Most of us love a good bargain and saving money. I mean why would you want to pay more when you can get something for less? And the answer to that question is quality. What we are really searching for is the best value for our dollar, and that is far more important than saving a few bucks. Sure, there are times when the cheapest option is not a major sacrifice in quality…However, when it comes to services that are technical and require a great deal of skill and knowledge, paying less can end up costing you more in the end when the job is done poorly. This is especially true when it comes to tree service.
So as a property owner in need of a tree service, how do you decide what company will provide the best value and quality of work? Here are some important factors to consider as you shop around:
1.) Is the tree service insured?
Considering the level of risk involved, it would seem like liability insurance would be a necessity for anyone working in the tree care industry. Unfortunately, many companies cut corners and do not have adequate coverage…leaving property owners to cover the cost of any damages that might occur! Be suspicious of those that are not 100% transparent about their level of protection. It’s important to always ask for verification from the company’s insurance provider. It’s not good enough to see a printed document as this can be easily altered. Any reputable tree company should be willing to have their insurance agent send documents to you directly, usually via email.
2.) Does the tree service outsource work to independent contractors, or do they have regular employees?
You may think that hiring a specific company that means they are the ones directly working on your project. However, some business owners in the landscape and tree industry prefer to hire outside contractors to complete jobs. By doing this they can avoid providing important benefits to the contractor that would normally be required for a standard employee. These benefits include medical coverage and workman’s compensation for job-related injuries. Outsourcing also means that in the event of an accident, the business owner is not directly responsible for damages. Liability can be passed on to the contractor, or ultimately fall on the property owner. So, the safest route is to go with a tree company that has personal employees. A company that accepts full responsibility for those employees, and for the quality of work they provide.
3.) Does the company adhere to safety guidelines for the tree industry?
Tree work can be dangerous if workers are not properly trained and educated on best practices. It is also critical for the crew to have appropriate tools and personal protective equipment (PPE). Don’t hesitate to ask a prospective company about safety policies and whether or not they follow OSHA requirements.
4.) Do they have a proven track record?
In this digital age, we have an abundance of platforms for sharing information. Sites like Google, Angie’s List, the BBB, Yelp, and countless others allow for the consumer to provide honest feedback about products and services. Before you hire just anyone, use this to your advantage. Research the reviews and rankings available. What do former clients have to say? How long have they been in business?
After evaluating all of this information, it should be obvious what companies provide a true value for your money, versus those who just offer the lowest price. At Branching Out Tree Service we are proud to be a family-owned company that operates with the highest level of integrity and transparency. We are a fully insured tree company that takes care of our employees, and our customers, by providing them with the benefits and protection they deserve. To verify our Workers Compensation Coverage visit: https://www.ewccv.com/cvs and search for us, we are listed as Lemmon Concessions, LLC. Our professional tree crew takes safety very seriously and adheres to the A.N.S.I. A-300 O.S.H.A. Safety Guidelines for the Tree Service Industry. Branching Out Tree Service has over 25 years of arborist experience and our reviews speak volumes to our dedication to customer service.
Contact us now to schedule a FREE estimate. We would love to care for your trees!