What specific services does your firm perform?

In addition to tree pruning, special fertilization, spraying or injection and careful inspection service are provided by most professionals. Also, make sure that adequate cleanup services are provided, leaving the property neat when the work is completed.

Do you use pruning paint?

If the answer is "yes", then the person is not up to date with recommended procedures. Pruning paint provides no specific benefits.

Do you use climbing spikes on live trees and palms?

If the answer is "yes", then you have a non-professional person!

Can (would) you identify several of my trees?

Any competent arborist should be able to properly identify (by common and botanical name) most of the trees in the county. If there is a hesitancy to perform this simple task, or if the responses contain major errors (based on your positive knowledge of the trees you have on your property), then you have a non-professional.

May I have three (or more) local client references, with phone numbers and the approximate time you performed tree work for them?

Any hesitancy to provide this information should serve as a red flag!

(If the tree is recommended for removal) Do I have other options rather then removing this tree? What are the options?

Many instances occur when a tree does not have to be removed in order to improve a situation. Root pruning, proper pruning, changing grass lawn to ground cover or mulch, etc.

If a permit is required for any of the services, will you obtain it?

Most municipal and county areas now have comprehensive tree ordinances. For the most part, these regulate the removal of trees and the tree species forbidden to be installed.

May I have a complete estimate of all services you recommend before I must sign a contract?

This should be on a formal estimate sheet with complete details of all work intended to be performed. In addition, there should be a work guarantee in writing which assures your adequate protection. Read it carefully before signing any document.

Do you have a formal contract form for me to review before signing?

For you protection against possible future disagreement over what services were suggested and agreed to, this is a valuable document. If you sign, be sure to receive a legible copy for your files.

Are you experienced in basic pruning techniques?

Answers should include a strong reluctance to "top" trees. The arborist should be able to explain to you what "target pruning", "flush cuts", "drop crotch pruning", thinning, and "deadwooding" are. (Don't hesitate to ask for a graphic demonstration on your own tree - arborist shows by pointing and/or actually making a cut).

Do you de-moss trees? If so, for what reason? How?

Spanish Moss (the trailing type) should be removed if it becomes heavy enough to shade foliage or to become a potential cause of damage in wet storms. The excessive weight of extremely heavy moss growth can cause excessive limb drop during hurricane type storms. Both Spanish Moss and Ball Moss (the round type which is attached to the twigs and small branches) can be removed by hand, but an approved chemical spray application for large trees is effective.

How do you prune palms?

Palm fronds (leaves) should be carefully cut near the trunk whenever they begin to look yellow or brown or excessively frayed. No more than one-third of the palm fronds should be removed at any one time. Palm bloom stems (speaths) may be removed prior to their opening and dropping bloom debris. This will eliminate future messy dropping of the fruit. At no time should climbing spikes be used.

Please give me a brief description of your formal training and practical experience.

A professional arborist will be proud of his background. While formal college level courses are not always necessary, a definite display of ongoing local and regional continuing educational courses is a strong evidence of a progressive attitude and a desire for professional enhancement.

(If appropriate for the intended work) Do you have the proper license for applying pesticides?

It is necessary for a commercial applicator of pesticides to have on his possession a current pest control card or business license which indicates his having satisfied the requirements for application.

How long will the work take?

The professional arborist will be able to accurately estimate the length of the job and then stick to an agreed timetable