If you have a tree that is looking sickly, scrawny, and just basically unwell, then you need the services of a qualified tree surgeon like Canopy Tree Surgery provides. A professional, licensed and experienced tree surgeon will be able to examine the tree in question and correctly evaluate the situation, then treat the problem with whatever means are necessary. All of that sounds simple enough, but it's when you try and put it into practice that you run into difficulties. It's just plain hard to find the right tree surgeon for your needs. The following are some basic leads to assist you in finding a professional tree surgeon:

Qualifications

It might be difficult, but the task of finding someone who has the proper qualifications to be a tree surgeon like Canopy Tree Surgery, isn't impossible. Not by a long shot. If you want to be successful in your search, then you should be aware of the various types of tree surgery qualifications which are available. One of the best methods for finding a local tree surgeon with the proper experience and credentials is to check and see if they belong to a tree surgeon association. The main tree associations are:

The International Society of Arboriculture, The Arboriculture Association and the Tree Care Industry Association.

The International Society of Arboriculture: Members of this association can choose whether to take an assessment test or not. There are two separate logos depending on which level of member they are.

Arboriculture Association: It's a must for members of this association to take an assessment test every five years. Furthermore, they must prove that they have sufficient tree surgeon insurance and use the proper equipment.

Tree Care Industry Association: Here members are not required to undergo any formal assessment or evaluation, but there are various tree surgery courses offered.

A word of caution here. Don't make the mistake of automatically discrediting a tree surgeon because they belong to an association which does not require assessment, as joining fees can be a real hardship for many small, local businesses, or an apprentice learning tree surgery on the job.

Quotes

After you have put together your list of local tree surgeons to connect with, such as Canopy Tree, the next step you should take is to try and get some quotes lined up. Your goal should be a minimum of three estimates from three tree surgeons, and always request an initial visit and a written quote, that way you can avoid any clashes later on.

Questions for Your Tree Surgeon

Your situation is apt to be very specific, so it is absolutely fine to ask your tree surgeon lots of questions. The best type of tree surgeon, like Canopy Tree will have lots of knowledge and tips to offer, and will be eager to share them with you. Along with this, you should also make it a point to ask questions about what is involved in the quote they have given you, as this will certainly vary from company to company.

Tree Surgery Planning Permission

Normally it is not necessary to have planning permission for tree surgery, but it is always a good idea to get in touch with your local planning authority and ensure that this is the case. Feel free to ask your tree surgeon for advice concerning this matter if you have any doubts.

Insurance

When you select the tree surgeon you want, be certain that they have sufficient insurance. This should include both third-party liability insurance coverage as well as professional indemnity insurance. Now of course many tree surgeons don't carry their policy documents around with them on the job, but you will still be covered as long as the insurance details are spelled out within the written quote.