208-762-5800   gracetreeservice@verizon.net   800-944-4543

How to Hire an Arborist 
by Tim Kastning

Tree service companies provide an important service to homeowners, businesses, and communities. Some of the services offered by professional arboriculture companies are technical tree removal, close-quarter timber felling, proper pruning of large shade and ornamental trees, knowledgeable pruning of fruit trees and shrubs, hedges, and  vegetation management. With many companies to choose from, how do you know which company is right for you?

Here are a few guidelines that can help you select an arboriculture firm to help you care for your trees, shrubs, and landscape.

•   Licensed:  Does the perspective tree service company have the proper licenses and property liability insurance? The State of Idaho now requires a contractor’s registration for any company who does contract work over an amount of $2,000.00. Some cities such as Coeur d’Alene require a city license to work on trees within the city’s jurisdiction. The State of Washington, the City of Liberty Lake, and the City of Spokane require companies to be licensed.  These licenses and registrations will assure the company is properly insured with liability insurance and workman’s compensation.

•   Property Liability Insurance: Due to the nature of tree work and the proximity of homes and power lines, property liability insurance is a “must have” in selecting a tree service. The service should willingly provide proof of their liability insurance and the name of their agent so that insurance can be verified. A recommended amount of coverage is $1,000,000.00.

•   Workman’s Compensation: This insurance is required by Idaho State Law and is paid for by the employer through the employee’s payroll. The purpose of workman’s compensation is to provide insurance for the employee in case of an on the job injury. This insurance is vitally important so that the property owner will not be liable in case of an accident.

•   Knowledge through Certification:  The International Society of Arboriculture has set the standard by establishing the “Certified Arborist” program. This certification process has helped bring professionals to our industry by requiring three years in the field of Arboriculture and passing an extensive exam. Although being a Certified Arborist does not guarantee quality service or professional business ethics, it has helped set a standard. Does the company you are working with have Certified Arborist on staff?

•   Safety, Safety, Safety: We cannot overemphasize safety! Because of the nature of tree work (working at great heights, electrical hazards, potential property damage, or even injury to an employee), safe work practices are required. All work practices in the tree care industry are governed by established safety regulations. These safety regulations have been established by OSHA and ANSI (American National Standard Institute). They cover procedures such as climbing, electrical hazards, personal protective equipment, proper rigging and aerial rescue. The Tree Care Industry Association has established a program to certify individuals as Certified Treecare Safety Professionals (CTSP). Ask if the company has a written safety policy and documented safety meetings, or has a CTSP on staff.  We cannot over emphasize safety.

•   Professional Associations & Training:  Companies that are members of professional associations and support on-going training through those organizations generally provide a higher level of professionalism. Organizations such as the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA), and the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) have greatly raised the level of professionalism and competency in our industry. Don’t feel shy about asking what organizations they might belong to.

•   Business Ethics:  Are you comfortable in doing business with this company, and are you certain they will perform their part of the contract? Does the company understand your expectations? Did they explain the process of their work, and do you understand what the finished product will be? Does the prospective company guarantee their work? The Tree Care Association has an accreditation process to accredit companies to insure and enforce proper business ethics. A reputable tree service will be certain they have your confidence and will perform their part of the contract to your complete satisfaction and expectations. 

•   Cost of Service:  The cost factor often receives the greatest amount of consideration. When choosing a tree service, it is important to determine “value versus cost”.  Not all companies are able to provide the same “value” to their service. The points outlined in this brochure will help you to see important areas that will add value to their services.

Other Areas of Consideration

•   References:    Will the company provide a list of referrals?
•   Equipment:    Does the company own and maintain the proper
                               equipment for the job?
•   Employees:   Does the company provide benefits and training to
                               retain quality employees?
•   Training:  Is the company qualified to perform the task?
•   Drugs:      Is the company a drug free company?
•   Clean up:Will the debris be cleaned up properly?
•   Impact:     What will be the level of impact to the landscape
                              area?
•   Advertising:   Can you find the company in the yellow pages?  

Tim Kastning is owner and president of Grace Tree Service, Inc.. He is a Board Certified Master Arborist- PN1268BM, and a Member of ISA, ASCA, and TCIA.  He can be reached at Grace Tree Service, 762-5800 or gts@jrcda.com