Pruning Large Trees Best Done by a
Professional
Marianne C. Ophardt
Washington State University Cooperative Extension
Area Extension Agent
When a large tree
needs to be pruned, it’s best to hire an arborist. That’s a person trained
to prune trees safely. They also
have special equipment to minimize the hazards as much as possible.
They know how to prune trees properly to maintain and improve tree
health. However, not all people who
prune trees commercially are trained arborists.
If you’re looking for an arborist who can prune your trees and not
leave them looking like victims of a chainsaw massacre, here are some pointers.
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Look for someone who is a member of a professional arborists association. It’s even better to get a person who is a “certified ISA arborist” because they have passed an extensive examination covering pruning and other aspects of tree care.
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Always ask for proof of insurance. If they don’t have current insurance, you could be held responsible for any damage they cause or any injuries that occur as a result of their job... even injuries that occur to their employees pruning your trees!
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Ask for references and don’t hesitate to check them. Contact the Better Business Bureau about the companies in which you’re interested.
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Get a written estimate that details the work to be done and the time frame for the work to be completed. Compare estimates and make your decision with care. The lowest estimate may not always give you the quality of pruning that you want. Be sure the estimate and contract specify who will be responsible for clean-up; what the total price will be; and what’s the hourly rate if you want more work done.
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Good tree pruning can be a substantial investment. Having your tree pruned isn’t like getting a bad haircut. Your hair will grow back. If the pruning is done poorly, you’re pretty much stuck with it. Poor pruning can decrease the overall value of your property and create an unsightly, hazardous tree.