How To Choose A Tree Removal Contractor

Your neighbour or relative might try to convince you that “their guy” is your best option to remove that overgrown or dead tree in your Edmonton yard—but is that true? Yes, word of mouth referrals can be helpful, but you should still exercise some due diligence in choosing a tree removal contractor. Not just anyone will do. Removing a tree might sound like a straightforward task requiring a bit of muscle from a person that’s mechanically inclined, but it can be anything but simple. In most cases, an experienced professional is required for a smooth and safe tree removal operation.

So if you’re going to consider using someone’s guy for tree removal or look at other options, how do you go about making the final decision? We’ve got some tips to help guide you in the process.

1. Consider their qualifications

No exceptions here, the key qualification for tree removal you should look for is certification from a major organization, such as International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) or Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA). Organizations like these have various certification programs that validate that a tree care and removal contractor has a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of arboriculture. Certifications cover everything from comprehensive tree knowledge to the operation of specialized tools involved in tree care and tree removal. A professional tree removal company should have their credentials easily available on their website.
(If you want even more detail on the value a certified arborist provides, check out this article.)

2. Check out their Google reviews and overall rating

Paying attention to the Google reviews and ratings of tree removal contractors you’re researching can yield helpful information. But you’re not just looking for a high rating, between 4 and 5 stars—because a business can have a high rating based on only a handful of reviews. Get a more accurate picture by looking for a contractor with a high rating (4 to 5 stars) and then looking at the number of reviews (this will be next to the rating in brackets). If the business has a good number of reviews, into the hundreds, and a high rating, it’s likely a sign they do good work and they’re reputable.

The second thing you should do is read the reviews. You don’t have to read every one, but scan through and take at least five minutes to see what reviewers are saying about the business. This can give you a sense for what’s behind the business’s star rating and gives you detail around customers’ personal experience with that contractor. Google even lists recurring keywords from the reviews, which makes it even easier to spot key themes from customers’ reviews.

3. Consider how long they’ve been in business

There’s inherently nothing wrong with newly established tree care businesses. But a tree care professional who’s been in business for several years or decades has the advantage of experience in dealing with your unique tree removal scenario. The longer they’ve been around, the more likely it is that they’ve dealt with every kind of removal situation there is.

4. Consider their “bedside manner.”

When it comes to seeking medical attention, we all want a doctor that’s friendly and empathetic—the so-called bedside manner. You want the same qualities in a tree removal contractor. Any contractor you consider should be professional, attentive and responsive. It can be difficult to evaluate this without interacting with your potential contractor, so it’s a good idea to get in touch with them by phone or email about your tree removal situation. This allows you to get a first impression of their customer experience. Now, first impressions aren’t everything, but alongside Google review information, they can help you get a sense for whether the promises the contractor presents on their website is likely to translate into a great customer experience.

To wrap up our list on that last tip: reaching out to a tree care professional to assess your situation is an easy way to get that first impression and ask for an estimate. Most professional tree removal companies in the market today offer estimates for free.

Don’t overlook locally grown business

One other thing that’s worth mentioning when it comes to choosing a tree removal contractor in Edmonton: local ownership and operation. Tree care companies that have long-established roots in the Edmonton area have a deep connection to its communities and therefore take tremendous pride in the service they provide fellow residents.

With nearly 30 years of experience, Alberta Arborists is one of the oldest locally grown and operated tree care companies in the Edmonton area and have extensive knowledge of the local environment and its trees.Reach out to us today to ask us about your tree removal situation or for a free, no obligation tree removal estimate.