How To Hire An Arborist

1. Make sure they are part of an established business in the community or nearby area with a listing in the phone book, usually under “Tree Service.” Look for “certified arborist” or other indication of professional certification (see 4. below).
2. Have them provide you with evidence they are actually working for the company, rather than moonlighting.
3. Ask for current certificates of insurance showing they are fully insured for property damage, personal liability and worker compensation.
4. Ideally, they should be members of a professional association of arborists such as the Kansas Arborist Association (KAA), the International Society of Arboriculture, the Tree Care Industry Association, or the American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA). Ask for proof of certification before any work is started.
5. Arborists who have received certification from their professional associations, such as ISA Certified Arborists, will have received training and access to current technical information on tree care, repair and removal. They will also carry membership cards to show their certification.
6. Get at least three estimates to ensure the price offered is competitive with that offered by others for the same services.
7. In case of tree removals, have a clear understanding about who removes the limbs and debris from the property and whether or not the price includes stump removal and clean up.
8. Check to see if the estimate has considered the possible value your tree will have as firewood or chips, either to yourself or if sold to others. (If your tree is large, contact Elmwood Reclaimed Timber for information about its Old Growth Urban Reclaimed Timber Program.)
9. Do not hire contractors who go door to door. A professional tree care company typically does not do business by knocking on doors.
10. ABOVE ALL - do not respond to pressure tactics! Be a good consumer. Do your research and hire good contractors.