Things to Know Before Hiring a Tree Service Company

by Tree Service

 

Tree service Tuscaloosa, AL

It can be daunting, not to mention frustrating to look for a tree service company. There are hundreds of tree service companies out there, and you need to be extra careful in choosing the best one for your particular needs. You can be tricked by low cost and empty promises, which is why we came up with the top things you need to know before hiring a tree service. These things will help you make a wise decision on your next tree care project.

Credentials

This is among the first things you should ask a tree service company for. You want a tree service that makes an effort to keep up with what’s the latest in the tree service industry. The ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) and TCIA (Tree Care Industry Association) are two of the most reputable organizations in the tree business. They both offer training programs for ISA Certified Arborists and Tree Risk Assessment qualifications. If the company you are looking to hire has affiliations with these big names in tree care, you can be confident that your concerns are being handled by only the best in the field.

Customer Reviews

Reviews are essential because they serve as windows to what the tree company really can offer. They come from people who have used the service, so they have the power to say whether the tree service is a real deal or if they’re mere talk. There are plenty of online review sites, including Facebook, Google, Angie’s List, and Yelp. Look for the general views of their customers about them, both positive and negative. It is also important to note how they respond when they get negative comments from their clients. Do they get mad, or do they address the issue tactfully and professionally?

Pricing

There are two major aspects of tree service; tree trimming and tree removal. When you are comparing the cost of the service of a tree company, it is important that you know what kind of service you require. In pruning, they should be able to tell you what type of pruning they will perform on your tree, the cuts, and how much of the total canopy they will remove. On the other hand, when you are looking to remove your tree, you need to make sure you know how your yard will appear once the project is done. Will they take care of the mess, or do you have to pay extra for them to do it? Don’t always settle for the lowest price because this often leads to accidents and damages because they hastily finish the task.

Insurance

There are two types of insurance involved in tree service: general liability and workers’ compensation. Both are essential because in case something goes wrong, you will be covered, and you don’t have to be liable for anything. When your house gets damaged during their time on your property, they will cover for the repair if they have general liability insurance. If one of their workers gets hurt while on the job, the tree company will be responsible for the medical expenses. These two insurances are crucial, so make sure to verify that their policy is up-to-date to avoid liability issues.

Equipment

You cannot use just the typical cutting tools to take down a large tree. Tree care, especially removal, requires the use of specialized equipment to ensure the task is done fast and safe. The right equipment will not only hasten the job but will prevent damages and injuries, as well. An established tree company will bank on modern equipment because they are aware of its importance in the business.

The Difference Between Tree Trimming and Tree Pruning

by Tree CareTree PruningTree ServiceTree Trimming

Tree pruning using a pole sawA lot of people use the terms tree pruning and tree trimming interchangeably. Although they are virtually similar, there are still distinct differences between the two. The only fact is that these two tree maintenance techniques are both useful to make sure the trees in your yard are healthy and beautiful. It is essential to learn the distinction between these two to make sure you give the right care your tree needs.

The Right Time to Use Pruning vs. Trimming

Pruning is generally related to cutting trees and shrubs. Their health can significantly improve by removing dead, broken, or infected branches. When trees and shrubs are correctly pruned, their ability to grow and thrive is increased dramatically. Also, when unhealthy branches are removed, the risk of them falling to your house and causing harm to anyone is reduced. Pruning can also be used to improve the aesthetics of your tree and overall landscape because it can control a tree’s shape and size. On the other hand, trimming is used for shrubs and hedges for aesthetic reasons. It gives the tree a neat look and gets rid of dense bushes that can block sunlight which is essential for trees’ health.

The Difference in Equipment Used

Pruning and trimming both involve cutting the trees but they use different equipment for the job. Pruning mostly requires the use of two types of sheers: the hand sheers and the loping sheers. Hand sheers cut stems up to three-quarter inches in diameter while loping sheers can cut up to one and three-quarters thick. Loping sheers have longer handles compared to hand sheers. You can also utilize a pruning saw for thicker branches. In most cases, trimming trees involves the use of manual, electric, or gas-powered clippers.

Particular Timetables

Both trimming and pruning should be done in the right season. Many trees need to be pruned yearly, but the timing depends on your goal for pruning. If you want your trees to flourish during spring, prune it during winter, while you should prune it in summer to stunt its growth. If you prune the tree after its blooming cycle, you will increase its flowering capacity.

On the other hand, trimming should be done twice a year for aesthetic purposes. The timing for trimming is at least once after the flowering season. For smaller shrubs, they should be trimmed before they grow to one-foot height to improve their health.

Should You Hire a Professional

When you know the difference between pruning and trimming, it will be easier for you to determine whether you need help from a professional tree service company or not. If you what your tree needs are a simple bi-annual trimming, you may not need to hire a professional arborist, instead just buy hedge clippers and perform the job. However, if the job involves tall trees and dangerous power lines, calling a certified arborist will be the smartest move to make. Also, if there are a lot of trees in your yard that needs simultaneous trimming and pruning, a professional tree company might help.

Knowing the difference between pruning and trimming gives you the power to keep your trees healthy all year-round. You can make wise decisions and give your trees the right care they need.

Call the tree service Tuscaloosa trusts to maintain and enhance the beauty of your landscape trees.