Abstract

SANDFORT, S. and E. C. BUTCHER. 1985. How to hire a tree-care pro. Am. Forests 10(10):12-16.

How do you select a professional tree service? That can be a difficult job. A general rule of thumb is that good, reputable tree-service companies do not need to solicit business door-to-door. They stay busy with repeat customers or recommendations from satisfied clients. Call a tree service recommended by several of your friends or neighbors. If no one can recommend a company, look in your Yellow Pages under Trees. Some cities have a local arborists’ association that you can call for recommendations. Usually only the best companies are members. The best companies are also members of one or two professional organizations. The National Arborist Association allows membership only to tree-service companies whose work is of such high quality and ethical standards that it has passed the scrutiny of fellow, member companies. Membership in the International Society of Arboriculture is open to individuals practicing tree work or working in a closely related field—forestry, research, teaching, or managing tree-covered cemeteries, campuses, or arboreta. Member companies of either of these organizations are usually up-to-date on theory, methods, and safety practices.

• © 1986, International Society of Arboriculture. All rights reserved.