GUIDELINES FOR HIRING AN ARBORIST

If you have trees growing on your property, situations may arise that require hiring the services of a tree specialist. Common reasons for seeking tree help include storm damage, high-elevation pruning, disease prevention or treatment, and insect control. Another reason – a very good reason, by the way – is woodlot management.

Deciding whom to call isn’t as simple a process as locating a plumber or electrician. Your options include hiring a certified arborist, a non-certified tree specialist, or a friend of a friend of your neighbor who did a job two years ago using a borrowed chainsaw.

There are approximately 100 arborists working in the private sector in Minnesota who are certified with the International Association of Aboriculture. ISA offers a range of certification credentials from certified tree worker to certified arborist. To be certified, individuals must pass a voluntary comprehensive exam. Certification must be maintained through continuing education, which means they should be up to date on the latest in arboricultural technology and are knowledgeable of acceptable tree care practices.

A list of Minnesota certified arborists can be viewed at www.isa-msa.org/ Unfortunately, since most certified arborists serve a limited geographic area, property owners in many parts of Minnesota don’t really have the option of hiring a certified arborist.

If you are unable to locate a certified arborist who works in your area, there are ways to help ensure the person you hire is competent, knowledgeable and trustworthy.

Some municipalities require licensing for tree-care companies. The purpose of licensing, explains Dr. Patrick Weicherdinig, University of Minnesota urban-forestry specialist, is to restrict entry and control an activity or a profession, presumably to only those qualified. “Possession of a license, however, doesn't ensure quality tree work,” Weicherding says. “It simply means that the tree care company has the privilege to operate within the municipal limits because they paid the required license fee.”

Other professional affiliations (besides ISA) include the National Arborists Association (NAA) and the American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA). Affiliation with these organizations demonstrates a willingness to keep current on the latest techniques and information.

When checking the yellow pages of your local phone directory look for arborists who list themselves as ISA Certified Arborists or display the official logos of their professional memberships. Also look for logos of business accreditation such as the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), which requires they have an ISA Certified Arborist on staff.

If none of these credentials is available, look for other indicators of proficiency, knowledge and experience. My local phone-book yellow pages lists seven companies under the category “Tree Service.” The display ad for one of the companies offers the following facts: “every job owner-certified;” “licensed and insured;” and “family owned and operated for over 24 years.”

Weicherding recommends asking for proof of insurance and then verifying coverage with the insurance company. A reputable arborist should have insurance to cover personal and property damage as well as worker's compensation. If you hire an uninsured tree worker, you can be held liable for any damages or injuries that occur while he or she is on the job, according to Weicherding.

He also advises asking for references from past customers and to not hesitate to check the references and even visiting locations where the company or individual has done tree care work.

Another important step in getting satisfactory tree work done is estimates. “Don’t be afraid to ask for an estimate, and it's best to get more than one estimate,” Weicherding says. “Selecting the lowest bid is not the best way to select a tree care company. Look at all specifications and credentials and the work to be done to determine which company will provide the best service with the skill and professionalism needed to protect your investment. Most importantly get it in writing. Most reputable arborists will have the customer sign a contract so be sure to review it and do not be afraid to ask questions before signing.”

Reputable arborists only perform industry-accepted practices. Unacceptable practices include tree topping, using climbing spikes on trees that are not being removed, and removing or pruning trees without a good reason. “At first glance, a well-pruned tree often looks as if no work was done at all,” Weicherding points out.

I continue to do a lot of tree-maintenance work myself, using a chainsaw (when I’m standing on the ground) and hand saws (when I’m on a ladder). As each year passes, however, I am choosing to do fewer of the higher-risk jobs myself. I can’t climb trees as well as I used to.