Choosing a tree surgeon is not something you do every week, and their work isn’t generally as well understood as a plumber or an electrician. If it’s your first time seeking the services of a tree surgeon in Kent, you might not know what to consider when making your choice.
To give you a helping hand and some insider knowledge, here are some questions you should ask a tree surgeon before agreeing to use their services.
Question #1: What qualifications do you have?
Believe it or not, this question hardly gets asked despite it being one of the most important. After all, you want to ensure that you’re using accredited tree surgeons and not the Dell and Rodney of the local area.
Most of the time, this question gets avoided because it feels somewhat aggressive, but a friendly and certified tree surgeon will be more than happy to put your mind at ease.
The tree surgeon should tell you that they have a National Proficiency Test Council (NPTC) qualification to provide tree surgery services. They may also tell you they have specialist degrees in arboriculture and the qualifications to handle equipment and machinery safely.
Question #2: What insurance do you have?
You need to know what insurance the business holds if they’re going to be working on your land. This is to ensure that you, your family and your property are protected in case something unexpectedly goes wrong.
At the very least, they should tell you that all staff members are insured and that they have Public Liability Insurance. You may want to follow up and ask what value their insurance covers your property, especially if you have a valuable home or nearby assets.
Question #3: Can you provide a free quote for the work?
You should absolutely ask your prospective tree surgeon for a free quote for the job. And make sure the quote includes everything so you don’t get a nasty surprise when the invoice comes.
You should ask why the tree surgeon won’t provide a free quote. The best tree surgery businesses provide these by coming to your property to take a first-hand look at the task, so their quote is accurate. Some companies will only provide a quote over the phone, but here at NJ Apps, we take the time to visit your property if that’s what you prefer.
Top tip: When you receive the quote, ensure VAT is included, check if the quote expires, and look to see what happens to leftover wood and materials.
Question #4: Where is your depot or base?
This might sound like an unusual question, but understanding where the company is based can be important. Tree surgery businesses have to factor in the expense of commuting to a job when offering quotes. The company might have advertised as local, but how local are they?
If they’re not as local as you were led to believe, you might end up paying more than if you were to use a truly local tree surgeon. NJ Apps is local to the Kent area, serving clients nationwide with competitive pricing.
Key takeaways
What should I look for when hiring a tree surgeon?
When hiring a tree surgeon, you want to make sure they at least have an NPTC qualification and that the company has insurance to protect staff, you and your property. You should ensure the tree surgeon is willing to provide a free and accurate quote by visiting your site.
What makes a good tree surgeon?
A good tree surgeon is qualified to provide their services and knowledgeable on tree specifies, diseases, prevention strategies and treatments. The tree surgeon should also be approachable and explain what they can and cannot do to help.
How do you know if a tree surgeon is qualified?
You can verify a tree surgeon’s accreditation by asking them to supply a copy. Or you might be able to search for a qualified tree surgeon on the Arboriculture Association website by using the “Find a Tree Surgeon” service.
NJ Apps is proud to have some of Kent’s most experienced and friendly tree surgeons. If you would like a no-obligation quote on your upcoming project, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us soon!