Tips for How to Select a Tree Service Company
In this article, we provide ten suggestions on how to properly select a tree care company. These tips will ensure you select the best tree service in your area, and they will also assure you that they are licensed and insured. We think you will find that Green Bay Tree Service meets and exceeds all these criteria.
Protecting Yourself When Hiring a Tree Care Provider
How do you select the right tree service company in Green Bay WI? And, what are the best methods to avoid tree care scams?
It is sad, but unfortunately, the tree service business is full of scam individuals and companies. Fortunately, armed with this information you can make a better-informed decision on what tree service company you hire.
7 Tips in Selecting a Tree Service Company
These seven suggestions should definitely aid you you making a better and more informed decision the next time you need to select a tree service company in Green Bay.
Insurance and Workers Compensation Policies
Ensure each tree service you are contemplating has ample liability insurance and worker’s compensation for their employees. All certificates of insurance must be provided by the tree service’s insurance agent to you. If not, it might be a fraudulent certificate. If a company has an incident while on your property and does not have the correct insurance, then you will be liable.
Better Business Bureau Accreditation
Make sure that the tree service company you are considering is accredited by the local BBB. While the BBB accreditation is not as strong as it once was, it is still a good symbol of a reputable company. Additionally, determine what kind of rating the company has with the BBB, and the service should be in good standing.
Reference, Ratings, and Reputation Considerations
Do some homework to determine the reputation of the tree services you are considering. Personal references are always best, but also consider Google, Yelp, HomeAdvisor, Thumbtack, Angie’s List, etc. You should also check with trade associations, such as the Tree Care Industry Association and the International Society of Arboriculture. Other considerations should include the age of the business, complaints, and references.
Obtain Multiple Tree Service Quotes
Always get multiple estimates from tree service companies that pass the above tests. This will accomplish multiple objectives: 1) price comparisons; 2) thoroughness of the estimates themselves; and 3) responsiveness of the companies providing the estimates. These factors and others will help you make an informed selection.
Compare Tree Service Estimates
Be careful when comparing estimates that the services quoted are the same. Otherwise, you will not be comparing apples to apples. Always consider additional services in estimates as driving factors to either higher price or more value – only you can be the judge of which one.
Avoid Traveling or Door-to-Door Tree Service Companies
Never do business with services that knock on your door, especially for large efforts like tree removals. Many times, these door-to-door contractors are fraudulent, traveling from town to town chasing storm damage, and are unlicensed and uninsured. Lastly, making a spur-of-the-moment decision on a large project like this is never a good idea.
Only Pay When the Work is Done to Your Satisfaction
Never pay in full prior to the work being completed. You want to retain some or all of the amount as leverage for unfinished and/or unsatisfactory work. Also, ensure the amount charged is what was originally quoted. And lastly, be mindful to leave a review on social media or other lead services, such as Yelp and HomeAdvisor, passing on the benefits of your experience with the tree service. If more people honestly did this, the job of future customers in selecting a suitable contractor will be greatly reduced.