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When it comes to tree care, some jobs are too big and too dangerous, or just need professional expertise to keep a tree healthy. Working at such heights requires proper training and protection due to a number of risky variables such as electrical wires, wildlife, nearby fences, buildings or homes. Of course, hiring a tree service comes with its own set of risks. To get your money’s worth and protect your interests, you need to ask your tree care professional these important questions to make sure you understand and agree with their answers.

1. Will they provide an up-to-date certificate of insurance including Workers Comp and a copy of their work contract?

This should be your first and most important question. You want to ensure they are properly insured and that you will not be liable for damage, accidents or injuries. This information should be sent from their insurance company directly by mail or email to ensure it is valid.

2. Can they provide a list of references?

Any quality company will be happy to share a list of satisfied customers. Ask for customers that they have done work for in the past month or so; you don’t want ancient history.

3. Will they give you a detailed estimate?

Get written estimates from three equal companies to compare prices and understand the scope of the job, which leads into the next question.

4. How will the job be approached and what equipment will they use?

You don’t want massive power equipment driving over your lawn and driveway causing collateral damage unnecessarily. If they are going across your lawn, make sure they know the locations of sprinkler heads or other objects that may be damaged. What is their policy if they damage something and is it acceptable to you? It may be a good idea to photograph the area before work begins so you have record in case there is damage. Make sure you understand how they will clean up during and after the job.

5. How long will the project take?

This is why getting an estimate is handy.

6. Do they use spikes to climb trees while pruning?

Unless your removing the trees, demand they not use spikes, which cause unhealthy wounds.

7. Do they advertise “topping” (removing live sections from the top of a tree)?

This is another poor practice, particularly for large, healthy hardwood trees and would indicate that you should continue your search.

8. Will the crew be using hardhats and other personal protective equipment while on your property?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) require that personal protective equipment be used for any tree care operation. A reputable tree care service will require their workers protected.

It’s important to protect yourself and your property

by hiring a tree care professional for dangerous jobs.

It’s equally important to protect yourself and your “

tree investment” by asking these top eight important questions.