What are the Risks of Hiring an Unlicensed Arborist?

When it comes to selecting a tree care expert or arborist in Toronto, credentials are important. Although working with unqualified people may reduce your immediate costs, it is likely to cause more inconvenience in the future and cost more in the long run. This is why you should opt for a tree care company that is accredited and experienced.

To put it clearly, the company should be:

• Insured to cover potential damage or accident.
• Licensed to offer tree services.

Read on to learn how working with unqualified and unlicensed people may lead to dangerous situations.

The Dangers of Hiring an Unlicensed Arborist

They May Cause Property Damage

Tree trimming or removal is a job of a tree expert. A lot of risks are involved in the tasks, and only they know how to complete them safely and correctly. If an unskilled hand uses an axe or chainsaw randomly, it may cause the branch or tree to collapse on any structure on your property. Unlicensed arborists may not have the skills or experience to estimate and predict the direction in which the tree will fall. This may cause the tree to fall on nearby objects. In addition, these tasks require the use of powerful and dangerous equipment that only professionals can deal with. So, working with proficient tree services is wise to avoid damage.

They May Harm Your Trees

The purpose of hiring a tree care expert is to enhance the overall health and appearance of your trees. Unlicensed arborists may lack knowledge about the industry standards and the use of proper tools and techniques. They will likely implement harmful practices like topping and tipping, exposing your trees to infections, insect bites, rashes, electrocutions, and other injuries. They may also trim branches more than required, leaving the trees bare and naked. In contrast, professional tree services ensure your trees add to the beauty of your landscape and value to your property.

You May Be Responsible for Damages & Injury

Due to a lack of in-depth knowledge about tree trimming, cutting, and removal, an unlicensed arborist will likely meet an accident while performing the task. If they are not insured, you may be liable for the injury caused to them. And they may sue you for hundreds or thousands of dollars. Tree care professionals have tree trimming and tree removal insurance, which protects you from getting into unnecessary legal disputes.

Your Homeowner Insurance Might Not Cover the Damages

Certified tree care services use specialized equipment to complete tree trimming and removal tasks as safely and smoothly as possible. However, accidents are likely to happen even with the best companies and your homeowner’s insurance policy might not cover the damages. So, you should ensure that the tree service you are hiring is insured. It also helps to consult your homeowner’s insurance agent to determine what they will cover.

They May Charge You More Than Required

If a tree service asks for an upfront payment, take this as a red flag. Specific tasks require a partial payment before starting the job but only when they need to purchase materials. For services such as tree trimming and removal, no materials are required, and you should avoid paying until the job is done correctly.

They May Kill a Healthy Tree

Using inappropriate tree trimming, pruning, or removal methods can kill a healthy tree. Trees take years to grow to their full potential. There are a lot of factors to consider before starting any tree-related maintenance task. So, it is best to consult a professional tree service trained to accomplish the job safely and soundly.

Does Tree Care Involve Dangerous Tasks?

Tree care, especially tree removal, trimming and pruning, is a job that requires the expertise of a qualified arborist. This is because there are many risks associated with it, such as dealing with specialized tools and equipment, carefully maneuvering around underground utilities or overhead power lines, and more. Also, climbing, pruning, and removing a tree involves careful planning and safe implementation, which trained experts can easily accomplish without any mishaps.

Recognizing an Unqualified Arborist

Instead of assuming that you are dealing with a licensed tree service provider, it is best to ask them. Be sure to check their credentials to avoid being held liable for any onsite damages or injuries to the trees, property, and people on it. It helps to know that a reliable tree care service such as DreamWorks Tree Services will have no problem assuring you of their experience and expertise. They can provide you with their license and insurance details before beginning the job.

Look out for the following warning signs when searching for a qualified arborist:

• If they recommend topping as the first measure to decrease your tree’s height, you may want to reconsider hiring them. This is because topping trees tends to leave them with weak limbs and a bare appearance.
• A reliable provider of tree care services should provide you with a detailed description of their company, services, and pricing. They should have the skills to explain which measure they would recommend for your problems and the reason behind it. However, if they are not specific, you should rethink working with them.

5 Things to Consider When Selecting a Tree Service Company

• Certification
  In addition to experience and reputation, certification matters because it enhances credibility and assures you that the company is legit. Also, a certificate is an indication of safety, efficiency, and professionalism, which is why it helps to check up on their certification before hiring a tree care company.
• Insurance
  This is a crucial aspect that you should not overlook when hiring an arborist because, depending on the work involved, tree care services may be dangerous in some cases. Be sure to see their liability insurance as well as workers’ compensation insurance policy to ensure you are protected.
• Tools & Equipment
  When it comes to tree care services, in addition to having skilled and trained arborists, the company must also have the required equipment to get the job done safely and efficiently. Otherwise, your trees may look unsightly from mishandling. In addition to this, using improper tools may also harm their health.
• Safety
  Regardless of the magnitude of the job, necessary safety guidelines are essential for tree care services. All members of the crew must use appropriate safety gear and be aware of the potential risks involved, so they are alert and ready. It is their responsibility to have safety equipment in place.
• Experience
  Experience is a critical aspect that you must consider when choosing a tree care service provider. Ask them how many years they have been in the business because experienced companies are knowledgeable in managing all tree-related services in the best way. However, this does not mean that a newly formed company may not do a great job.

Questions to Ask When Hiring a Tree Care Service

Here are the four crucial questions you must ask an arborist before hiring them:

• Can I see your credentials?
• Are you insured and licensed?
• Can you provide a few customer referrals or references?
• Are your arborists qualified?

Asking these questions will help you assess whether the tree service provider is accredited, reliable and can meet your needs. The answers will also help you narrow down your options and choose a suitable company for all your tree care needs.

Hire Our Qualified Arborists for Tree Services in Toronto

At DreamWorks Tree Services, we offer complete tree care services, including planting, trimming, tree removal, and more. With over 11 years of experience in the industry, we have the resources and expertise to cater to varied needs. Our qualified arborists will work to understand your needs, assess the condition of your lawn and trees, and recommend suitable measures accordingly to ensure safety and enhance aesthetics. We have a trained crew and liability insurance to offer reliable assistance and ensure you are protected. Moreover, we have arborists certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).

If you are looking for professionals for tree care in Toronto, give us a call at 647-924-2627. You could also fill out our online application to get your free property assessment. We’ll be glad to guide you!

Also Read:

• The Benefits Of Hiring A Professional Tree Service In Toronto
• Comprehensive Tree Services In Toronto Meeting Your Needs