Having an ISA Certified Arborist on the job site will ensure that your trees are cared for by an individual who is knowledgeable and experienced in proper tree care.

Because there is the potential for severe personal injury to bystanders or a potential loss from substantial property damage, you need protection from liability in the event of an accident.

If a tree company is performing work on your property without worker's compensation insurance and one of their personnel is injured, you could be facing a lawsuit.

Will your yard be damaged? If so, will it be repaired? Will the brush or wood be removed or left in your yard? Will the stump grindings be removed or left for you to pick up? How long will they be working in your yard? Days? Weeks? To answer these questions you need a detailed written contract. Reputable services will provide one.

A written guarantee gives you the peace of mind that your job will be completed to your total satisfaction and that a thorough cleanup will be done.

Does your green waste take up space at the landfill? Is it dumped on the side of the road at midnight? Being environmentally responsible requires us to make use of our trees as sawlogs, pulpwood, or firewood, easing the burden on our forests. Chips can be used as a good mulch or boiler fuel.

Old, dilapidated equipment will leave unsightly oil and hydraulic leaks on your driveway or kill your turf grass. Do you want your yard covered with debris for days while equipment repairs are made? If a company doesn’t care about their own property, how much do you think they care about yours?

Standards for pruning have been developed and documented. If a proclaimed "tree expert" gives you a puzzled look when you mention the A300 Standards, do you think he can prune your trees properly? Or will he use climbing spikes and improper techniques that damage your trees?

If a "tree expert" has never heard of the Z133.1 Safety Standards, he probably won't be wearing a hardhat, chainsaw chaps, or other personal protective gear. Does this mean your expert might be careless around your home in order to finish the job faster?

Maintaining membership with the International Society of Arboriculture and the Hampton Roads Tree Care Association indicates a willingness to stay abreast of the latest developments in the tree care industry.

Tree services generally do not need to purchase materials to begin your job. So why would they request payment up front? We know our customers will be happy with our work, so we're comfortable with payment after the job is completed.

Companies that maintain a high standard for the appearance of their employees and equipment are more likely to show concern for the appearance of your property. We feel that high standards should be met by your tree care providers.