Frequently Asked Questions
You’ve Got Questions, We’ve Got Answers
Do you have questions about our tree care services, billing, estimates, or anything else related to your project? We’re here to help! Our team of experts is ready to provide clear and informative answers to all your inquiries.
If you still have questions after reviewing our FAQs, please don’t hesitate to get ahold of us.
How to Get in Touch
About the Company
Are you fully insured for tree work?
Yes, we carry workers compensation, general liability, and auto insurances. We include a current copy of our Certificate of Insurance with every proposal so that you can ensure our coverage meets your requirements.
Do I really need to hire a CA licensed contractor to do tree work?
In California, you must hire a licensed contractor for tree removal if the job costs at least $500 or the tree is taller than 15 feet. This requirement might seem strict, but even if your tree work doesn’t meet these requirements, hiring a licensed contractor offers many benefits. Licensed contractors are experts in tree removal and have insurance to protect you from accidents and damages. They also follow all the rules, so you won't get into legal trouble. Plus, their insurance covers any costs if something goes wrong.
Hiring a licensed contractor ensures the job is done right, which is good for the tree and your property. So, while it might cost a bit more upfront, hiring a licensed contractor for tree removal is a smart choice in the long run.
You mention ANSI A300 standards throughout the website. What does this mean?
ANSI A300 a set of guidelines that professionals follow to ensure they're doing their job safely and correctly. These rules cover things like how to prune trees, remove them safely, and keep them healthy.
These standards are important because:
- They help keep everyone safe, both the people working on the trees and the people nearby.
- They ensure that the work is done well, and the trees stay healthy.
- It shows that the company is serious about doing a good job and knows what they're doing.
When we mention ANSI A300 standards, it means that we're committed to:
- Following the Best Practices: We use the rules in this book to guide our work.
- Doing High-Quality Work: We want to make sure your trees are healthy and happy.
- Keeping Everyone Safe: Safety is our top priority.
So, when you see us mention ANSI A300, know that we're dedicated to providing you with the best possible tree care.
Are you familiar with local regulations regarding tree removal and trimming?
We are well-versed in local regulations pertaining to tree removal and trimming. We'll ensure that all work is carried out in compliance with applicable laws and permits.
Do you work through the winter?
Yes. However, we offer a more limited array of services in the wintertime. This includes hazardous tree removal, pruning, and tree inventories/assessments. When the weather is conducive, we will consider taking on projects beyond this scope.
What is a Certified Arborist and why should I hire one?
A Certified Arborist is a professional who has undergone rigorous training and examination to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in tree care. They possess a deep understanding of tree biology, health, and proper maintenance practices. Certification is awarded by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), a globally recognized organization.
Hiring a Certified Arborist offers several significant advantages:
- Expertise: They have the specialized knowledge and skills to assess tree health, diagnose problems, and recommend appropriate treatments.
- Safety: Arborists are trained in safe climbing and tree care techniques, minimizing risks to themselves and your property.
- Proper Care: They understand the unique needs of different tree species and can provide tailored care to ensure optimal health and longevity.
- Value: By investing in professional tree care, you can protect your property's value and avoid costly repairs or replacements due to tree-related issues.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that your trees are in the hands of a qualified professional can provide you with peace of mind.
Invoicing and Payments
Do I have to pay a deposit?
Once a proposal is approved, we require a 10% deposit before we can schedule the work.
When will I be billed?
Once the work is completed, our office will prepare the invoice. The invoice will be emailed directly to the client as soon as possible, usually within a week.
When is payment due?
Payment is due upon receipt of the invoice.
Proposals and Quotes
Do I need to be home for you to give me an estimate?
No, you do not need to be present when the estimator visits the property as long as you have provided clear access and have given enough details regarding the scope of work you would like us to bid on.
Does the proposal include hauling away wood from the removal/pruning service?
Hauling is included in the price on your proposal unless the client requests that the material be left on site.
We got several estimates, why are the estimate prices so different?
Comparing estimates can be challenging because different companies may prioritize different aspects of their services, leading to varying costs. Here are a few key areas to consider:
- Insurances: What level of insurance does each service provider carry? Larger limits or coverages are expensive and can contribute to a higher cost of service. The benefit of working with a company that invests in insurance is that you have peace of mind should any unforeseen incident occur.
