Whether it is a simple tree trimming or a more complex emergency tree removal, it is always best to research before hiring a tree company. You should first know the details of the tree service before you jump to a conclusion, and so that you can avoid making wrong decisions. In this article, you will learn what questions to ask a tree company before deciding to hire them.
 
Can I Get a Copy of Your License and Insurance?
Tree removal, especially storm tree removal, can be a dangerous job even for professional arborists. For this reason, the company you will hire must have all the licenses and insurance necessary for the job. Don't easily believe the company just because they said they have this information, ask for proof. If the company is reluctant to provide you with these documents, steer clear. A trustworthy tree company will have no problem supplying all evidence of their credentials. You should always work with professional and qualified tree experts for your safety and protection.

Can You Provide Me a List of References?
A tree company that has been in the business for long can quickly provide you with a list of their satisfied customers to help you with your decision-making. Don't be reluctant in contacting these clients and ask them about their overall experience with the company. You can often get unbiased opinions from customers because they will base their answers to their first-hand experience with the tree company. You can also read reviews online or on the company's website. Your tree deserves only the best care from the right people, so make sure you make time to check those references up.

Can You Provide an Accurate Estimate?
Tree services can cost a lot and can be an additional burden on your budget, which is why it is just right to hire a company that is worth your every penny. Try to get as many estimates from various companies, so that you can compare the cost. If you ever come across a company that asks for money even before they have started the project, don't entrust your business to them. Don't pay for something that has never happened yet.

The written estimate should enumerate all the essential details regarding the job, including the length of the project. You want to make sure the company you're hiring is maximizing the time to get the job completed. A reputable company doesn't waste time and is always productive.

Do You Practice "Topping"?
Topping is a poor trimming practice where the healthy branches at the tree's crown are cut in an attempt to reduce the tree's size. Trees that have been removed of its entire top branches start to grow dominant trunks. When this happens, the tree becomes a threat to you and your family's safety. You should stay away from companies that still practice this technique for your protection.

Do You Use Spikes When Pruning?
Unless they are removing a tree, spikes should never be used by tree companies. Spikes are used because they make climbing easier for tree companies, but they can be really harmful to the tree's health. They leave punctures on the tree's bark and make your tree an easy target for insects and infestations. You will do yourself a favor if you don't hire a company that uses spike for trimming.
 
Hiring a professional tree company is a big decision. A qualified tree service company will be happy to answer your questions right away to help you with your decision. Remember that your safety is always worth the money and resources you spend on professional tree service.
 
 

Whatever the reason your tree stands in your yard, whether it holds a swing and a treehouse, or your favorite fruit, it can't be denied that they are beautiful creations of nature. Trees give us so many benefits, and they deserve all the care we can provide. However, the sad truth is that not everyone gives their trees the proper attention it should get. To keep seeing beautiful lush and tall trees, tree care is a must. Well-tended trees live more beautiful and longer than those that are not. We can go on all day and talk about the tree's benefits, and it will still not be enough. With everything trees provide us, don't they deserve the best tree service available out there?
 
Home Escape
Don't we all dream of a beautiful yard with enough shade to protect us from the scorching heat of the sun, or a tall tree where you can put up your kid's treehouse, or how about a peaceful place in your property with lush and greenery? All these are possible because of the trees in your yard. Planting trees are easy, but it's a different story when they begin to mature. Make sure they receive enough nutrients for them to thrive.
 
Curb Appeal
You will thank yourself later on for caring for your tree, especially when it is time to put your house on sale. If your trees are well cared for, particularly the ones in front of your residence, the value of your home can significantly improve. Once buyers see the well-maintained trees in your front yard, you can expect faster buyer turnover. If you aren't planning on selling your house, keeping up with HOAs requirements is the best reason to maintain your trees' health. If you need tree care, your HOA can recommend a reputable tree service company because they typically know a company to do it for you.
 
The Health of Your Yard
Keeping your tree healthy goes beyond aesthetic purposes. When your trees are in good shape, your yard will look good, too. Well-trimmed trees are healthy trees. Further, if you do not maintain your trees, their branches can brush against your roof, which can lead to it damaging your property. Your roof is one of the most critical parts of your house, and you want to keep it in good condition not just for safety reasons, but because who wants a damaged roof?  Bi-annual tree trimming is always a good idea with fast-growing trees while slower growth trees should be trimmed every 3-5 years.  
 
For Businesses that Need Tree Care
Whatever the type of your business is, your exterior is the first thing that your clients will see. Believe us when we say that no one wants to do business with a company with its front yard unkempt. As a business owner, it is your responsibility to your business and your community to keep your trees in good health. Everyone will think well of you because of the well-trimmed trees on your lot. You don't only give your business a favor but everyone who comes to your property because everybody loves a beautiful

Removing a tree should be the last resort when maintaining your yard. However, there are cases when trees become a safety hazard, and we are left with no choice but to get rid of them.   For large trees, a qualified tree service company should be used as the process can require specialize equipment and skill.  

We have listed common signs to determine if your tree needs to be eliminated.  

