Trees add beauty to a home and can increase the value of your property. Proper care and maintenance ensure their health and beauty.
When selecting a tree service, be sure to get estimates from several companies and look for a variety of credentials. Credentials from professional organizations are a good indicator of professionalism. Contact Southern Tree now!
Tree Service requires a high level of expertise. To ensure the safety of workers and property owners, it is important to find a company with employees who are ISA-certified or NALP-certified and insured. A good company will also have a strong reputation in the community. You can check online reviews and references to see what others say about the company.
A reputable tree service will have all the necessary equipment to handle any job, including cranes and other specialized machinery. They should also have the latest tree-care technology and know how to use it properly. This is important because the wrong method can damage the tree and surrounding properties.
It is also a good idea to look for companies that specialize in the specific type of tree care you need. For example, if you have a large oak tree, it is best to find a company that specializes in oak trees, as they will be more familiar with the proper techniques to maintain the health of the tree. It is also a good idea to look at the company’s website and ask them questions about their credentials and experience.
In addition to their knowledge of trees, Tree Service experts should have a thorough understanding of local regulations and laws that pertain to the industry. A professional company will be able to provide guidance on permits, licensing, and inspections. This information can help you avoid costly fines and legal disputes.
While many people can call themselves arborists, the International Society of Arboriculture requires a rigorous training program to earn the title. This means you should only work with a company that has an ISA certified arborist on staff. You should also check the company’s insurance coverage, which should include Workman’s Compensation and general liability.
You should never hire a company that does not carry adequate insurance. A reputable tree company will have these details listed on their website and be able to give you the name of their provider. They will also be able to tell you how long they have been in business. It is best to find a reputable tree service that has been in business for at least 10 years, as young companies may not be experienced enough to do the job well.
Safety
A tree service company should prioritize safety at all times, including prior to the start of a job. This involves a thorough prestart hazard assessment, which includes inspecting the condition of the tree, surrounding vegetation, power lines, and any other hazards that could affect safety. The company should also ensure that all employees have appropriate personal protective equipment, and conduct regular maintenance on their equipment. It is recommended that employees wear hard hats, eye protection, gloves, and chainsaw chaps or pants to minimize the risk of injuries.
Accidents during tree service are common, but with the right precautions, they can be avoided. It is important for companies to train their employees on all aspects of tree care, including proper climbing techniques and hazard recognition. They should also use two-way communication to maintain effective communication throughout the workday. In addition, they should follow minimum working distances when trimming or felling trees near power lines.
One of the most significant risks for tree service workers is falling from a ladder. This can be prevented by always using a safe ladder and never attempting to climb more than you are capable of. In addition, it is recommended that employees wear a harness and tie themselves to the tree with lanyards or ropes. These should be tested regularly to ensure they are in good working order.
Another risk is electrocution. This can occur if a worker comes into contact with a live wire while performing tree service activities. This can be caused by direct contact, indirect contact, or by arcing. Therefore, it is important to use extreme caution when working near power lines and to always ask a licensed professional to de-energize them.
It is also important for tree services to take precautions to protect themselves from poison oak and ivy, which can cause skin irritation and rashes. They should wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect their arms, and wear gloves when pruning or cutting trees. They should also avoid eating or drinking near the work area, and always keep their limbs clear of debris. In addition, they should not work in adverse weather conditions. High winds, heavy rains, and slippery conditions can increase the risk of accidents.
Reputation
Tree services help maintain the health of trees, enhance their aesthetics, and reduce the risk of property damage or injury. They also save property owners time and effort, as they can perform tasks that are too dangerous or complex for most homeowners to complete themselves. In addition, tree services can help ensure that trees are trimmed properly to prevent them from becoming a hazard during storms.
When choosing a tree service company, check their reputation online and with other clients. Look for companies that have a solid track record and a high client satisfaction rating. You should also make sure that they have the proper equipment and training to perform the work required. Also, find out if they are members of any professional organizations. This is a good indication that they are familiar with best practices and will be up-to-date on any new developments in the industry.
A reputable tree service will offer a wide range of services, including tree removals, hazardous limb removals, pruning, stump grinding, and cabling/bracing. They will also provide insect and disease evaluations and treatments. They can even help you design your landscape and assist with planting. They will also provide emergency response services in the event of a storm or other natural disasters.
If a company advertises “topping” as part of their services, be very cautious. This practice is against industry standards and can severely injure or kill a tree. In addition, it will lead to future problems, such as weak branches that are prone to failure.
A reputable Tree Service will be licensed and insured. Ask for proof of liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage before hiring a company. It’s also a good idea to find out if the company has a permit. In some cases, a permit is required to remove certain types of trees or to install certain types of landscaping features. A permit may also be needed to transport a load of debris. If the company does not have a permit, you should hire another tree service company. In some cases, the local authorities will issue a fine for unpermitted work.
Insurance
If a tree service accidentally drops a branch on a house, damages a driveway or breaks a window during an operation, homeowners can sue the company for the costs. This is why it’s critical for tree service companies to have insurance that covers damage caused by their operations. The right policy may also cover the cost of repairing or replacing equipment and vehicles.
Most business owners are eligible for a business owner’s policy, or BOP, which bundles general liability and commercial property insurance into one affordable package. Tree services that use their own or leased trucks should have hired and non-owned auto insurance, which covers vehicle damage or theft while in transit.
Worker’s compensation is another crucial type of insurance for tree service businesses. This coverage pays for medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses if a worker is injured on the job. It’s important to note that personal health insurance will not cover workplace injuries, making workers’ comp an essential investment for tree services.
A professional liability policy can protect a tree service from lawsuits in cases where they offer bad advice or incorrect information to clients. This coverage is often offered as an add-on to a general liability policy, and it’s recommended that all tree care professionals have this type of insurance.
Inland marine insurance is another policy that can benefit a tree service business. This coverage protects equipment that is transported between locations, such as ladders, chainsaws and stump grinders. It’s important to check that the policy is comprehensive and has high limits.
Tree care is inherently dangerous, and it’s important for any company to have the right types of insurance. If you’re hiring a tree service, always ask for proof of insurance. A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is a document that proves the company has insurance and is in good standing. The COI should have the name of the company, the insurer and the policy number on it. It should also contain a statement that confirms the policy is active and provides proof that it covers tree work.
