When you have beautiful trees on your property, you want them to stay that way. However, neglecting routine tree care can lead to disease and other problems that can wreak havoc on your landscaping. Worse yet, problem trees can become dangerous.
That’s why searching for arborist Maple Valley online is so important. Read on to learn the top seven signs of a quality arborist!
1. Experience
A professional arborist will be an established presence in the community. Don’t hire new and untested tree care companies. Although they may be cheaper, you’ll pay the price for ineffective tree care that causes more problems later.
An experienced company will communicate clearly and promptly so you know what they’ll be doing during their visit. They’ll listen to your questions. And they’ll be able to speak using language that’s understandable.
Choose a company with years or, better yet, decades of experience. They’ll be a smoothly-oiled machine, meaning the chances of an efficient and professional experience are higher. Inexperienced arborists may cut corners or overlook customers, leading to longer waits.
2. The Right Equipment
Seasoned arborists will have the equipment to do the job well. Inexperienced arborists may not.
That’s because they may lack the startup funding to acquire this equipment. So, it’s wise to choose a company that’s demonstrated some longevity. You’ll be able to trust that they’re prepared!
Equipment includes items like harnesses, carabiners, and ropes. Arborists will need safety equipment like helmets and goggles, as well as appropriate trousers and boots. They’ll also have a chainsaw strop, chainsaw, and pruners.
Ask potential companies what they use to complete their work. And ask how much pruning they anticipate doing if that’s the nature of the job.
Good arborists won’t advise you to do extensive and unnecessary pruning. Too much pruning actually can contribute to future problems.
3. Free Estimates
Looking for tree care experts Maple Valley will yield many options. But not all of those companies will offer free estimates. Steer clear of companies that want to take your money for simply offering an opinion.
Instead, go with companies that offer free estimates. It’s smart to obtain estimates from a few companies to compare offers. That way, you can evaluate what’s covered in the estimate before making a selection.
One company may have a better offer but not as much experience. But another company may be unable to tackle all aspects of the job.
Ask about travel fees or additional costs if the job takes longer than expected. Ask about wait times, too, so you know exactly when you’ll be on the schedule. Weigh these considerations as you determine the best choice.
Even if you’re on a tight budget, don’t neglect quality. It can be risky to go with the cheapest estimate you get.
4. A Range of Services
When you’re searching for the best arborists Maple Valley, you want ones with a comprehensive range of services. Most will offer pruning, tree health assessments, and tree removal. If you’re planting a new tree, for instance, you’ll want to make sure it’s a fit with your climate and property.
Some companies will do injections, fertilization, and emergency removal after severe storms, too. Others will offer aeration and tree grading.
You may need stump grinding, so make sure the company you hire can do that. And if you have a lot of trees on your property, find a company that offers 24-hour services in case an emergency arises!
5. Sustainable Practices
Make sure to hire arborists who make the environment a priority. It’s fair to ask what practices a company is taking to be more sustainable.
For instance, good arborists will recommend planting native trees with the best chances to thrive in your area. They’ll know how to help you provide enough water to trees without depleting water resources. And they’ll recycle stumps into woodchips.
Arborists may need to submit reports to local agencies or comply with safety standards. They should be willing to show you evidence that they do this.
6. Good Reviews
Don’t forget to check reviews before hiring arborist services Maple Valley. The easiest way to do this is through a search engine. You’ll find less biased reviews than those included on a company’s website.
Look for evidence of many strong reviews. If you only see a few reviews, that could suggest the company is not in demand. And lots of negative reviews are a clear red flag to avoid the company.
You can ask for referrals, too. A reputable company should be willing to give you the names and contact information of a few recent customers. If they aren’t, take your business elsewhere.
Find the Best Arborist Maple Valley
Searching online for arborist Maple Valley can point you to qualified arborists with the expertise and credentials you need. Check for good reviews and the types of services you need. And hire a company that prioritizes sustainable practices.
At P’n’D Logging and Tree Service, we have been serving Eastern Washington and the Greater Puget Sound area since 1977. We offer services ranging from tree removals to pruning to help keep your property at its best. Contact us today to learn more!