Because an unqualified tree service company may cause more harm than good, the Tree Care Industry Association recommends the following:

Ask to see verification of current certification and liscences before work begins.

Compare estimates

Insist on a signed contract detailing services to be performed, when the work will be performed and cost.

Don't pay for services until the work is completed.

Ask that tree spikes not be used unless necessary.

Normally, the best time to have tree work done is during the cooler season. A tree's structure is most accessible when there is less leaf cover. Because most people begin thinking about their trees in the spring and summer, many companies will offer discounts and provide faster service in the winter.

The Tree Care Industry Association advises that consumers never work with a tree company that advertises door to door. Do not choose a company that demands payment prior to delivering services or will not provide a written estimate. Never use a tree service that cannot prove State Licensing, insurance and Workmen's Comp.

1. Check for International Society of Arboriculture certification. ISA Certified Arborists are experienced individuals who have passed an extensive examination covering all aspects of tree care. Equally reputable are companies with Tree Care Industry Association accreditation. They have at least one ISA-certified arborist on staff and are audited for trade licensing compliance. They're also evaluated for trained personnel, proper insurance, and reliable and ethical customer service.
2. Are they Licensed Utility Arborists?
3. Ask for proof of General Liability Certificate and a list of references.
4. Do they have an experienced crew?
5. Do they have formal training and certifications of all employees?
6. Do they have well maintained, professional grade equipment?
7. Do they use low-impact techniques and equipment?
8. Do they have full-service capabilities to care for all your tree needs?
9. Do they adhere to ANSI  Z133.1 standards?
10. Do they recycle all wood debris?
11. Do they provide a detailed, written estimate?
12. Can you call former clients or drive by a recent job site to check out their handiwork.
13. Are they an official "Drug-Free" workplace?
14. Are they members  of the Better Business Bureau?
15. Do they collect payment only after the job is complete?

Avoid hiring tree companies that employ topping techniques, unless you're pruning a fruit tree. Knowledgeable arborists know topping is harmful to trees and isn't an accepted practice

An arborist specializes in the care of trees. They are knowledgeable about the needs of trees and are trained to provide proper care. Proper tree care is an investment that can lead to substantial returns. Well-cared-for trees are attractive and can add to property values. Poorly maintained trees are a significant liability. Pruning or removing trees, especially large trees, is dangerous work. Tree work should be done only by those trained and equipped to work safely in trees.

An arborist by definition is an individual who is trained in the art and science of planting, caring for, and maintaining individual trees. ISA arborist certification is a nongovernmental, voluntary process by which individuals can document their knowledge. It is an internal, self-regulating device administered by the International Society of Arboriculture. This certification provides a measurable assessment of an individual’s knowledge and competence to provide proper tree care.

(NOTE: Certification is not a measure of standards of practice. Certification can attest to the tree knowledge of an individual but cannot guarantee or ensure quality performance.)

Certified Arborists have achieved a level of knowledge in the art and science of tree care through experience and by passing a comprehensive examination developed by leading experts on tree care. Certified Arborists must also continue their education to maintain their certification and are more likely to be up to date on the latest techniques in arboriculture.

Trees provide significant benefits to landscapes, communities and the environment. But, they can also be liabilities. Trees can become weak, sick or stressed due to many factors. If they fall they can cause property damage or personal injury. Proper tree care reducies these risks. It will also prolong the tree's life and increase the benefits it provides. If you have trees on your property, it's your responsibility to keep them healthy and free of risk. Regular tree care can help identify hazardous trees and the risks they present. Once the hazard is recognized, preventative measures may be taken to reduce the likelihood of the tree falling. Some tell-tale signs may indicate that your tree could be at risk of failure. The International Society of Arboriculture suggests the follow considerations:

Are there dead branches in the tree?

Are detached branches hanging in the tree?

Does the tree have cavities or rotten wood along the trunk or in major branches?

Are mushrooms at the base of the tree?

Are there cracks or splits in the trunk or where branches are attached?

Have branches fallen from the tree?

Have adjacent trees fallen over or died?

Has the tree developed a strong lean?

Do many of the major branches arise from a single point on the trunk?

Have the roots been broken off, injured, or damaged by lowering the soil level, installing pavement or repairing sidewalks, or digging?

Has the site recently been changed by construction, raising the soil level, or installing lawns?

Have the leaves prematurely developed an odd color or size?

Have trees in adjacent areas been removed?

Has the tree been topped or heavily pruned?

If any of these are true, you should contact an arborist to conduct a safety assessment on your tree.

#1: Planting New Trees: The best time to plant trees and shrubs is during a dormant period. Schedule your new plantings before buds appear in early spring or after leaves drop in late autumn. Under cool conditions plants have a chance to establish roots before rain and warmer temperatures encourage top growth. Find out the characteristics of the species, and choose a location with the size of the fully grown tree in mind. Consult an arborist beforehand for recommendations and post planting care.

#2: Shaping Shrubbery: Shrub pruning is best performed between late spring and late summer. Flowering shrubs are the exception. Prune them shortly after blooming, but before buds set. Prune shrubs only where there is a definite reason. Thin out the oldest branches, reduce any tall, leggy stems and remove dead wood. Shear shrubs to create a hedge or sculptured form, but not if you prefer a natural look, because shearing can cause dense branch tip growth.

#3: Property Value: Tree care helps protect your home value and maximize the return on investment. A Money Magazine study ranks the 100% to 200% recovery value of landscaping first among home improvements. Regular inspections and consistent maintenance that addresses tree health, safety and curb appeal can increase property value as well. Clemson University research found that homes with “excellent” landscapes can expect a 6% to 7% higher sale price. Preventative tree care is less costly than remedial treatments for fully developed problems.

#4: Going Green: Know the type of materials used on your property and how they are applied. Blanket treatments using traditional materials are not nearly as eco-friendly as 100% organic and hybrid services that target specific problems as needed.

#5: Construction Protection: Protect feature trees from permanent or fatal construction injuries. Use fencing to prevent equipment from breaking branches, tearing bark, wounding trunks and compacting soil. Allow one foot of space from the trunk for each inch of its diameter. Route utilities as far away from trees as possible and air spade under root zones rather than digging across them to preserve root system health and stability. Make sure critical roots are identified and not severed during trenching.

#6: Fertilizing: Trees require essential nutrients to survive and function. Soil conditions vary greatly and are often compromised by inadequate nutrient supplies, compaction and insufficient room for roots. An arborist can test your soil for nutrient content to help determine how much, what type and where to best apply fertilizer. Fertilizing replenishes nutrients that help trees and shrubs to sustain good health throughout the year.