Importance of insurance and workers compensation

Trimming trees seems to be a pretty straight-forward, time-honored service that most homeowners need from time to time. In reality, this high-risk service can endanger workers, employers and homeowners.No doubt many people are regretting having put off routine maintenance on their trees. They may be having difficulty hiring local companies to trim their trees before the next storm hits, or to clean up damage.Uninsured tree trimmers will come knocking on your door, promising a cheap price and a quick job.They want to go ahead and get the job done, so they’ll go ahead and gamble and work right in the power lines or other hazardous conditions. Stop before you say yes. These trolling unlicensed contractors may be “handy.” They may say they are cheaper than hiring a state-licensed contractor. But they could end up costing you more from poorly trimmed trees, unfinished work, fraudulent billing and liability for injured and uninsured workers.

The Better Business Bureau says that can open homeowners up to huge risks if one of the tree trimmers or yard workers are injured on your property.”They can actually sue you as a homeowner for the injury that’s occurred,” said the Better Business Bureau.

The BBB says don’t hire the person who knocks on your door and to get at least three bids before hiring a company. They also say make sure the company has worker’s compensation and liability insurance.And don’t just take their word for it. Make sure you verify that. Ask for proof of that insurance and the bureau of worker’s compensation certificate.

BBB Tips: Hiring a Tree Service

When it comes to tree care, some jobs are too big and too dangerous, or just need professional expertise to keep the tree healthy. Though there are many reliable tree companies that provide these services, there are also a few that are looking to be paid in full for services they have no plans to actually finish.

Better Business Bureau (BBB) reminds people that there are steps to take to ensure your finding reputable tree trimming companies you can trust.

Track Record. Before you hire check out the company’s BBB Business Review at bbb.org. It’s fast, easy and free. Also check to see if they are a member of professional organizations such as The International Society of Arboriculture, American Society of Consulting Arborist, or Tree Care Industry Association.
Look for the BBB Accredited Business Seal. BBB Accredited Tree Service Companies meet BBB accreditation standards, which include a commitment to build trust, advertise honestly, tell the truth, be transparent, honor their promises, be responsive to their customers, safeguard privacy and embody integrity.
Cost Comparisons. Get at least three quotes in writing, compare the quotes based on the same specification and make sure they have proper equipment to perform the job quoted. Don’t assume that tree stump removal is included if it’s not specified. Remember, quality of work may be more important than price.
References. Ask for references from the company’s last three jobs and contact them for testimonial.
Permits. Obtain applicable permits for the work to be done.
Licensing. No formal license is required for tree trimming. Do your homework. Licensing may be required at the state, county and/or city levels to perform additional types of service needed in this industry. Example: If company applies any pesticides verify they have proper state pesticide applicator’s license.
Insurance. Verify the company has personal and property damage liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance by getting certificates of insurance with you listed as the certificate holder. You can also verify proof of Workers Comp Insurance. Make sure that all workers on the job site are covered and are using hardhats along with other personal protective equipment.
Written Contract. Do not permit work to start without a signed, written contract that includes start and completion dates, exact costs, specific work to be done, to include protection of your property, clean up and removal of debris. Be sure to read the fine print carefully.
Deposits and Payment. Do not pay large payments up front. Stagger your payments according to work stages and do not make a final payment until the job is completed to your satisfaction. Pay by check or credit card for added protection. Paying by credit card provides some recourse should the job no be completed as stated in the contract.

Ask the company

Are they trained and certified? Will they be wearing name tags and uniforms on the job? Are the company vehicles clearly marked?

Ask if they will perform the work according to industry standards.

If they mention “topping a tree,” “lion’s-tailing” or “using climbing spikes to prune a tree” the company does not follow industry standards. “Topping” is drastically cutting back the major limbs of a tree to reduce its size.

“Lion’s tailing” is an extreme stripping out of most of the interior branches of a tree. Such practices can injure or kill your tree. Sometimes these techniques will be presented as a way to save money by removing more of the tree at one time. However a tree pruned by one of these methods usually requires more expensive restoration work in the future in order to save it.

Red Flags – Be Wary of a Tree Service Companies that: