Find a Tradesman

TREE SURGERY

Trees enhance the beauty of the landscaping around your home. However, they require periodic maintenance, such a pruning or even removal as they age. This is important for the health of your trees and can also be a safety issue on your property.

Today, we are going to give you some things you will want to consider when searching for the best tree surgeon for your tree maintenance needs. These include:

  • Examining their qualifications
  • Inquiring about their memberships and accreditations
  • Receiving a detailed quote for all jobs
  • For the best work, employ a specialist
  • Key questions to ask
  • Examine the equipment that they are using
Let us take a moment to go a little more in-depth with each of these aforementioned items.

The governing body that issues certificates of competence for tree surgeons is The National Proficiency Tests Council (NPTC). Any tree surgeon that you are considering for hire should hold the following certificates at a minimum:

● Maintenance of the chainsaw, on site preparation and basic cross cutting (CS30)
● Fell and process small trees (CS31)
● Climb a tree and perform aerial rescue (CS38)
● Use of a chainsaw from a rope and harness (CS39)
● First aid at work

Selecting a tree surgeon with these certificates is important because it helps ensure they have the proper training to complete your job to the industry’s high standards and do it safely.

There are also additional memberships and accreditations that a tree surgeon can obtain in addition to the competencies listed above. These can include a related degree or additional NPTC certifications. There are also memberships in the Arboricultural Association (AA), the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) and the Royal Forestry Society.

Any of these additional memberships are a benefit to your tree specialist, but do not guarantee high quality work. However, if they are an approved contractor with these organizations, a stringent set of qualifications has to be met, and therefore, they are vetted.

When you are looking to hire a tree surgeon, you should find someone who is happy to come to the job site in person and provide you with a written and itemized quote for the work you are looking to have done. Prepare to be as specific about the work you are seeking to have done as possible.

You will want to investigate if the quote covers things like all equipment, stump grinding, waste removal and disposal and any applicable taxes. The removal of waste is particularly important, as tree surgery often involves large volumes of waste that can be difficult for a homeowner to transport and expensive to dispose of.

Hiring a generalist like a landscaper or gardener isn’t always the best idea for your tree surgery needs. Although they may be able to complete the job, they may inadvertently damage delicate trees due to a lack of specialized training and knowledge. It is best to hire a top-level arborist when you can.

In addition, a gardener or landscaper may not have the correct type of insurance to be covered if something goes amiss when they are trying to perform tree surgery. They also will not be trained in the appropriate climbing and safety procedures putting themselves at risk.

● What method will be used for tree removal?
● How will the future growth of the tree be affected?
● How long will the tree trimming or removal take?
● How can the job be performed in a way to minimize impact on surrounding neighbors and businesses?

A reputable tree surgeon will provide answers and solutions to all your questions.

Know what cutting, safety and personal protection equipment your tree surgeon will be utilized for the job. This assures their protection and yours.

By taking the time to follow these suggestions, you can be confident that you will be able to hire the best tree surgeon for all of your tree maintenance needs.