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Selecting a Quality Arborist

An arborist is a trained tree care professional. Work performed by arborists requires a high level of skill and is often quite dangerous. For these reasons, it is important to hire a reputable arborist with whom you can feel comfortable. Following are important tips to consider when trying to select a qualified arborist:

1. Check in a phone directory under Tree Care, or Tree Services. Write down the names and numbers of at least five companies. Because prices can vary drastically, it is important to get more than one bid, or opinion, for tree work.

2. Ask for certificates of insurance, including proof of liability for personal and property damage, and workman’s compensation. Tree work is dangerous, and many things can go wrong. Under some circumstances, you can be held financially responsible if an uninsured worker is hurt on your property, or if your neighbor’s property is damaged.

3. Ask for local references and locations of other work done by the company in your area. Then take the time to check on these references. Also check with your neighbors, maybe they can recommend a company that does quality work.

4. Find out if the arborist is a member of any professional organizations. Membership does not guarantee quality, but lack of membership casts doubt on the person’s professionalism and commitment to continued education.

5. The International Society of Arboriculture offers a national certification program for arborists. Determine if the arborist complies with the industry standards and is certified. This is particularly important for arborists pruning large valuable trees or spraying pesticides.

6. Be specific about the work you are requesting. You are less likely to be happy with the finished job if your requests are general. Spend some time with the arborists, and let them know exactly what you want, after all, they are working for you.

7. Many arborists are also salesmen. Beware of the bait and switch and don’t be rushed by special limited time offers. Be sure that the arborist is not recommending unnecessary work. This is another reason to get more than one opinion.

8. Be wary of "door knockers". Many door to door arborists are looking for fast money, and have little interest in customer satisfaction. A quality arborist is looking for repeat business and will strive to educate and inform his or her customers. Most of the time, you get what you pay for.

Remember, if you are going to have a tree removed, you will first need to obtain a permit from the Village. If you have any questions, or would like to obtain a tree removal permit, contact the Village Forester, Tony Gliot, at (847) 883-8600.