Before hiring a tree service company, always do your research by checking their qualifications, reviews, certifications and insurance coverage. Doing this could save you from many complications later on in life.
Choose companies who belong to industry organizations as they will more likely abide by best practices and have experience dealing with all manner of tree issues.
Qualifications
When hiring a tree service company, education and experience should be your top priorities. Ask what training the employees have received as well as whether or not any are ISA certified arborists as this certification indicates the highest level of education within their industry and will give you confidence that they know how to properly care for your trees.
Be sure to verify the company has insurance. Accidents happen, even with stringent safety protocols in place; and you don’t want to be held liable if an incident arises. Inquire as to their level of workers’ comp and liability coverage.
Check their length of business to ensure a reliable experience. Avoid companies new to the industry as they may not be reliable; additionally they might lack appropriate equipment. Any reputable business should possess all of the tools required for the task at hand without needing to subcontract any equipment for completion of it.
Reputable companies also boast business plans with realistic goals and first-year projections that provide insight into their dedication to making their venture successful, helping you assess if investing in them is worthwhile. A well-written business plan will enable you to determine if a particular firm deserves your time or not.
Certifications
When hiring a tree service, it’s essential that you look for credentials and certifications as this will allow you to determine their trustworthiness and professionalism. Any reputable provider should gladly share details regarding their education, experience and answer any queries that you might have regarding their services.
As part of your due diligence, be sure to inquire about their insurance coverage. A reliable tree service should have both liability and workers’ compensation insurance to protect you if an accident should arise during work, without you being held liable. It’s also wise to confirm whether their policy covers both personal injury as well as property damage claims.
Make sure to ask how long the company has been in business before making your decision, this way avoiding fly-by-night services that could end up doing more harm than good. Also inquire about their equipment and safety protocols.
Be sure that the tree service you hire has up-to-date insurance and licensing. Many states mandate renewal dates for licenses and registration statuses; it’s vital that these deadlines are kept on top of. Employing an online compliance management tool such as Harbor Compliance can help keep track of these statutory obligations while leaving more time for business development.
Insurance
As with hiring an inexperienced driver to operate a motor vehicle, tree service professionals should only employ those with adequate insurance coverage and workers’ compensation as their services entail using heavy and potentially hazardous machinery such as bucket trucks, cranes and chainsaws – therefore workers’ compensation and general liability are key requirements of their service provider.
When an employee from a tree service company gets hurt on your property, this insurance covers their medical bills and lost wages. It is usually legally mandated and protects you from being responsible for an accident that could cost money.
General liability coverage protects tree services companies if a third-party is injured during tree service projects, or their property damaged as a result. For instance, should a branch fall and hit one of your client’s car windows, or an arborist accidentally dropped his tool and broke a neighbor’s windowsill, your policy would cover repairs or replacement costs as well as lawsuit costs should someone allege negligence or injury claims against them. It can often be combined with commercial property coverage for greater savings as part of a Business Owners Policy (BOP).
When seeking proof of insurance, request a certificate with both your company name and policy number printed on it. Most insurers also offer mobile apps that enable users to check whether an insurance claim is legitimate.
Reputation
Customer service and reputation should be the cornerstones of your decision when selecting a tree service company. An outstanding track record can drive business expansion while an unfavorable one could have lasting repercussions for any venture.
Implementing a referral program is one effective way to ensure customer loyalty. By asking customers for reviews after each job and managing any negative situations that could otherwise lead to negative feedback, this gives your team an opportunity to prevent negative reviews from emerging.
Referrals are important, but building an excellent online reputation is just as essential to reaching new customers. You can enhance your online presence by claiming and optimizing your Google My Business listing; using consistent NAP (name, address and phone number) information across listings; adding photos to it; increasing search engine visibility by starting a blog that links back to your website or by creating one!
Reputable tree service companies will possess all of the required insurances, certifications, and licenses in order to operate within their industry. Furthermore, their website should provide an accurate portrayal of their services while belonging to an industry association will allow them to stay abreast of best practices.