- Quality of Workmanship: As in any skilled trade, tree work is directly impacted by the experience and work practices of the team completing the project. We pride ourselves on delivering high quality work that will leave your trees and your property better than we found them.
- Safety Culture: Tree work involves inherent risk, and it is important to partner with a company that takes this seriously. We provide extensive in-house training to our employees and make sure that everyone is prepared to do their job safely.
- Clarity of Scope of Work: A good indicator of the level of professionalism of a tree service is the proposal or estimate they provide to their clients. Ideally, a proposal should be easy to understand with the scope of work clearly defined.
If you are comparing estimates, check to make sure all the estimates include a similar level of services before assuming the prices of estimates describe the same value.
Are there options to make the work more affordable?
We pride ourselves on offering exceptional value, thanks to our extensive experience, top-of-the-line equipment, and unwavering commitment to safety. However, we understand that cost can be a factor. To help make our services more accessible, we're open to discussing flexible options like:
- Reduced Cleanup: We can tailor the level of cleanup to suit your specific needs and budget.
- Phased Projects: Larger projects can be divided into smaller, more manageable phases, allowing you to spread out the cost over time.
- Prioritized Properties: If you have multiple properties, we can focus on the most critical areas first or concentrate on a smaller number of locations.
Service Preparation
Do I need to be home for work to be done?
No, you do not need to be present for the work to be done. Our crew is highly trained and prepared to treat your property with the utmost care. If you are unable to be onsite during the work and would like to have us send you pictures once the job is completed, please let us know.
Do I need to alert the estimator of any underground lines or structures?
Yes. Our work flow often involves operating heavy equipment and we need to be made aware of any underground infrastructure that might be impacted by this.
When will I know which day the work is scheduled to be done?
Once you’ve accepted our proposal, we’ll work with you to schedule a convenient date for the tree work. We'll take into account your availability and any factors that might affect the timing of the project, such as weather conditions.
Do I need to do anything to be ready for the day the work is done?
We recommend clearing the area around where the tree service is taking place. This will provide us with ample space to work safely and efficiently. If there are any obstacles like fences, power lines, or underground utilities near the tree, please let us know so we can take necessary precautions.
Also, please keep children and pets secured during the time of service.
About Our Services
When I have a tree removed, should the stump be removed at the same time?
While it’s possible to remove the stump at the same time as the tree, we recommend scheduling it for a separate day. Tree removal can take several hours or even days, depending on the size and complexity of the tree.
By scheduling stump grinding or removal on a different day, we can ensure we have the appropriate crew, equipment, and time to complete the job effectively.
Do you offer logs and/or firewood?
Yes, we can provide logs from the trees we remove. Please let us know if you're interested in this option.
Do you offer spikeless pruning?
Yes, we exclusively use spikeless pruning techniques for all our tree care services. We believe that spikeless pruning is the most effective and least harmful method for maintaining tree health. Traditional methods using climbing spikes can damage the bark and increase the risk of disease and infection. By avoiding the use of spikes, we help protect the tree's natural defenses and promote its long-term vitality.
When is the best time to prune trees?
The best time to prune trees depends on the species and the specific reasons for pruning. Generally, late winter or early spring is a good time for most trees.
How can we save trees during construction?
The most effective way to protect trees during construction is to consult with a Certified Arborist before the project begins. Arborists can conduct a thorough assessment of the trees on your property and provide expert advice on how to minimize damage during construction. They can help you plan the project to avoid damaging tree roots, branches, or the trunk with temporary fencing or other barriers.
Certified Arborists can also offer guidance on tree care during and after construction. This may include recommendations for pruning, fertilization, or treatment to help trees recover from any stress caused by the construction process. By involving an arborist from the beginning, you can significantly increase the chances of preserving the health and vitality of your trees.
Can I add on work while your crew is onsite?
While we try to be flexible, it's generally not recommended to add on work while our crew is onsite. This can disrupt our schedule and potentially lead to delays or compromises in the quality of work.
If you have additional tree care needs, we encourage you to discuss them with us at the time of the initial estimate. This allows us to properly plan our resources and ensure that we can accommodate your request without compromising the quality or timeline of your project.
