Homeowners need to be focused on much more than price to hire the right company for tree work in Hollin Hills. Did you know that Tree Care workers have one of the most dangerous jobs in America? These workers regularly encounter heights, uneven terrain, slippery conditions, unstable dead trees, falling limbs, sharp mechanical equipment, and electrical wires!
In addition to dangers faced by the worker there is just as much danger for your home as well! Falling trees, limbs and root systems damage homes all the time. A home’s equity is at risk when a homeowner does not hire the right company.
When a homeowner does not know enough about a product or service they often make decisions heavily based on price. Homeowners need a more thorough process in selecting the right tree care company. I have created the following steps as a resource to help guide you through this process.
Step 1. Work with the Tree Care Company to identify the scope of work.
When hiring the right tree care company in Hollin Hills it is important to walk the grounds with each of the vendors that are being considered for the job. Have each look at all of the trees and recommend what is the best course of action. Each company should be able to tell you which trees are in most need of care or removal.
A good vendor will know the species of a tree. Knowing the species means they are knowledgeable about how it lives and affects it’s surroundings. If the vendor cannot tell you about the tree or how it lives they are not really well qualified. The goal is normally to maintain the current tree canopy by keeping the tree in good health rather than removal.
Step 2. Ask Questions
Ask questions about how the tree will be removed or trimmed in great detail. Homeowners are generally unaware of what good industry standards are. Homeowners should view this as the perfect opportunity to gain knowledge on the process so that better informed decisions can be made now and in the future.
This is a list of questions that should help you formulate questions that fit your circumstances:
- What type of equipment will be used?
- How will heavy equipment access the property? (be aware of sprinkler heads for irrigation systems)
- How many trucks will be present? (street parking needs)
- Are you requiring the use of a crane? Does the vendor have their own or do they rent it? (Is the vendor the right size for my job)
- How many workers will be on the job and will you be supervising them? (who will I be dealing with)
- Will the workers be your employees or are they independent contractors? (training & liability issues)
- Does your company carry liability insurance (and for how much) and Workers Comp? (can they cover accidental damage and do they care for their employees well being)
- Can you provide a copy of these insurance policies with the proposal?
- How long will the project take and what time in the morning will you start? (am I important)
- Will you take all wood and debris with you? (no extra hassle or charges)
- Do you grind the stumps? Can you include pricing for that as well in your proposal?
- If we are going to maintain the property properly what would be a good plan over the next few years? (expenses can be managed over a greater period of time)
Homeowners must determine if they need the stump to be ground down. Stump grinding is when a special machine grinds the stump down so that it can receive soil and seed over where the tree was. The proposal should include stump grinding if it is needed. This is where you will find differences between the vendors. Be sure to ask for a detailed proposal and make sure that the proposal is accompanied with policy copies of the workers comp and liability insurance.
Step 3. Review Proposals and Make Selection
Homeowners should ask for proposals to include copies of the needed Insurance Policies. You will find that some Tree Care Specialists disqualify themselves by not even submitting a proposal as they most likely do not have the needed insurance policies. Some vendors will promise to provide the insurance information when they arrive for the job. The problem with this option is that the vendor usually jams the homeowner with “I forgot it” on that day too. This pressures the homeowner to start the work without proof of indemnification for the homeowner.
You will find that care and removal recommendations differ from vendor to vendor. Secure clear explanations for the differences to be comfortable in making a decision. At this point it is reasonable to ask each vendor for reviews of past clients and one can search online for links to the better business bureau or Angie’s List (See my best recommendation at Kenny Jenkins Angies Link here or visit Kenny’s Better Business Profile).
Simply put, a good Tree Care Specialists will want to answer any questions you have. It only makes sense for an interested company to provide you with what you are looking for. After all they are trying to secure your business.
Please Check out my video above and feel free to reach out to me at 571.228.4159 to learn more about my experiences with Kenny Jenkins Tree Care over the last 15 years. You can reach Kenny Jenkins at 866.536.5369. I hope this article was informative and helpful in hiring the right company for your tree work in Hollin Hills.
