong relationships and achieve high-quality results together.
7. Do They Provide Free Quotes?
A certified arborist will gladly offer free quotes for the services you require. In fact, they will provide you with a comprehensive, written estimate, ensuring utmost clarity about the work to be done. This will ensure that you are not caught off guard by any unexpected surprises during the completion of their services. It’s important to note that estimates differ from consultations or landscape plans, which may have associated fees. It is advised to clarify with your arborist what exactly is encompassed in the free estimate.
Trusty Tree Services: The Trusted, Certified Arborists Edmonton Can Trust
As certified arborists in Edmonton and its surrounds, Trusty Tree Services is dedicated to providing exceptional tree care and maintenance services. With our extensive knowledge and expertise, we ensure that every job is carried out with the utmost professionalism and attention to detail. Our goal is to enhance the health and beauty of your trees while promoting safety and sustainability in the process. Our certified arborists can guide you through improper tree care practices, so you can implement the proper care of trees in your own backyard. For any inquiries you may have about our certified arborists regarding our services, or any aspects of tree planting, removal, pruning, fertilization, and more, please contact us today. We proudly serve the communities in and around Edmonton, including Acheson, Sherwood Park, Stony Plain, and beyond.