It's Dead
A tree that is dead is no longer useful in any way and can even attract heaps of insects and pests in your landscape. If mushrooms are present at the base of your tree, this may be a sign that it is already dead. Even when springtime comes, it will no longer grow leaves and will lose its vigor eventually. It will continue to dry up and lose its color and leaves will continue to fall without hope of growing back. A tree like this is an eyesore to your landscape and needs to be removed immediately.

It's Too Close for Comfort
If your tree is leaning forward, it may be a sign that you need to have it removed immediately. This can be caused by wind and maturity and means that you should remove it to prevent damages to your property.

It's Overgrown or Messy
Trees that have grown excessively can block your view and become an obstruction to your way and vehicles on the street. It will be a great nuisance for you to keep this kind of tree, so it is better to have it removed. Also, some trees produce an excessive amount of seeds, and it is just hassling to clean them every morning, so it will be more convenient to eliminate it.

You Have to Make Some Landscaping Changes
You may find it necessary to change the face of your landscape to make its appearance better. You may want to add path walks or create a garden in your yard, or even a pool that will need considerable space to be installed. It may be difficult to plan any of these things if you have a large tree sitting in your yard.

Roots Start to Run Wild
Your trees' roots grow more rooted in the ground as they mature. If the roots become invasive to your property like your pipeline or the foundation of your home, this is a no-brainer, and you have to remove the tree right away. If you see cracks in your concrete or if it is raised, you have to call a professional tree removal service right away.

​If you see any strange growths on your trees, you should immediately address it before it causes any damage. Usually, the appearance of fungi that come in unusual growths that resemble a mushroom could mean that your tree is diseased.
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An injured tree can harbor fungi. You may not notice it when you were mowing the lawn, but you may have accidentally cut the trunk or base of the tree with the mower. You may have done pruning or trimming and left other parts of the tree vulnerable to fungi and other pests. Whether you are aware or not, things like these happen that is why it is vital that you know the tell-tale signs your tree is diseased.

Wounded trees are an excellent breeding ground for fungi. The fungus will grow in the wound and begin the tree will begin discoloration. Fungi will eventually decay the wood, and it will continue to weaken. If the root gets weak, the foundation of your tree will be compromised. Structural problems should be addressed as soon as possible because of the danger it can cause. Also, if your tree begins to lose its proportion, this may be a sign that your tree is diseased. Trees that have dying limbs that easily fall off are most likely infected. 

Further, if you notice that your tree is peeling its bark, this tree may be unable to keep nutrients it needs to thrive. Minimal bark peeling is normal. However, if it is excessive, it may already be a sign your tree has a disease.
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It is hard to reverse the situation once your tree is diagnosed with a disease. Others even say it is not possible because the tree will gradually die and decay. When your tree is no longer healthy, it is already a threat to your safety as well as other nearby properties. The wisest action to take is to take it down to avoid future problems. When you need someone to handle this type of job, trust only the professionals to assure safe and proper tree removal process. 

Call Fall Tree Service for a free tree disease inspection and treatment assessment.  

​Selecting a professional tree service company in Sioux Falls, SD need not be difficult if you utilize the following guidelines described below.  Each of these suggestions will help you filter through the tree companies in the area helping you select not only the most qualified but also the one that affords you the best protection against accident or injury.  
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​All professional tree service companies should be licensed and insured.  Insurance coverage should include two different policies: workers compensation and liability.  Workers compensation covers the business's employees if an injury should occur on your property during the course of the job.  Without this insurance, the liability for this would fall on the property owner.   Additionally, every tree care business should have at least $1M in liability coverage protecting customers for any property damage that may occur.  Always ask each tree company you are considering for copies of both these policies.  A large tree removal can be dangerous work - always ensure your tree contractor is fully insured.  
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The tree service industry has a number of associations and organizations that provide certifications and continuing education to tree companies.  Ask about memberships to organizations such as the Tree Care Industry Association and the International Society of Arborists.  

​The first reference check you should do is with their past customers.  Ask for current references no older than three months - anything older may not be reflective of their current business practices.   Next check online references sources such as the BBB, Yelp, Facebook, and Google.  These sources will give you a good overall sense of their quality.
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​Never accept just a verbal quote.  You then would expose yourself to price escalation after the job is complete.  Further, does the written estimate deal not only the price but also the work to be performed.  
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​Not only compare the price of each estimate but ensure the estimates are for identical work.  Sometimes, the nature of the work quoted will differ from estimate to estimate so you want to make sure you are comparing apples-to-apples.  Also, you should think twice before going with the cheapest provider.  Professional, quality tree care is expensive to provide, with the cost of labor, insurance, and equipment to consider.  
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​To operate a good tree service business, the owner will have to have made a large capital investment for equipment.  This equipment includes wood chippers, stump grinders, trucks, chainsaws, etc.  Ask about their equipment to get a sense of their commitment to their business.  Also, ask about the age and maintenance of the equipment as well.  Again, maintain tree service equipment is not an inexpensive operating cost.  
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​Most good, quality tree service companies will be weeks or even a month or more out on being able to perform your job.  This signifies they are in demand and the communities they service recognize their quality.  Be wary of a tree service that can quickly perform your work.  This is not to say they aren't a good business, and it might just mean business is slow at the time of year that you ask for service, but just be mindful of this and compare backlogs of other companies you request estimates from.  

If you follow these suggestions, you will significantly improve your chances of hiring a quality, professional tree care company in the area.