Before you hire a tree care company
Here's What You Should Know
In addition to hiring a certified arborist, you will want to ensure that the tree company you choose is protecting you from potential liabilities if an accident would occur during the completion of the work. It is not uncommon for tree care companies to not carry the proper liability (personal and property damage) AND workers compensation insurance.
If you are simply trying to find a tree care company at the cheapest rate, be aware that companies who give you the lowest bid may be a company that “cuts corners” and one corner that often gets cut is in the area of insurance coverage. That is not something you want to take a chance on.
INSURANCE
A reputable arborist carries personal and property damage insurance as well as workers’ compensation insurance for tree work. When hiring an arborist, ask for proof of insurance and then phone the insurance company if you want to follow up with the information you were given.
Workers’ compensation insurance in the tree industry is very expensive due to the inherent dangers of the work, and often this is unfortunately where some tree companies can be deceptive. Often, these companies will claim the individuals working for them are not “employees”, but rather “subcontractors” to avoid paying for workers’ compensation insurance. When you are obtaining estimates from various tree companies, it is wise to ask if those working for the company as climbers/ground crew are employees that are covered by the company’s workers’ compensation and liability policies, or are considered subcontractors. Find more information about insurance here.
SUB-CONTRACTORS
If a tree care company uses subcontractors, you will want to verify that each subcontractor carriers their own individual insurance. On rare occasions, we will hire a subcontractor – most commonly if a crane larger than ours, and/or a second skilled climber is needed, to complete a job. If your job requires a subcontractor, please ask us for a copy of our subcontractor’s insurance coverage and we will gladly provide it to you.
For more information on what you should know before you hire a tree care company, visit TCIA.org
More Tree Care
Resources for Homeowners
This site provides the public with educational information about the benefits of trees and how to properly care for trees in the urban environment. It contains resources from the International Society of Arboriculture, and also provides a collection of reliable tree care information provided by other industry organizations.
In addition to supporting tree care companies in advancing tree care business (we’ve been a member of TCIA since 2002!), TCIA is also dedicated to helping consumers learn more about proper tree care and hiring reputable tree care companies who use proper tree care techniques and maintain a web-site just for that.
A Tree Resource Guide on Pennsylvania’s trees and how to care for them
An illustrated, step-by-step process that makes it easy to identify a tree simply by the kinds of leaves it produces.
Providing local residents easy access to the resources and expertise of the Pennsylvania State University. Through educational programs, publications, and events, cooperative extension agents deliver unbiased, research-based information to Lebanon County citizens.
Interested in a career in sustainable management of natural resources? Visit Penn State’s website for more information on their Department of Ecosystem Science and Management.
This site includes recordings of some of the largest trees of each species – – from Abies to Ziziphus – – within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Visit here for more information on PA State Parks and Forest, including activities, communities, businesses, and tree education
Visit this site for more information on gardens and arboretums across PA. Includes activities for the whole family!
Here you can find information about the Emerald Ash Borer beetle, which has cause problems for those with ash trees. This site can help you identify signs of a possible infestation.
Contact Us
3732 Columbia Avenue
Mountville, PA 17554
Phone: (717)-285-7099
Email: lancasteroffice@bartlett.com