Trees are a beautiful addition to any property. However, sometimes they need to be removed to get the most use out of your land. Depending on the size of the tree, the removal process can require specialized equipment and an experienced hand. When you are looking for a company to assist you with your tree removal project, what should you look for? This short list of details can help you find the perfect tree removal company for your job:

Our Credentials

Just like people, every tree is different. The same can be said for your property. The soil composition and structure of your tree’s roots can make as much of a difference to your tree removal project as the size of the tree itself. To know that you’re getting the most knowledgeable tree removal service, look for their certifications.

Each certification should be given by an independent body and have a required renewal period. One such certification entity is the International Society of Arboriculture. To become an ISA Certified Arborist, for example, a company needs to have three or more years of full-time, practical work experience in the field of arboriculture or a degree in that field from a regionally accredited educational institute.

Great companies are proud of their credentials and should have them proudly displayed on their websites. This lets you know that they are not only certified, but that they have a current relationship with that certification entity. Almost all aboriculture certifications require regular renewal.

Customer Feedback

As is true with credentials, great companies naturally get great feedback. When you’re looking over tree removal companies, see what other people are saying about them. Look for companies that are praised for their efficiency and their customer service. Real customer feedback can tell you more than just a company’s skill; it will also give you a sense of the company’s culture and values.

Feedback is also an excellent way to tell if a tree removal company is suited for your specific needs. Some companies are only outfitted for small projects and others only handle large ones. If you have a variety of projects or a very specific set of needs, this information is extremely important. Make sure that the company you hire for your tree removal project is the best one for the job.

Job Scope

The scope of your job is going to directly influence the cost of the project. When you begin surveying the work that you need done, be sure to take notes. Provide as many details about the tree removal that you think may be important. This can include soil, root structure, tree age, and tree health. Tree removal can be a massive job. The more information you can provide to a company, the better.

Soil Details

Trees affect the soil that is under and around them. Roots can churn and work soil, the weight of the tree compacts the soil, and trees hold soil in place. When you are removing your tree, it’s a good idea to pay attention to your soil content and pass that information on to the removal company. This may affect the type of tree removal equipment the company needs to bring to your job site.

Root Structure

The older the tree that you need removed, the larger the roots may be. Tree roots are extremely important in preventing erosion of the soil around them. Experts in tree removal will know to take all of the tree – above and below ground – into account before they begin the removal process.

Tree Age and Health

Tree age and health directly relate to the strength of a tree’s roots and the wood of the tree itself. When trees get sick the wood structure will change. For example, a tree that is infested with termites becomes weak and brittle. These trees are more dangerous to remove than healthy ones due to the risk of the tree falling apart before or during removal.

Project Cost

Once you have all of the details that you think are important to your job you should be able to get a good estimate for your tree removal cost. Make sure to ask the selected companies for a range of possible expenses when you are planning your job. You do not want to be buried under tree removal costs that could lead a job half-finished. Keep in mind that all quotes have a margin of error and the final cost could go up or down depending on your individual job-site.

After you have all the information that you need, you can move your project forward with confidence. At the end of the day, the selection of a tree removal company is entirely up to you. It is important that you work with a company that you feel good about. When you feel comfortable with a relationship, then you know that they will give your tree removal project all of the care it deserves.