Whether you’re looking to tidy up your personal yard or need work done around the office building, there are a wide range of tree services to take care of any job. However, each type of job requires its own special set of protocols and procedures which takes a trained professional to handle with finesse. Find out what it takes to be an expert arborist and learn what to look out for when choosing a tree service company.

What to Look For in a Tree Service Company

When finding your ideal tree service company, there are some important traits to look out for. Contractors equipped with these specifications will make all the difference so it’s worth putting in the time to consider who exactly you’re hiring to take care of your precious greenery.

Years of Service

In the landscaping field, experience is everything. You don’t want someone brand new to possibly mess up your yard. It’s like a cosmetology student cutting hair for the first time. You can’t help but get a little nervous which makes it impossible to relax while you’re watching the work in progress. Tree service companies that have been established for at least a decade had the time to perfect their craft so they can get the job done with absolute confidence. Knowledgeable arborists will be able to perform the following with absolute certainty:

  • Trim
  • Prune
  • Cut
  • Remove
  • Grind
  • Haul

Each type of tree service involves different practices for various results. If you’re not sure which service your yard needs, you can always call your local contractor to ask for recommendations. They’ll be able to evaluate your landscape and identify areas for improvement. As you can imagine, tree maintenance is not a one-and-done deal. As long as your trees continue to grow, they’ll continue to require care. A trustworthy contractor will be able to honestly suggest when you should seek service again. They may even be able to point out signs to watch out for so you have a better idea of when to call back.

Certification, Licensing, and Insurance

If your contractor doesn’t have all of these papers (and completely up to date), then don’t even waste your time. Consider it a major red flag if a “professional” isn’t willing to get the proper licensing and certifications to be declared an official business. There’s mostly likely a reason why they’re avoiding this step and chances are it’s because they’re unable to become qualified for whatever reason. A legitimate and trustworthy contractor will have no problem acquiring their license to show you their authenticity and to put your mind at ease.

An International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certification is proof that a contractor knows all of the proper regulations and procedures that come with being an arborist. In addition, the Contractors State License Board shows all of the licensing and insurance information for every qualified contractor along with issue and expiration dates so you can see if a business is up to date on their papers.

Insurance is just as important as a license. When a contractor comes insured, it means that you’re not liable for anything that may happen on site. You wouldn’t want to get into any legal quarrels for something that’s not even your fault. Tree services come with many potential hazards, but good contractors know how to properly handle safety procedures and have no problem assuming responsibility for their actions.

Trained and Professional Staff

A good tree service company won’t just hire anybody. A solid staff consists of individuals who each have profound knowledge and experience in their profession to give efficient service with above satisfactory results. One way to determine the reliability of a company is to check out online reviews to see how their past jobs turned out.

There’s no shame in asking a tree service company for proof of their past work whether it be through photos of the final product or by providing referrals of previous clients. In fact, contractors who believe in their own skill will be proud enough to display their handiwork with a smile on their face. This is a great way to see exactly what they’re capable of and from there you can decide if they are a good match for you and your needs.

Safety Precautions

Above all else, safety should be the number one priority for any tree service company not just for the staff but also for the client. There’s a substantial list of OSHA standards, codes, and hazard solutions involved with landscaping that every contractor should know and follow to the letter. If a contractor isn’t able to say that they follow these official safety precautions, then don’t risk your own wellbeing on their subpar service. Even if it takes a little more time and effort, reliable contractors will have no problem taking whatever means necessary in the name of safety.

OSHA’s Tree Care Hazards and Solutions

Primary Hazards Safety Solutions
  • Struck by
  • Cuts and amputations
  • Eye damage
  • Ear damage
  • Electrocution
  • Slips, trips and falls
  • Use PPE (eg, hard hat)/know drop zone.
  • Train safe chainsaw use and wear chaps.
  • Wear safety goggles.
  • Wear ear protection for chipping/chainsaw.
  • Comply with the 10-foot power line clearance rule (10 feet + 4 inches for every 10kV over 50 kV). Note: Other Minimum Approach Distances (MADs) may be applicable for trained employees as provided by 29 CFR 1910.269.
  • Use property tree tie-in.

The Best Tree Service Company in Pasadena

If you live in the Pasadena area, then there’s some great news for you! JR’s Tree Service has a well-built staff filled with contractors that fit the bill in every category. Even if you live in San Marino or Sierra Madre, you can enjoy the best tree service that the Pasadena area has to offer with over 20 years of experience in every type of landscaping work imaginable.

Contact JR’s Tree Service online for a free estimate, or call us today at (626) 523-9362!