Is Your Tree Service Adequately Insured? How to Check and What to Ask

risks of hiring uninsured tree contractors

The Importance of Hiring Adequately Insured Tree Removal and Trimming Services

When it comes to maintaining the health and safety of your trees, hiring the right contractor is crucial. Many homeowners might assume that any landscaping company can handle tree removal and trimming, but this assumption can lead to serious risks. The reality is that tree work is a highly specialized and dangerous field, and hiring adequately insured tree removal and trimming service contractors is essential for protecting both your property and your financial well-being.

Understanding the Difference: Tree Services vs. Landscapers

Is your tree service adequately insured? It’s important to recognize the significant difference between tree services and landscapers. Landscapers offer a variety of services like lawn care, planting, and garden maintenance, and snow removal. Tree services focus on trees only and namely tree removal and trimming aspect which require specialized skills, equipment, and insurance coverage. Tree work is classified as one of the most dangerous jobs by insurance companies and worker classification definitions, making it a completely different field from general landscaping. So when you get a quote from a “tree guy” or landscaper to remove or trim a very large or complex tree, and get a surprisingly inexpensive quote, it should raise a few flags. We encourage clients seeking tree work to read Google reviews and even ask for references before making their decision.

When a company is committed to tree work as its sole business focus, it’s committing to handling a job that involves significant risk. This commitment directly impacts the price of each bid, as the cost of adequate insurance, specialized equipment, and highly trained staff is factored in. In contrast, landscapers who offer tree services on the side often lack the proper insurance coverage and expertise, putting homeowners at risk.

The Role of Certified Arborists

One of the best indicators of a reputable tree service company is the presence of certified arborists on their staff. The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) is a global organization that certifies arborists based on their knowledge and expertise in tree care. Hiring a company with ISA-certified arborists means you’re working with professionals who are committed to maintaining the health and safety of your trees in accordance with the highest industry standards.

Certified arborists bring a wealth of knowledge to the table, including proper pruning techniques, tree risk assessment, and disease diagnosis. They are trained to make informed decisions that benefit the long-term health of your trees, and they understand the complex biology of trees in ways that non-certified individuals may not. By hiring a company with certified arborists, you’re ensuring that your trees are in the hands of experts who are dedicated to their craft. Is your tree service adequately insured? Most likely if hiring a reputable company with Certified arborist credentials.

What to Look for When Hiring a Tree Service

When selecting a tree service to entrust with your property, there are several key factors to consider:

  1. Adequate Insurance Coverage: Ensure the company carries insurance specifically for tree work, not just a general landscaping policy. Tree work requires higher-risk insurance coverage, and inadequate coverage could leave you vulnerable to liability in the event of an accident.
  2. Certification: Look for companies that employ ISA-certified arborists. This certification is a strong indicator of the company’s commitment to professional standards and quality tree care.
  3. Reputation: Research the company’s reputation online through reviews, testimonials, and ratings. Word-of-mouth recommendations can also be valuable.
  4. Licensing: Verify that the company is licensed with the Oregon State Contractors Board. You can search for current licensing information through the board’s website. However, keep in mind that while licensing is important, it doesn’t guarantee that the contractor has adequate insurance.
  5. Ask the Right Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask the company about their insurance coverage. Request proof of insurance and confirm that it specifically covers tree work. Inquire about their experience with similar projects and the qualifications of their staff.

The Risks of Underinsurance

Unfortunately, there is no proper authority or third-party oversight to ensure that contractors are using the correct insurance for tree work. Many insurance agents, eager to make a sale, may provide a landscaping policy that is inadequate for the risks involved in tree removal and trimming. This practice should be illegal, but the reality is that it’s up to the homeowner to verify that the contractor has the proper coverage.

The Oregon State Contractors Board requires that a policy be attached to a contractor’s license, but it doesn’t examine the specifics of the policy. This means that even if a contractor is licensed, they could still be underinsured for tree work.

At the end of the day, it’s the homeowner’s responsibility to ensure that the company they hire is adequately insured. If an accident occurs and the company is underinsured, you could face legal action from the contractor’s staff, leaving you financially exposed. https://www.portland.gov/trees/tree-care-and-resources/tips-hiring-arborist#:~:text=Call%20503%2D823%2D5157%20for,fails%20to%20finish%20the%20job.

Conclusion

Hiring a professional tree service with the right insurance coverage and certifications is essential for the safety of your property and your financial security. Request a quote now https://timberstandimprovement.net/request-a-quote/ Tree work is a dangerous job that requires specialized knowledge, equipment, and insurance. By choosing a company that employs ISA-certified arborists and has the proper insurance, you can rest assured that your trees—and your home—are in good hands. Take the time to do your research and make informed decisions when selecting a tree service, because the risks of underinsurance are too great to ignore.