Questions to ask your tree service company

​Finding a good tree service company in Asheville, North Carolina can be difficult.  You need to find a business that has the right qualifications, references, insurance and is still affordable.   As you search the area for a qualified provider, consider the following questions to pose to those businesses you are contemplating.

How Long Will This Job Take and How Much Will It Be?

​Each good tree service company will have a backlog of work to complete before they can do your job.  This is a good sign that they are in demand.  However, you will want to balance this asset with your need to have the job done within a certain timeframe.  However, it would be best to not rush and go with a tree service company that can do the job within a week.  Most good tree service contractors are weeks or even a month or two out.   Additionally, always get the estimate in writing, which should detail the work to be performed, equipment used, and time it will take to complete the job once started.  There are unscrupulous companies that will fell a tree only to leave it on the ground for weeks and even months.  

What Are Their Credentials?

​The tree service industry has a number of associations/societies that most professional tree companies will be a member of.  These include the International Arborist Societ (ISA) and the Tree Care Industry Association.  These organizations provide credentials to tree service companies as well as continuing education opportunities.  Always ask the tree service company you are considering about their credentials and memberships.  

What References Can You Provide?

​Every quality tree care company should be able to provide you with past customer references.  These references should be for work similar to what you are considering and timely, in that they should be no older than three months old.  Further, while not a question to ask, check tree service company's online reviews with organizations such as the BBB, Yelp, Facebook, and Google.  Each of these internet sources is good for getting an overall sense of their customer service and work quality.  

If you follow these suggestions, you should be able to weed out companies that are lacking with regard to these criteria as well as help you narrow down the better companies in the area.   Also, don't always go with the cheapest bid as it may be a sign that the business doesn't do quality work or is otherwise taking shortcuts on your job.   Regardless the size of your job, whether it be a large tree removal or just a small tree trimming project, don't take shortcuts in doing your homework in selecting a quality tree care business.