Questions for Your Tree Care Company

Are there any ISA Certified Arborists on staff?

If you have anybody working on your trees, the company you choose should at least have one ISA Certified Arborist on staff. It demonstrates a level of commitment and shows that they care.

While the sales arborist might be knowledgeable, and there might be a Certified Arborist on staff, if the crews aren’t properly trained, then you will get poor quality work on your trees.

The ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) recognizes qualified, competent, and safe tree care professionals who are sought out the by the public, government organizations, and other professions.

What kind of education and training is required of all crew members?

Trees are living things and respond to pruning in certain ways. Pruning the proper way allows us to satisfy human requirements such as roof clearance or sunlight to the turf, while keeping the tree structurally stable, healthy, and looking as natural as possible.

Is the crew trained and knowledgeable according to ISA ANSI standards?

The safety of your property and all the crew members on a job site is a matter of training and strict compliance with ANSI standards.

Other questions to ask, relating to industry safety standards:

Is anyone on the crew CPR certified or trained in aerial rescue efforts?

Are all crew members equipped with helmets, chainsaw pants, and other PPE?

Does the company have general liability insurance?

General liability is necessary to protect your property, if damaged by a crew. You can and should ask for a certificate of insurance, especially for large jobs.

Do they pay for Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation is also important. In Texas, you could be held liable, if a hired tree worker is injured on your property.

Do they use proper pruning techniques?

A tree’s natural shape should be preserved. Trees should not resemble a stem of broccoli or a lion’s tail after trimming. Pruning for structure keeps the tree healthy, beautiful, and safe.