Winter is slowly approaching which means that temperatures are expected to fall, and heavy snowfall and ice are just around the corner. This is the time when every homeowner must do their best to protect their trees from the cold by finding the right professionals to ensure that their property is well-maintained.

To avoid becoming a victim of tree service phonies, there are certain tips you will read about in this article that are good to consider when picking a proper tree service.

Insurance
Making sure that the company you hire has the appropriate tree service Insurance should be one of the first things you check by simply asking for written proof of their insurance policy.

The carrier should send the certificate directly to you since many companies are known to produce and pass fraudulent certificates to customers.

Besides insurance, make sure it also has worker compensation coverage. If an accident happens, and they don’t have the proper insurance, you’re the one liable and could be facing a lawsuit. You would also have to cover for the repairs to your property.

Reputation

Researching the tree service will always be worth your time. It’s not a bad idea to inquire about their reputation in the neighborhood. Go online and read any reviews you can find and check whether the tree service provider is a member of respectable trade associations, like the Tree Care Industry Association or the International Society of Arboriculture.

Ask around how long they’ve been doing this and if there are any complaints about their work on online forums or discussion groups. You can even ask the company for references if you feel like you need that extra assurance.

Ask for Prices

People love a good bargain but if a price seems too good to be true, then it most likely is. A tree service that offers very low prices probably lacks experience in this industry, or the proper insurance and certifications, or only plans on completing a portion of the project.

Scammers usually offer extremely affordable rates and use smooth-talking salesperson tactics that persuade you to accept such low-priced services.

But, the same also applies if the price is outrageously expensive. If you’re surprised by the high prices, go ahead and compare different estimates from other service providers to determine what the average price is.

Even though you want to catch a good bargain, seek out multiple estimates in your area to judge the expertise and professionalism of the tree service to be on the safe side.

Compare Apples and Apples

When considering different estimates, compare what you’re offered. You should take into account if one tree service is offering extra services or benefits. For instance, one company might plan on taking a tree down whereas another one might be ready to remove it in sections.

It’s a lot easier to take down a tree and doesn’t require a lot of time, but, in turn, it’s much more likely to cause more damage to your property. If the trees are taken down in pieces, it causes less damage to your property but requires more effort and time which makes it the pricier option.

However, remember that the price isn’t the most important part. Trust your instincts and choose the option that works best for you and your specific needs.

Check for a Better Business Bureau Seal

You should check to see if the tree service company is accredited with a Better Business Bureau Seal and if it is, it’s an excellent sign that it is a reputable company by meeting the BBB standards.

This is a good indicator of a proper service that offers transparency, integrity, commitment, responsiveness to customers, privacy, and honest advertisement. You also want to know what rating the company has and its reputation.

Be Cautious After a Disaster

Con artists usually appear after natural disasters and can be the reason why you’re forced to hire suspicious door-to-door contractors. If you urgently need to hire a tree service, be cautious and make sure you’re not overcharged.

There are many examples of tree services that charge excessive rates after a hurricane or ice storm although the service needed is simple and easy. In addition, always ask that the company provide the necessary certifications and insurance coverage.

Conclusion

There are numerous tree service companies on the market, but you need to be careful when choosing one if you want to avoid scammers. You can easily detect scammers by following the above-mentioned tips and ensuring that you receive a high level of professionalism, presentation, and expert knowledge.

Everything comes down to choosing a trusted company with a good track record that’s ready to deliver top-quality services and that will get the work done.

Photo Credits

First photo is from Pixabay

Second photo by Jimmy Chan from Pexels

Guest Author Bio
Victoria Berman

Vicky is a Food & Lifestyle Blogger at AvocadoPesto, where she specializes in healthy living and cooking. She is also a world traveler and has visited over 60 countries.