FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
The condition of the tree is critical Another important factor in quoting a tree removal is its condition and structural integrity. Can the tree be climbed or will it have to be done with a bucket? If it can’t be climbed, can we get the right equipment close enough or not? How long has the tree been dead; is it brittle or not? The worst thing you can do is delay removing a dead tree until the bark starts to fall off. If you wait a year or two after it dies it will surely cost you more, assuming it can’t be felled into an open area. Trees that have been dead for more than a year are very hazardous to climb and in many cases impossible to safely remove without the aid of aerial equipment or cranes. Dead wood does not flex, it just cracks or breaks. When we cut a piece off and it swings down into the trunk or another branch, it explodes into pieces which can cause damage to nearby structures that would normally be out of harm’s way. I have seen pieces of dead trees fly well over a hundred feet upon impact, and trying judge where this debris might go is difficult. The only advantage that dead trees have is that they weigh much less than live wood since they don’t have all that water in them. If a dead branch were to hit something it would do far less damage than if it were live. Nevertheless, don’t make the mistake of delaying the removal of a dead tree. If you don’t have it taken down in the first year it will cost you more, as well as creating a more hazardous work environment and increasing the chances for accidents. Winter time is a good time If your budget is tight, schedule the work for the winter, since most companies will give discounts for off-season work. It is faster to remove trees in the winter because we don’t have to be concerned as much about lawn damage or flower beds. This allows us to remove larger pieces with less rigging, saving us time and you money. Winter is also the best time to prune your trees because insects and disease organisms are dormant and the tree will have plenty of time to seal the wounds before they are active again in the spring. Winter is a slow time for tree companies and most would welcome any additional business at that time, so be smart and take advantage of a good thing for both you and them. The only drawback to winter tree work is scheduling around the weather – sometimes jobs can be delayed due to snow or very cold weather. The shortened daylight can also turn a one-day job into two, but in the end the work will get done and you will likely have more money in your pocket. The biggest reason is insurance – our industry is a high risk business and we have to pay high premiums just to operate. Our workman’s compensation insurance is up there with coal miners or iron workers. We have to pay close to 25 percent of what an employee earns just for this insurance, and additionally, most companies will have a million dollar liability policy to cover any property damage that may occur in case of an accident. Also, employees earn skilled labor wages, and the equipment required to be competitive is expensive and needs continuous maintenance or replacement.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
First thing to find out is what type of tree service is needed and after our estimate we leave with an informed homeowner. As well as a gameplan.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
tree work is a dangerous job. Mostly being brave and having common sense. I have 12 years of experience with tree climbing and it shows with my knowledge to the industry.