Trees are valuable assets that can increase the value of any property. Proper tree care and maintenance saves homeowners time and money by improving the tree‘s health and appearance and reducing the risk of property damage or personal injury.

Consult an arborist if you are unsure about these care and maintenance practices. However, be aware that the credentials of someone calling himself an arborist can vary widely. Don’t just hire someone with a chain saw who knocks on your door! The following are some tips for selecting the right person for the job:

Selecting a Company

• Start with the arborists that are listed in the phone book under “Tree Service”. Don‘t place much emphasis on the size of the yellow pages ad - some of the most reputable firms rely almost entirely on word-of-mouth advertising and use relatively small ads. Look instead for what the ad tells you about the company: number of years in business, professional affiliations (such as the International Society of Arboriculture, the Tree Care Industry Association, or the American Society of Consulting Arborists), licenses, certifications, etc.
  
• Seek recommendations from neighbors, friends or business associates who you know have had professional tree care work done in the past.
  
• Pay attention to your instinctive feelings when you contact companies by phone as well as when they send a representative to look at your trees. Try to arrange a face-to-face meeting with the arborist when they first come to your property

Checking Credentials

• Verify that the arborist is properly licensed to work in the city. Oklahoma City requires licensing for arborists working in the city. This involves successfully taking a basic tree care and preservation test and paying an annual fee to maintain the license.
  
• Check for certification by the International Society of Arboriculture. Certification is voluntary, and is an indicator of professional practice, but not a guarantee.
  
• Verify the arborist follows the current safety, pruning, fertilizing, and cabling standards in the Standards for Arboricultural and Tree Care Operations outlined by the American National Standards Institute.
  
• Verify that the arborist will directly supervise or inspect all work done to your tree.
  
• Ask to see current certificates of liability and workers' compensation insurance. Ask for references, and check on the quality of their work. Ask about the company‘s pruning techniques. If they say, “flush cut” or suggest “hat racking” or “topping” your tree, don‘t hire them.

Making the Deal

• Don't be rushed by a bargain, and don't pay in advance.
  
• Do get another estimate or opinion of the needed work, and get estimates in writing. Agree to a written work order. Insist on a signed contract as to cost, dates when work is to be performed, and exactly what is to be done.
  
• Insist that climbing spikes are used only if the tree is to be cut down; spikes damage the tree.
  
• In case of tree removals, have a clear understanding about who removes the limbs and debris from the property, and whether or not the price includes stump removal and clean up.
  

Remember - Disreputable companies tend to:

• Solicit work door-to-door.
  
• Demand payment in advance.
  
• Advertise topping and low prices in yellow pages.
  
• Sell jobs without producing a written estimate or work order.