Trees are beautiful and valuable additions to most properties, but like most other things, they need to be maintained. Usually, this involves watering, mulching, and occasionally fertilizing, but you should also be trimming your trees periodically. Once trees get to be a certain size, it’s no longer advisable, and sometimes not even possible, for you, the homeowner, to prune them yourself. But finding a tree service professional can be intimidating. How do you find the right one?
Tree Work Can Be Dangerous
One of the first things to keep in mind is that tree work can be very dangerous. While it is tempting to think you can DIY a pruning project or chopping down a tree, you could cause major injury or damage. Tree limbs can look fine but actually be rotten and break when a climber puts their weight on it. This is why tree service professionals have equipment like buckets, which you likely don’t have at home. Trees also often fall at surprising angles and rates and are taller than they look once they are felled. You could be risking damage to your home, a neighbor’s home, or any vehicles in the vicinity. Even in an industry where people are trained to do this work, there are still 3 times as many injuries for tree workers as there are for the average worker in the US.
ISA Certification
There are no federal requirement for education or training, so not all arborists have the same knowledge about tree care and tree removal safety. They all have to follow OSHA standards, but most of them are general practice standards. The ISA, or the International Society of Arboriculture, provides a certification that ensures the arborist is trained, knowledgeable, and equipped to service your trees safely. Ask your arborist if they have ISA certification.
Other Considerations
Before you settle on an ISA certified arborist, get multiple quotes. When they come out to give you the quote, ask them questions and watch them assess the sight. A qualified arborist will thoroughly inspect the sight, including the surrounding trees, and they will be able to tell you how they will addresses the issues. Finally, make sure they are insured and ask for references from people who have had similar work done, then follow up with them to see how the project went.
Tree Care and Maintenance from Harford Tree
Ready to have the beautiful yard you have always dreamed of? Harford Tree Experts & Landscaping, Inc has been in the business for decades, providing customers with quality work and quick responses all at the right price. We service the areas of Harford County, Baltimore County, Baltimore City areas including Bel Air, Fallston, Perry Hall, Towson, Essex, Parkville, White Marsh and Middle River.
For service during business hours, reach out to us or give us a call at 410-592-7321. We offer 24/7 emergency service as well, just give us a call at 443-250-6649. For updates about our business and more informative tips, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.