When Hiring a Tree Service Company...

1. Insurance.

Make sure that the company you higher has adequate insurance both Liability and workers compensation.

2. Is the company qualified to do the work you want.

• Massachusetts has no regulation of the tree industry. There is no licensing program in Massachusetts to insure competency or insurance coverage of tree services.
• The ISA, and MAA offer a basic exam to certified arborist but this is only basic competency.
• OSHA requires arborists working within 10 feet of power lines to have special training. EHAP (Electrical Hazard Awareness Program) Meets the OSHA reg.
• Most state work is requiring OSHA 10 or 10 hours of OSHA training.
• If someone is operating a Crane, backhoe, skid steer, tractor, or log truck they are required by law to have a Hoisting License.

3. Working near power lines.

• OSHA requires any arborist working within 10 feet of power lines to have training.
• It is also required that the utility responsible for the infrastructure be notified prior to the work.

4. The location and type of your septic system is a must when having trees worked on.

• Its is a good idea to get an as built from the building office at the town hall to ensure you know where your system is.  If your septic system is damaged the cost of fixing it could get very expensive.  Extra caution should be taken when working in proximity to any septic system.

5. Lawn damage it is highly likely when having tree work done.

• It is a good idea to have any irrigation systems marked.
• Talk to the company ahead of time so you know how much damage to expect.
• If trucks and equipment are to be used for the work what steps are going to be taken to minimise damage.  Plywood can be used to minimise the impact of heavy equipment.
• Rain and wet weather can increase the amount of damage.
• Working in the winter when the ground is frozen is a good idea and can save a lot of lawn damage.  However snow and ice can make the job more difficult if you have a hill or sloped lawn.  It is possible to plow a lawn but this too can cause damage to the lawn.

6. How the work is to be preformed.

• There are four ways to work on trees Fell the tree, Climb the tree, use a Bucket truck, or use a crane.  Each method has it's advantages and disadvantages.
• Felling a tree is the fastest and usually the cheapest way to remove a tree.  But it is not always possible to cut down whole trees due to houses, fences, sheds and pools.  If the tree is felled on a lawn it is likely that it will damage the lawn.
• Climbing a tree takes more time and often is more expensive.  The advantage is that the tree or parts of the tree can be removed in areas not accessible by equipment.  The tree can be cut in pieces if space is restricted.  It is not always possible to climb a tree due to safety concerns and once the tree is cut it still needs to be removed from the property which can be an issue.
• Using a bucket truck can greatly improve safety and productivity of tree work.  The problem with using a bucket truck is it is heavy and trees are not always accessible with a truck.
• Using a crane is safe, efficient and can be very low impact.  With a crane it is possible to remove a tree from a back yard with out ever having to go in the back of the house with equipment.  The tree is simply lifted out of the back yard and placed in the front of the house.

7. When Work is to be Preformed.

• Ask the time table up front and how the schedule is set.  Is there prior notice or will the company just randomly show up and do the work according to convenience.
• Know if it is necessary for you to be home when the work is being done.  For pruning it is recommended for the owner to be present during the work to make any decisions that may come up.

8. Property lines and tree ownership.

• It is very important to know where your property lines are.  The legal ramifications can be serious and the cost of tree damage and loss can be great.  Know your property lines and talk to your neighbors.
• If work is to be done on, near, or over a property line get consent in writing!!  This will help to avoid any conflict.

9. Wet lands.

• Wetlands are defined by the vegetation present and not necessarily by standing water.  If you plan to do work within 100 foot of wetlands you are required to get permission from the conservation commission.

10. Bad weather.

• Tree work is subject to change due to weather conditions.  Often it is not possible to do a job if it is raining or snowing.  Wind also can affect the ability of a company to complete work.  Lightning is of great concern when working with trees and will halt operations.

11. Stump grinding.

• Is it included?
• Are the grindings going to be removed from the site?
• Is the hole going to be filled in?

12. Comparing Different Quotes

It's important to keep in mind that there are many ways to do a job.  In order to compare quotes it’s good to know how each company is planning on completing the job.  Often the devil is in the details.  Be specific and find out the approach each company is going to take.  What equipment will they use to do the job?  Crane, bucket, spider lift, climb, or fell the tree?  Do they have to drive on the lawn? Are they going to use plywood on the edge of the driveway to prevent cracking?  Will they use a winch to drag the brush or tree across the lawn?  How well are they going to clean up after the job?  Most companies look at the job and give a price.  There is little explanation as to how the job is going to be done.  Set parameters and be clear about what is expected when the job finished.