Need a tree trimming service? The good news is that there are many options to choose from. According to IBIS World, tree trimming services in the US currently have a market value of just over $29 billion. If you're planning to get your trees pruned, the high level of competition means it's more than possible to find a reputable tree trimming service that delivers quality work. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help you find the best tree trimming service.

1. Get Recommendations From the Right People

With so many options to choose from, you need a good starting point to streamline your search for the best tree trimming service. Begin by getting recommendations from people you trust and respect. These people can be found in your social circle, or from reputable sites like Google Reviews, which doesn't allow companies to delete bad reviews. The whole point of this exercise is to create a shortlist of reputable candidates from the start. By getting recommendations from people you trust and respect, you can be sure that the suggestions you're getting are worth checking into.

After getting recommendations, you can do additional research to find out if a particular company has a good reputation within the local community. You want to know what the people who have previously hired the company say about the quality of services they provide. The right tree service should generally have a good track record. The amount of positive online reviews and ratings from several reputable sites should back up quality work. Today, finding the right tree service online has never been easier. You can find all the options you need under one roof, all in the comfort of your own home.

2. Check the Company's Credentials

Ideally, the best company for you should be licensed and insured. They should also have the right equipment and tools for the job, knowledge of applicable safety policies, expertise, and many years of experience under their belt. Overall, a certified service is your best bet, and here's why. For starters, when a service has liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance, this reduces the risk of liability on your end. This is important if there's an accident and someone gets injured while working on your project. You may have to cover any damage to your property or injuries sustained by workers. To avoid this, be sure that the service you're about to hire has proof of all the certificates of insurance they say they have.

Licensing is also important because it's a good indicator you're working with a legitimate business that does everything by the book. Such a company is aware of the rules and regulations applicable in your area, and they are also more likely to observe safety rules. When you have people on your property working with large and potentially dangerous equipment, you want to be confident they know what they're doing. For instance, the right service should come fully decked out in hard hats and protective equipment to minimize any mishaps.

3. Price Is Important, But It's Not the Only Determiner

The standard advice is to get at least three quotes in writing as you explore your options. For most people, the cost of tree trimming services is one of the biggest factors influencing their decision. By getting at least three quotes, you can then compare these quotes to determine the best price that matches your budget. In addition, be sure to get detailed quotes in writing, as this helps to compare and contrast more easily.

That said, it's best to avoid using price as the only determiner of which tree trimming service to hire. Generally, it's true that you get what you pay for, and cheaper services often mean more expenses down the line. On the other hand, if you're willing to pay a fair price for reputable services, you can have more peace of mind during and after the project. What's more, you don't always have to shop around when you do your due diligence. If a company is ticking all your boxes and you're getting recommendations to hire the company, then this should be your best determiner for choosing a tree trimming service. Sometimes, it's glaringly obvious which company is right for you.

4. Don't Be Afraid to Ask Questions Until You're Satisfied

Before you hire a tree trimming service, make sure they're able to answer all your questions until you're satisfied. Common questions to ask include how long the project will take and whether the company is responsible for cleanup. You can also ask if the company can provide you with at least three referrals that you can follow up on. Be sure to contact these referrals to verify the company's reputation. One important question you can ask the company's clients is how they would rate the services they received on a scale of one to 10. This will give you a general idea of the company's performance.

This interaction should also allow you to gauge the company's customer service quality. More questions to ask the company include:

• Do you offer detailed estimates?
• How will you approach the project?
• What type of equipment will you use?
• How will you minimize property damage?

This will allow you to understand the crucial steps of your project and its overall cost. You don't necessarily need to know all the intricate details but just enough to feel satisfied that the company knows what they are talking about. In turn, experienced professionals with the right level of expertise will have no problem entertaining your questions and providing the detailed answers you need. It's a sign of great customer service when a company is willing to help you in any way it can.

5. Prioritize Experience and Reputation

Yes, experience and reputation are two of the most important things you need to consider before hiring a tree trimming company. To begin with, the company must have a good reputation within the local community. This means they have provided services to other individual tree owners like you, and they are in good standing. In addition, a local company is more likely to be available to complete your project promptly. They will also have the proper knowledge of the best time to prune different and specific types of trees common to your area.

Another essential reason for hiring an experienced tree trimming service is that they can provide you with valuable advice that you can apply to improve the care of your trees. As a landowner, the overall maintenance of trees that are on your private property is your responsibility. Therefore, it's in your best interests to hire an experienced and reputable tree trimming service that you can build a long-term relationship with. Keep in mind that some tree trimming services also provide additional services, such as stump removal, so you can rely on them in more ways than one.

Why is it important to apply these tips? Remember, not all tree trimming services are created equal. These tips can help you find a reputable and experienced service that helps you tap into the benefits of tree trimming. The benefits of regular tree trimming include better-looking and healthier trees overall. Don't hesitate to get in touch with our team at Eduardo's Tree Service to learn more about how we can ensure your project's success.