10 Questions You Should Ask Your Emergency Tree Service | Dallas, TX
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Are you looking to spruce up your yard? You have probably had time to look at scraggly grass in your yard and bare trees, enough to make plans to improve and beautify your home. Curb appeal not only improves the aesthetics of your home but also increases its value. While some tasks you can do by yourself, tasks such as tree pruning and removal require the expertise of an emergency tree service.
It is important to take your time when deciding who will work on your home. This is because there are electrical and plumbing systems running beneath your yard which need caution during handling. Homes built in 1970 have weaker cast iron or clay sewers underground that can easily burst when heavy machinery crosses over them.
If hiring an emergency tree service feels overwhelming, this piece will offer you ten questions that will give you easy clues on who to hire in Dallas, TX.
Do you have a certified arborist?
An arborist is an expert trained to provide tree care. An emergency tree removal service needs to have an ISA-certified arborist. Additionally, an arborist is trained in the field to have tangible experience.
Does your company belong to any industry organizations?
Being a certified and reputable emergency tree removal service isn’t nearly enough. The company needs to belong to professional organizations in their field. It is important to ask, and usually, most companies display this information on their website. Belonging to professional organizations shows that the company commands the respect of such others in the field. In the tree care industry, the two main professional organizations are the American Society of Consulting Arborists and the Tree Care Industry Association.
May I see proof of insurance?
Proof of insurance is crucial, especially when the job is considerable and there is a possibility of accidents of considerable proportion happening. If an emergency tree service doesn’t have insurance, you may need to foot the costs of any damages or liability.
The emergency tree removal service also needs to comply with Dallas, TX Department of Transportation regulations and OSHA Work Safety rules. In the event heavy equipment is needed, the weight of vehicles and proper operation are crucial. A properly licensed and insured emergency tree removal service will cover any damages and offer coverage to protect your home, employees, and business.
Do I require a permit?
Depending on the type of work you want done, you may need a permit. Failing to meet such requirements would result in not only discord within your neighborhood but would also be costly. First, brief yourself on the requirements in Dallas, TX, and inquire from the emergency tree removal service whether they have applied for any permits that are required.
How long will you honor a quote?
When consulting for a contractor’s services, it is important to seek a second opinion. To do this, you need to know how long an emergency tree removal service will honor your quote. You need to educate yourself on the costs and extent of work. If a company insists that you need to act immediately, keep looking. Tactics such as high pressure to acquire a job aren’t usually a good sign as you are likely to gloss over some crucial details.
How often do you handle this specific issue?
Inquire about the specific issue you are facing with your trees. Arborists are trained to do amazing things like bringing a sick tree back to health. Knowing how often they handle an issue such as your own may inform you on whether to take up their services or keep looking for a more experienced tree expert, especially if the situation is dire.
What is your experience in the tree service industry?
As you choose a company and compare estimates, you need to know how long an emergency tree service has been in business. Are they a chain, do they work in multiple locations, and have they worked in your area before? A company’s history informs you about its business practices, track record with clients, and work performance.
Do you use temporary laborers or subcontractors?
Emergency tree services that use subcontractors can quickly expand their business without the need to train and retrain their staff. Although there are pros to using subcontractors, one great con is that if their relationship gets sour, it could affect you. In the event there is damage to your property, the subcontractor isn’t held liable. It is also difficult to adhere to quality standards and control when the experts aren’t directly employed.
What equipment do you intend to use?
Equipment used by emergency tree services comes in all shapes and sizes. They could be large and heavy. Inform the company where your underground lines are if you know to avoid any damages. If you do not know, inquire what machinery they will use on your property so that you can have your utility company mark these lines out.
Your utility company can also suggest how best to safeguard these underlying systems, such as using plywood on top of lawns.
What is their cleanup protocol?
While some emergency tree services will clean up your lawn or yard, some will leave debris behind. If you have specifications for your debris, such as having it stacked up for firewood or mulched, be clear about your expectations from the get-go.
Noting it down in your contract is also a great way to ensure the emergency tree service understands exactly what you want. This may, however, cost a little more. Know whose responsibility it is to clean up and the expectations of your contract. This may give you a scope of the project and guide you on whether you should proceed with the project.
Finally, do not forget to get recommendations from property owners around you. Any company can look great on paper, but the most telling information comes from previous clients. If you have any tree removal needs, S&P Tree Service has your back. Not only do we have decades of experience in the field, but we are certified, and our experts are highly qualified. Get in touch with us today for more information about our emergency tree services.