Nothing makes a home look quite so beautiful as a well-maintained landscaping with mature trees and shrubs.

However, sometimes plans change and those large elements need to be trimmed or removed. If you’ve got plans for your landscaping and need a tree service in Reno, here are a few questions you should ask before hiring a service to take care of your yard.

1. Are They Licensed and Insured?

Arborists spend a lot of time off the ground in high and precarious positions. They have to know how to navigate obstacles like power lines and poles that may be nearby.

Further, in neighborhoods where houses are side to side and limbs overhang the neighbor’s garage, they have to know how to make cuts that won’t disturb others’ property.

If a company is licensed to do business and carries insurance, you know they are confident in their ability to do the job right. And if an accident does happen, you know you won’t have hikes in your own insurance.

Take time to get to know the company you’re considering hiring.

2. Do They Have Certified Arborists on Staff?

There’s a difference between an arborist and a certified arborist.

For instance, you can find a good bookkeeper to take care of your finances, but that doesn’t mean you’ll get the same results at tax time as you would with an actual accountant. Anyone can pick up a computer and offer bookkeeping services. An accountant has taken time to go to school, know the ins and outs of tax codes and keep up on continued education.

In the same way, a certified arborist has met certain requirements to carry that accreditation – a degree in their field and years of experience among them.

Remember, it’s not just about sawing some limbs down. You want someone who knows more than just how to swing a chainsaw around, like how and when to cut to maintain the health of your trees and make sure they aren’t introducing disease.

3. Do They Have Good Customer Reviews?

Let previous clients do the research for you.

Only one in ten happy customers will leave a review, compared with a dissatisfied customer who is highly likely to leave a poor one. Given that it takes four five star reviews to make up for one bad one, if you’ve found a service with four or five stars you can rest assured they’ve earned it.

4. Is Safety a Priority?

You’re looking for someone to do a job cutting heavy things down in the area above your home. It goes without saying you want someone who takes safety seriously.

Find someone who adheres to OSHA guidelines, uses proper safety equipment and is mindful of the space they’re to work in.

5. How is the Job Charged?

Find a service that offers a free estimate for your specific job.

Some companies do a flat rate per hour, but in the case of tree removal or trimming, this is a bad thing. You don’t want to end up paying extra for unforeseen or poorly used time.

A company should offer you a free estimate for your specific job, and it should be a flat fee for the job, regardless of the time it takes.

The Best Tree Service in Reno

If you’re looking for the best tree service in Reno, look no further than Urban Woodland Tree Care, LLC. We’re licensed and insured, have certified arborists on staff and take pride in our work and reviews. Contact us today for your free estimate!