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Tree Trimming and Pruning Services
It is very important that trees on your property
be properly trimmed and pruned every few
years. This is particularly true for branches
that overhang telephone lines, electric lines,
buildings, parked vehicles, public sidewalks,
and streets. As a part of this process, the
trees should also be periodically tested
for healthiness and stability in their trunks
and roots to reduce the possibility that
the entire tree may fall and cause serious
property damage or personal injury. For all
but the smallest trees, it is advisable to
hire a tree service professional.
Here are some helpful tips for
hiring a tree
service:
- Tree service professionals may work for tree
trimming companies, tree pruners, landscapers,
lawn care specialists, branch removal services,
and others, so you may need to hunt around.
Whatever the name of the company, you would
be well advised to understand their experience
in the type of work you need done as the
equipment and skills will vary with the size
of the tree and its location.
- Be sure that any tree service you hire has
adequate insurance, including coverage for
both liability and workmen’s compensation.
This is perhaps your most important consideration
because of the financial exposures that are
possible. Tree trimming is dangerous work
that may result in unintentional damage to
your property, even if undertaken with utmost
care by a seasoned professional. Do not hesitate
to call the tree trimmer’s insurance company
if you have any doubt at all about coverage
that the firm carries, including whether
the policy is current.
- Be wary of tree trimmers who propose to climb
trees with climbing spikes on their shoes.
This can damage the cambium layer of the
tree, which is the living and growing part
of the tree just below the bark as well as
its circulatory system. Climbing also is
potentially dangerous to the climber. Likewise,
the use of ladders should be restricted to
work that is relatively close to the ground.
The safest practice, regardless of the height
of the tree, is for the trimmer to stand
in a bucket lift mounted on a truck. These
devices are also known as "cherry pickers."
- A professional tree trimmer should be accomplished
in the use of ropes to control the fall of
branches that overhang wires, buildings,
etc. That is, the trimmer will tie the rope
around the limb before cutting and loop it
over another part of the tree or a mechanical
boom. Meanwhile, people on the ground will
hold the ropes such that, when the limb is
cut free, it can be lowered in a controlled
and safe fashion. If your trimmer is not
using ropes in cutting high branches that
could conceivably fall and do damage, stop
him immediately.
Be sure to have a written estimate before
letting work commence. See in writing what
guarantees the trimmer gives in case he accidentally
damages your property or utility wires running
through it |
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