How to Hire a Tree Trimmer

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

If you need to have large trees removed or trimmed it is essential to hire an experienced and qualified professional to avoid the risk of injury or property damage. Here's how to find the right tree trimmer for the job.

Steps

1. Evaluate what tree work you need to have done. Consider seriously which trees need to be removed or trimmed. A dead tree near your house can be a significant hazard and probably should be removed.

2. Contact several tree service contractors in your area. Ask friends and relatives for recommendations, or note contractors from trucks working in your neighborhood. If you are having difficulty finding someone, check the yellow pages.

3. Have the contractors quote you prices for the work you want done. Be sure to give each contractor complete (and identical) specifications for the project.

4. Make sure that the contractors are all properly insured. Check to make certain that their coverage protects against any property damage that may result during the work, as well as any injuries.

5. Ask for references from the contractors. Check with these references. Were customers happy with the work done? Was the project free of incidents or damage?

6. Make sure you and your trimmer are clear on what is to be done with the debris. Will the contractor remove it all? Will logs be cut and stacked and branches chipped?

7. Select a contractor based upon price, experience, and your impression.

8. Execute a contract for the work. The contract should clearly specify the work to be done, the cost, a payment schedule, a start date, and an estimated completion date. Make sure that the contract also protects you against any damage done during the work and specifies what is to be done with the debris.

9. Have the contractor tag all trees to be removed to avoid any confusion. Check to make sure the tags are correct.

Tips & Warnings

• Make certain that you are sure what you want to do before removing major trees from your property - they cannot be replaced.

• If you are having trimming or other maintenance work done with the intention of saving a sick tree or trees, consider the contractor's experience in this area.

• Make sure that cars and other items susceptible to damage from falling branches are clear of the work area.

• Always minimize any deposits or up-front payments. Try to keep your payment schedule closely aligned to the pace of the actual work.

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