Two Questions You Should Ask a Tree Removal Contractor Before Hiring Them

Posted on: 13 January 2021

Here are two questions you should put to a tree removal contractor before using their services.

Have you removed a tree like this before? 

You should find out if they have removed a tree that is similar to yours such as in regards to its height, trunk width, canopy density and shape, leaning angle and etc. It's especially important to ask this question if your tree is in unusual in any way. For example, perhaps it's roots are growing over a large rock or it has an extremely wide trunk and is leaning heavily to one side.

You need to verify if the tree removal contractor has worked on similar trees because they will need to adapt their approach to their work, according to the characteristics of the tree that they have been asked to remove. For instance, they may need to create a bigger-than-average fall zone if the tree is highly unstable or if it has an extremely wide and heavy trunk. If this is the case, the tree may fall in a rapid and unpredictable manner. Similarly, if the tree's roots are entangled around a big rock and you don't want the rock to be damaged, they might need to use small manual tools to cut off the roots, rather than using a chainsaw.

Ideally, the contractor you hire should have lots of experience with the type of tree you need to have removed. However, if they do not, you could still use their services, provided they confirm that they're prepared to do the additional research and risk assessments that would be required for them to perform the removal safely.

What does your insurance policy cover?

All tree removal contractors should have liability insurance. However, it's important to find out exactly how comprehensive your contractor's insurance policy is before you decide to hire them. For example, even if you hire someone who has cut down many trees and is incredibly good at what they do, they could still have an accident. This is due to the fact that tree removal involves dangerous equipment, working at varying heights and handling big, heavy tree branches. Likewise, because it is done outdoors, the weather and light levels can negatively affect the contractor's working conditions.

Knowing that if something were to happen, their insurance could cover the replacement of any damaged equipment or materials. As such, if they have insurance, it will reassure you that you can safely use their services. Contact a tree removal contractor for more information. 

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