When choosing an arborist in Ontario for your property’s care, you are presented with a number of options. There are many companies out there that specialize in landscaping or construction and offer tree care services on the side. You may think tree care companies and arborists are all alike and that only reputation sets some companies above the rest.
However, there are two things that set qualified arborists apart from general landscaping or construction:
- Insurance to protect against damage or accidents
- Certification by a governing body
Working with a fully insured, certified arborist in Ontario helps to keep your costs low because the tree care or reporting is done right the first time. When you choose a credible arborist, you are saving yourself stress, time, and money. Your future self will thank you!
Does an Arborist Need to be Insured?
Tree care, such as removal, trimming, pruning, and planting, can be dangerous jobs. Heavy equipment, specialized tools, and navigating around municipal utilities and foundation requires an experienced individual or else they risk a severe accident.
While a consulting arborist may not be revving up a chainsaw, they are still attending active construction sites and other hazardous situations and providing professional suggestions and advice. A consulting arborist who is not insured can lead to severe consequences should an accident happen while on your property. For this reason, an arborist should always be insured and be able to provide proof of this if requested.
How to Recognize an Unqualified Arborist
The easiest way to recognize an unqualified arborist is to ask them directly. If an arborist cannot provide their credentials, then you can assume they are operating without the proper licensing.
You can also check their online reviews to see what other clients’ experiences were like. Online reviews will always be varied, but if an arborist has 1 star and dozens of comments about how they are not qualified or licensed, you can be on alert and request more of your own information.
A reliable arborist should also be able to explain processes and issues to you clearly and ensure that you fully understand all aspects. This not only means that the arborist has a definitive understanding of this themselves, but also that you can be fully aware of any further steps to take or future risks. A good, reliable arborist will answer any and all questions you have to ensure you are comfortable with the process. If they are not able to be specific or refuse to answer your follow up questions, they may not be as knowledgeable as they presented themselves.
What to Consider when Choosing an Arborist
There are a few things to consider when choosing an arborist.
- Experience
- How long have they been in business? What areas of arboriculture do they specialize in? Do they have experience with the issue you’re having? It’s important to work with an arborist that has relevant experience in Ontario.
- Certification
- Certification contributes to an arborist’s credibility. Being properly certified by the right governing authorities means an arborist is knowledgeable, professional, and keeps safety top of mind.
- Insurance
- Even consulting arborists have risk associated with the job, even if they are not carrying out tree work themselves. You should always work with an arborist that is fully insured for liability, errors, and omissions to ensure you are protected if there is an accident.
- Professionalism
- As with any trade, professionalism matters. If you feel like the arborist you are working with is not professional, they may miss important deadlines or provide information that is not totally accurate.
- Honesty
- Arboriculture is a tricky industry. Sometimes issues with trees can be complex, while other times, they are easily remedied or not of concern at all. When you find an arborist that is honest with you about the trees on your property and gives you information that leads to a smaller invoice (or no invoice at all!), you can trust that they will always have your best interests in mind.
Never be hesitant about asking questions when you are looking for an arborist. A good arborist will tell you about their experience, credentials, and insurance and provide references or testimonials as requested. Asking questions before you hire an arborist will help you determine their professionalism and experience and make you more comfortable with the process.
Why You Need an Insured, Licensed Arborist
Working with an insured and fully licensed arborist gives you confidence and peace of mind that you are working with an individual or company that will provide the best service possible to you and your trees with safety always top of mind.
A good certified arborist can accurately assess your concerns about specific trees, have the right experience to generate accurate and relevant reports, and help you navigate government systems as applicable to carry out work on your property while ensuring your trees are kept safe.
Work With an Experienced Certified Arborist at P & A
P & A Urban Forestry Consulting is fully licensed and insured to be able to provide the best service to our clients across Ontario. Our arborist is ISA Certified Arborist, ON-2067A and has over 40 years of experience in the tree care and arborist industries in Ontario.
Get the professionalism and quality that comes with working with a fully insured, certified arborist at P & A. Contact us today to learn how we can help you address your tree care needs!