Tree care incidents are low but, just like anything else, they are always possible. Making it important to leave these things to the experts, who know how to properly and safely get the job done right.
We here at Five Star Tree Services have some tips for you when you are selecting a company to hire for your tree care needs. In order to make sure you get a good tree care company; you are going to need to do some research and searching. Never go with the first company you come across. It’s important to know your options and make an educated decision on who to go with. A lot of arborist companies say that they offer a lot of services, but it’s important to see whether they also have safeguards in case of accidents; this includes being licensed and insured.
Tree Care Dangers
Safe implementation and careful planning need to go into things like pruning, climbing, and removing a tree. Here are some risks associated with tree care:
-Powerline Injuries
-Amputations
-Animal and insect stings or bites
-Poisonous leaf rashes
-Eye injuries (can be caused by airborne wood pieces)
-Cuts and scrapes leading to infections
-Power line electrical burns
Professional arborists are specially trained and equipped to handle the tools and equipment necessary for these jobs. They know how to properly and carefully get around these hazards. But if there is someone without the adequate training or without a permit that allows them to perform high-risk services, they can’t guarantee job safety.
Even to the professionals, if a tree is near a powerline, this can be extremely dangerous.
Check Their Credentials
One way to identify unlicensed contractors is by their alluring lower rates for their services. They lead you to believe that you will save money if you go with them. But if they don’t have a license, you need to ask yourself the following questions:
What is their performance going to be like?
How are they going to be able to avoid hazards?
Will they be able to get the job done without property or personal endangerment?
In order to avoid mental and financial stress on yourself, ensure that the tree care service you hire has the following:
-Has their tree service license. Acquiring this license involves rigorous safety training. It also makes them adhere to the Canadian Center for occupational health and Safety standards. When an arborist has this certification, it indicates that they can safely, efficiently, and professionally handle their tree care service duties. These qualifications and qualities raise the credibility of the company which will make them a great choice when deciding what company to go with for your home or business tree care needs.
-Has insurance that covers any accidents or damages. You never want to hire someone who is not insured. Accidents happen and you never know when they are going to occur. This can be the case for property damages or harm that comes to the contractor’s employee, or even yourself. Each tree care company can have different insurance that varies between companies. But being insured with whatever insurance can guarantee you are not held liable for any damages or injuries that happen while working on your property.
Ask These Questions
You know what they say about assuming- never simply assume that your tree service provider is licensed or insured. Always ask for their insurance policy, as well as their credentials and license. If you have a reputable and legit tree service company, they won’t have any problems allowing you to see and ask these questions. Make sure to ask the following:
-What equipment will be used?
-Does the crew use hardhats and other protective equipment?
-Is the company vehicle properly maintained?
-What year was the business established?
-How long is the project going to take?
-Do you have up-to-date insurance?
-Is a written estimate provided?
-Can a list of references be provided?
Unqualified Arborist Signs
It is important to research the company you are looking into. Check the internet for reviews on the company, look for good and bad ones and take note of how many bad reviews they have. If they outweigh the good reviews, we recommend not to go with them.
Take note of the following warning signs to look out for before signing a deal with any tree care company:
-Lack of transparency: reluctance to show you any detailed description of their services, company, insurance, or licensing is a big red flag and you should find another company. Any professional company that is reliable will be willing to provide you with any of this information and evidence of their qualifications, experience, and expertise.
-Inadequate knowledge: if you find someone can’t properly and clearly explain your tree issues or problems, this means that they aren’t reliable or knowledgeable enough to be dealing with your problem. It is required for all licensed arborists to have proper and adequate knowledge and skills to articulate what recommendations and measures they would suggest to fix the problems you are having and the exact reasoning behind their suggestion. When someone is being vague or overcomplicating their description in order to confuse you, don’t go with this company or person.
-Suspicious advice: if you are looking for a solution to decrease your tree’s height, topping should never be the first thing a tree service provider recommends. If they do, it means that they are in a hurry and want an easy and quick fix so that they can finish the job. However, topping a tree can be harmful to the tree because it will leave it with weakened limbs. It also leaves the tree looking bare.
Repercussions Of Hiring Unqualified Arborists
There are various ways that hiring unqualified people can set you back, not to mention that it will be a waste of money.
-When accidents occur, people with no insurance are your responsibility when on your property. Things like removing a tree is extremely dangerous. If you hire an uninsured person or company to remove a tree, this can increase the risk of injury associated with this job. If an accident occurs while this uninsured person is working on your property, you will be held responsible, not the contractor. Any work done on your property places the financial and legal burden on you if the company is not insured. To save yourself the money and trouble, always hire a company that is covered by insurance, that way, they are liable for accidents and damage done on your property.
-Industry standards are not followed by an unlicensed provider. There are standards set out for pruning and trimming by the CCOHS. These standards are needed for maintaining the appearance of your tree and to also help it achieve its full growth potential. It also helps with curb appeal for your property. Providers who are unlicensed do not follow these standards and you will end up with la and neglected trees. They typically opt for quick and easy practices, like topping or tipping trees. However, doing these things can lead to unnecessary bark ripping and other injuries to your tree.
-Damages to your business or home are more likely to occur. It can be difficult to tell based on size and current location how or when a tree is going to fall. If you hire an unlicensed tree service provider and they attempt to remove a large tree, there is no certainty that they will successfully do it without it falling on your home, car, or garden. This is why it is important to pick a company that can protect your property. Any licensed professional will be able to precisely cut the tree to make it fall exactly where they want it. Preventing mistakes and accidents while saving you money from avoiding accidents.
Consider These Other Important Things
It’s no surprise that insurance and proper certifications are essential for hiring the proper tree care service provider. You should also check out the following to make sure you are hiring the best of the best:
Safety- It is imperative that all the safety guidelines are followed, regardless of how big or small a job is. It is also important that every crew member uses the appropriate safety gear while on site and always be aware of all the potential risks involved.
Experience- Caring for trees brings knowledge and experience. Sometimes, it doesn’t matter how new or old a company is. The way to measure the experience and knowledge of the crew is by asking for references. It’s helpful to know how other people liked their work and what they thought of them. References will show you how good or bad a company is and why they do on the job.
Equipment and Tools- trained and skilled arborists will be able to use the right tools and equipment in order to safely and efficiently remove or cut a tree. If improper tools are used, this can be harmful to your property, your tree, and the people working on the job. Any mishandling of these things can and will eventually lead to accidents and also an ugly job done.
How Five Star Tree Services Can Help
If you are looking for a licensed, insured, and reliable tree care company in Toronto, make sure to give us a call at (416) 990-3355. Our skilled and experienced team here at Five Star Tree Services can help you with any and all tree related services.