Insurance
Protect your investment when hiring a tree service:
A tree limb crashing through your window, showering glass all over the living room, certainly an occurrence a home owner wants to avoid. When it comes to large removal or pruning jobs, even the most seasoned do-it-yourselfer will want to defer the job to the expertise of a professional tree service.
But there are so many tree services!
In 2009 there were over 75 tree service companies in operating in Winnipeg alone, how do you separate the good from the bad with regards to which company is capable of safetly completing your difficult tree work?
But there are so many tree services!
In 2009 there were over 75 tree service companies in operating in Winnipeg alone, how do you separate the good from the bad with regards to which company is capable of safetly completing your difficult tree work?
Beware of the following:
- All-purpose handyman with a pickup truck and chainsaw.
- Tree services requesting payment in advance.
- Tree services who wish to begin work without having drawn up a contract with total cost including taxes.
- Tree services that charge for estimates.
- Tree services unable or unwilling to supply a proof of insurance.
- Arborist certification is a good start but does not necessarily mean 'experienced'.
- Tree services who do not have certified arborists or trained tree climbers on staff.
- Tree services that advertise 'tree topping' as a service provided. Any knowledgeable arborist knows that topping is harmful to trees and is not an accepted practice.
- Tree service that uses climbing spikes/gaffs/spurs to climb trees that are being 'pruned'. Climbing spikes damage trees, and their use should be limited to trees that are being removed.
- Tree services requesting payment in advance.
- Tree services who wish to begin work without having drawn up a contract with total cost including taxes.
- Tree services that charge for estimates.
- Tree services unable or unwilling to supply a proof of insurance.
- Arborist certification is a good start but does not necessarily mean 'experienced'.
- Tree services who do not have certified arborists or trained tree climbers on staff.
- Tree services that advertise 'tree topping' as a service provided. Any knowledgeable arborist knows that topping is harmful to trees and is not an accepted practice.
- Tree service that uses climbing spikes/gaffs/spurs to climb trees that are being 'pruned'. Climbing spikes damage trees, and their use should be limited to trees that are being removed.
When selecting an arborist...
- Ask about membership in professional organizations such as the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), or Manitoba Arborists Association. Membership demonstrates a that the arborist is willing to stay up to date on the latest training and information.
- Ask for proof of arborist certification. Certified Arborists are experienced professionals who have passed an extensive examination covering all aspects of tree care.
ask for proof of insurance, $2 million in liability is required in Manitoba for tree care professionals.
- Ask for proof of arborist certification. Certified Arborists are experienced professionals who have passed an extensive examination covering all aspects of tree care.
ask for proof of insurance, $2 million in liability is required in Manitoba for tree care professionals.
