How to Hire a Tree Service
If you need to hire an arborist or tree surgeon to care for, remove or prune your tree(s), there are a few things you should check before you select one.
What is an arborist or a tree surgeon? A Certified Arborist [not
just a member but one who is certified by the International Society
of Arboriculture (ISA)] is someone who has demonstrated a basic
knowledge of tree care through the completion of a comprehensive
exam on tree trimming, care and removal. A tree surgeon is a title
that requires no training. A certified arborist must earn continuing
education. This helps them keep up to date with the latest
techniques for safely removing or caring for your tree(s). Also
check to see if the company is a member of professional
organizations such as The International Society of Arboriculture,
American Society of Consulting Arborists, National Arborists
Association or the Florida Arborists Association.
The Yellow Pages list tree-cutting companies (including arborists)
under "tree." No licensing is required for these companies other
than a regular Occupational License. You can find currently ISA
certified arborists on an ISA web page. The address is:
http://www2.champaign.isa-arbor.com/arborists/arborist.html.
Personal and Property Damage Liability Insurance and Worker' s Compensation Insurance are very important. A good company will have certificates of insurance issued directly to you from their insurance carrier. Copies of policies shown to you may be out of date. To determine if a business has workers compensation, contact the insurance carrier listed on the policy you have been shown or the Florida Department of Labor and Employment Security. Below is their address and phone number and web page address. At the Florida Department of Financial Services web page check the proof of coverage database (compliance) section in the Division of Workers Compensation Bureau of Compliance page.
Florida Department of Financial Services
200 East Gaines Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0300
CONSUMER HELPLINE: 1-800-324-2762
A business may have been issued an exemption from workers compensation. A wallet size card will bear the seal of the State of Florida, have an authorization signature and will list the business name, address, the exempted individual and an effective date. Do not depend on the Yellow Pages because information may be out of date.
Get two or more free estimates of the work you want done. If you
need professional advice on what should be done, a consultation fee
may be appropriate. Remember, quality of work may be more important
than price. Ask them to prioritize what tasks are most important to
accomplish your goals (such as which trees are most hazardous or
which trees are most expensive) so that you can conform your plan to
your budget.
Ask for a complete written estimate of all services they recommend
before you sign a contract. This should be on a formal estimate
sheet with complete details of all work intended to be performed.
This should include tasks such as disposal of debris, cleaning work
area, stump grinding, removal ofwood or if they will cut and stack
firewood.
Always have a signed contract with the total dollar amount and completion date of work to be performed. Read the contract carefully before signing, as any document. You should receive a legible copy. This will help protect against possible future disagreements over what services were suggested and agreed to.
Forestry Fact Sheet Number 1 Prepared by
Stanton Rosenthal
Extension Agent/Forestry
UF/Leon County Cooperative Extension Service
Phone 1-850-606-5202
12/27/95
Revised 10/22/99.