CBUF's Guide to Hiring Tree Work

Checklist for having tree work completed:

1: Hire a Licensed Contractor: 

Make sure your tree care company is licensed and bonded. Tree care companies, like other contractors, in Oregon are required to be licensed by the Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB). You can check the status of any contractor at their website www.oregon.gov/ccb. The CCB ensures that contractors carry sufficient liability insurance and bond in addition to providing mediation between clients and contractors and requiring continuing education for license renewal. 

2: Hire a Certified Arborist:

 While not required by law for residential tree work in the U.S. it can be a good idea to look for a tree care company that also has one or more certified arborists on staff. According the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) outreach website TreesAreGood.org:

“An arborist by definition is an individual who is trained in the art and science of planting, caring for, and maintaining individual trees. ISA arborist certification is a nongovernmental, voluntary process by which individuals can document their base of knowledge. Certified Arborists are individuals who have achieved a level of knowledge in the art and science of tree care through experience and by passing a comprehensive examination developed by some of the nation’s leading experts on tree care.”

3: Find someone you like:

Arboriculture is a unique field that involves the proper blend of experience, artistic vision, and athleticism/agility. Different arborists like different people will approach the work based on varied life experiences and values. For example, a former lineman might have a more production-oriented approach to tree work when compared to someone with a horticultural or botanical background. While some tree work is fairly clear cut a lot of it involves a fine balance between aesthetic concerns and the preservation or enhancement of tree health. Finding someone who shares your values will greatly improve your experience and ensure that your vision will be fulfilled. To accomplish this, take a little time checking out your arborist’s website, independent review sites and if getting multiple estimates make sure everyone is bidding on the same amount of work. If one person is significantly cheaper make sure it’s not because they are cutting corners. Finally, be patient, with the affects of climate change and new disease outbreaks on our local trees and forests most qualified arborists are struggling to keep up with demand. Plan ahead or expect to wait as much a couple months when scheduling non-emergency work. 

Editor's note:  Remember that it is not always in the contractor's best interest to save a tree.  Get at least one other opinion if they tell you it has to be removed.