Big Daddy, I need a tree removed and one that's too close to my garage trimmed without damaging my house or fence. How do I pick a company that can do this at a fair price?-RM

  Good question and one we get asked a lot around here. You've seen the horror stories on the news with the fly by night companies going door to door and such, taking deposits and never coming back. Worse, coming back, doing damage or stealing from the property owner and disappearing. There are a handful of good, reliable, skilled and properly equipped companies out there that can handle tree trimming and removal quickly and at very fair prices. The number one thing WE look for is a certified arborist. The International Society of Arborists(ISA) offer training and certification. Those that complete these courses show they at least are willing to put that much effort into doing their jobs properly. Next is insurance. Even under the best circumstances, things can happen. Make sure THEY are covered or you will be stuck holding the bag! Ask to see a copy of their insurance with their quote, not such an unreasonable demand for that type of work. Try to stick with companies that you've seen in the market for a while or better yet, have done work for someone else that you trust to evaluate the quality of their work. This might be your lawn service, your landscaper or garden shop, or a really "green involved" neighbor. Door to door deals working the neighborhood? No thanks.

   Free quotes are standard, not estimates... a quoted price. If something additional arises, then both parties can make that agreement whether or not to proceed at that point. Clean, well maintained equipment and employees with proper safety gear are also points to pay attention to. Remember, they are going to be in the sky, on your property, doing work that you are responsible for. Drop that tree on the neighbors garage, housing his classic car handed down to him from his father and you are in a world of trouble!

    The bottom line is, ask around (you'll likely keep hearing the same names pop up), look for certification and insurance, get a quote and choose the company that you can trust to do it right the first time, that will always be cheaper than fighting through the aftereffects of a lowball fly by nighter. -BD