Hiring a tree surgeon can be a long, drawn-out process. How do you know what to look for? Well. sometimes knowing what to avoid can help you make the right choice. Here are some red flags that you should be aware of when taking your pick of tree surgeons in Essex, so you can choose a team who are able to meet your needs and get the job done quickly and within your budget.
No Insurance
One of the most important things to check is whether your chosen tree surgeon is fully covered by all the right insurance. This protects you in case something goes wrong, and shows that you are working with a team who are prepared for all eventualities. If a tree surgeon cannot provide proof of insurance or dodges the question entirely, then they are one to miss.
Vague Pricing
A professional tree surgeon will provide a clear quote outlining exactly what work will be carried out and a full breakdown of costs. If a tree surgeon is only willing to give you a vague estimate and resists putting anything in writing, this could be a sign that they are planning to spring some extra costs on you further down the line.
No Mention of Waste Removal
Anyone who has ever gotten their hands dirty in the garden knows that tree work generates a lot of waste. A good tree surgeon will always include waste removal in their services, saving you the time and effort of dealing with it yourself. If they don’t mention waste disposal, or they expect you to deal with it, then move on to another provider.
Pressure Tactics
Some cowboy tree surgeons will use high-pressure tactics to rush you into a decision. A trusted team will never say that they are only in the area today, or have a special price if you agree to let them work on your property there and then. Creating a false sense of urgency is a classic move from traders not to be trusted, so be sure not to fall for it.
No Address or Website
A reputable business should be easy to trace, which means that a registered address and website are non-negotiable. If you can’t find any trace of the company online, or you see them operating under different names or using various phone numbers, then you are best avoiding them. A genuine tree surgeon won’t mind you knowing who and where they are.
No References or Reviews
Any reputable provider should be able to point you to reviews from happy customers and detailed case studies of their previous work. A great tree surgeon will be proud of their work and will want to show it off to you. If they dismiss your request for information and photos or become defensive when asked, that says it all.
Trust Your Gut!
Remember: if something doesn’t seem right, then trust your instincts and move on to another provider. There’s always going to be a team that you can trust out there!
