How to Choose an Arborist

Date March 09, 2020

Category

Author TreeNewal Staff

Hiring an Arborist isn’t a decision you want to give a second thought, and it’s certainly not one you want to take lightly. Choosing the right Arborist will ensure that your tree work is done correctly, while tree work done by an inexperienced person can damage both the tree and that individual.

An unqualified individual may not have the appropriate insurance, putting you at tremendous risk for enormous liability that could potentially cost you thousands of dollars in repair costs.

As such, here are a few things you should consider in your search for a qualified Arborist.

Hire an Insured, Licensed, and Bonded Arborist

Many states require professionals working in a skilled trade to not only hold a license but also possess insurance. In the tree care industry, having insurance is essential. If a tree were to fall and injure someone or damage property, you could be facing substantial liability if you’ve hired an unqualified Arborist.

For this reason, make sure your prospective Arborist has insurance and is properly licensed.

Ask for an ISA Certification

Usually, certifications endowed by well-known organizations exhibit a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. For Arborists, the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) provides this certification.

To obtain an ISA certification, an individual must pass a comprehensive exam covering all aspects of tree care and maintenance. Arborists who are ISA Certified are more than likely to provide a quality service.

Ask for References and Check Them

When you’re on the hunt for any contractor, it’s essential to ask for references and check them. If you’re dealing with a qualified Arborist, they should be more than willing to provide you with the references you need.

Still, receiving the references isn’t enough. Once you have them, conduct extensive reference checks, asking the following questions:

  • Have you worked with…?
  • What was your experience working with…?
  • Would you recommend their services?

Only work with Arborists that have references that you can verify. Some unqualified Arborists may use fraudulent references in the hope that you won’t check them. Avoid falling in this trap to select the right Arborist for your tree care needs.

Field Bids and Estimate from Various Arborists

Sometimes, the first contractor you call or contact is never the one you work with. Fortunately, there are several Arborists in the North Texas region. This means you are free to hire any Arborist that meets your preferences.

With that said, do your due diligence in conducting research of prospective Arborists in your area. Since the quality of your tree care rests in the hands of the professional you choose, make sure your Arborist is both reputable and knowledgeable.

Don’t Rush into Any Decisions

When you speak to a prospective Arborist or tree care company, you’ll likely be connected to a team member trained to coach you into scheduling a consultation or moving forward with their services.

Usually, they’ll even throw in a promotion to sweeten the deal. If you didn’t conduct any research prior to your call, it can be tempting to select any Arborist, even if they are unqualified for the job.

This is why you shouldn’t rush into making ill-prepared decisions. Otherwise, you could be at risk of wasting your hard-earned money, while ruining the integrity of your trees.

Avoid Arborists Who Try to Improper Pruning

Arborists who are highly-experienced in their work and certified will rarely suggest performing excessive pruning tasks. Such practices can harm your trees and make them hazardous to your property and other home occupants.

Instead, trustworthy Arborists recommend safe and appropriately-timed pruning tasks to keep your trees under control. Therefore, avoid any Arborist who recommends excessive pruning practices.

Watch Out for Flyers, Cold Calls, and Door-Knockers

Reputable, certified Arborists rarely result in outbound tactics to generate business. Think about it – would you hire a surgeon that placed a flyer on your windshield? Likewise, would you work with a dentist who called you unexpectedly?

Arborists work in a very similar fashion for your trees. In fact, many Arborists are nicknamed “tree surgeons”. Beware of tree care professionals that will reach out to you for work.

Often, this is a sign of a desperate professional that may not be qualified to do the job in the first place.

Hire an ISA Certified Arborist Today

Do you want to learn more about how you can hire an ISA Certified Arborist? Are you trying to improve the aesthetic quality of your trees? If so, contact us today to learn more about how we can help you today!