Selecting a Tree Care Company for Storm Damage

• Contributed by John Dudzinsky, Town of Herndon Community Forester

Selecting a professional tree care company is very similar to the way you would select any home maintenance contractor. There is information you should obtain to be sure you are hiring a professional company.

When selecting a tree care company, the first thing to check for is if they employ professional, certified arborists. An arborist is a specialist in the care of individual trees. A certified arborist is an experienced professional who has passed an extensive examination covering all aspects of tree care and maintenance.

When looking for a company, be sure to ask for proof of insurance. This not only covers you and your home but the company and their employees as well. Check for possible required licenses and permits and ask for references.

Obtain more than one quote—you do not have to go with the lowest quote. Be sure to read over the proposed work contracts to be sure they all cover the same work.

Please be wary of companies and individuals that may come door to door looking for work. Always check for proper credentials and insurance. A company performing improper tree care can cause more harm than good to your valuable trees. Good arborists will only perform accepted and safe practices.

Lastly, get everything in writing and read over the contract carefully. Do not be afraid of asking questions.

If you take care of your trees, they will help take care of you. Protect your valuable assets—your trees. For more information about all aspects of tree care, you can visit the web site www.treesaregood.com.

The following links provide information regarding tree pruning and damage as a result of storm damage involving electrical power lines:

Dom.com - Tree Pruning and Vegetation Management

Dom.com - Tree Trimming, Brochures & More Info

Area residents who live within the Town of Herndon limits can contact Dudzinsky to inspect their trees at 703-435-6800, extension 2014 or john.dudzinsky@herndon-va.gov.