10 Tips for Hiring a Legitimate Tree Service in Kalispell

Choosing a legitimate tree service in Kalispell can be hard.

These days they’re popping up everywhere. A simple web search for “tree service kalispell” yields dozens of results. How can you know which one is the real deal, and not just some drug-addled con artist with a chainsaw and pickup truck?

If you are unfamiliar with tree care and want to know what to look for in a legitimate tree service, use the following criteria to vet the service you choose:

ISA® Certified Arborists

It’s good to know that the tree professional you hire understands arboriculture beyond just running a chainsaw. The International Society of Arboriculture is the premiere benchmarking agency for ensuring tree workers abide by a professional tree care standard. Check the legitimacy of an ISA certification number with this search tool.

Clear communication and formal estimates

Your arborist should be able to clearly explain to you the tree species, what’s going on with the tree and what work needs to be done. Accordingly, this should be clearly written in a formal estimate before committing to doing work. Be wary of vague verbal commitments. Don’t hire anyone who can’t (or won’t) explain the process with you in a patient and polite manner.

Punctuality and efficiency

Lateness and the inability to communicate directly show disrespect for the customer’s time. The estimate process is a good opportunity to gauge the professional integrity of the tree service. If they can’t manage to be on time for a bid, odds are they won’t be able to juggle the logistics of getting your job done on time either.

Proper Equipment

The tree service should have the proper equipment to do the job efficiently and with no damage to your lawn and landscape. Ask about their equipment: a legitimate tree service will have a wood chipper, proper safety equipment and an effective way to move and haul wood. While man lifts and bucket trucks are useful, they aren’t always necessary to get the job done.

The Right Price

Beware of estimates that seem way too low or too high. Too low is often a sign of desperation and/or scamming, while too high often indicates that the arborist either doesn’t want to do it or doesn’t have adequate resources.

The Right Services

Avoid hiring tree services that offer outdated practices like “topping”. A modern tree service should openly state the services it provides and to what standard.

Payment on Completion

A legitimate tree service shouldn’t need to request advance payment for work. Many homeowners have been burned by paying out a retainer and dealing with a no-show. Don’t issue payment until the work done matches the work detailed in the estimate.

If the tree service you talk to meets all these requirements, they’re legitimate. While likely more expensive, you can rest assured that they know what they’re doing.

Up Tree Care meets all of these requirements and more, and is a reputable and legitimate tree service in Kalispell.