Components of landscaping

Trees are so important to our environment that we should never remove them from our landscapes unless absolutely necessary. Sometimes a good trimming is all that is needed to restore a landscape tree to good health. Removing dead sections of branch leaves room for more light and air circulation in the rest of the tree. Sadly, sometimes a tree is too far gone to be saved, and complete removal from the landscape is necessary.

Simple removal of dead branches also lessens potential safety hazards. Landscape trees or limbs falling on power lines present the danger of electrocution and power outages. Unhealthy trees can also drop branches on your roof, possibly damaging it. Routine maintenance on your landscape trees will keep them functioning as healthy components of your landscape environment.

Tree removal is not a job for amateurs. It is a job best left to qualified landscape professionals because of the hazards involved. A tree landscape professional knows the proper trimming techniques and has the right equipment to trim your landscape tree safely and efficiently. Simply owning a chain saw does not count as a qualification.

How do you know if your landscaper is really a tree removal specialist, or just someone trimming trees as a sideline? Here are some trouble signs to watch for.

A professional tree landscaper is willing to put everything in writing, from the original estimate to the actual landscape service contract. By the end of the consultation, you should clearly know how much of your tree will be removed, and what the cost will be. Beware non-professional landscapers who are vague about the price and what you're getting for it. Even if your tree is trimmed without a major mishap, you may wind up with the branches left to litter your landscape, because removal was never discussed as part of the price.

And speaking of mishaps, make sure to ask for proof of current liability insurance. A professional landscaper is properly insured in case of accidents to themselves or your property. Your professional landscaper will not take offense if you wish to call the insurance company to verify the account is current before the cutting begins. If you get any resistance from your potential landscaper, send him packing. It's a sure sign of trouble ahead.

Your landscaper's tools are your next clue as to the level of his professionalism. Ladders, ropes, climbing harnesses, pruning shears and a quality chain saw are all good signs that you landscaper is prepared to do the job right. If your landscaper is backing his truck into your backyard landscape and standing on the cab to reach the branches, you've got more trouble my friend. Send him on his way.

A professional landscaper will never ask for full payment in advance for a job to be performed at a later date. Scammers are everywhere, and senior citizens should be especially cautious about paying for services before they are rendered.

References are worth their weight in gold and a good professional landscaper will have them. Ask for a list of recent customers to check out your potential landscaper's credentials.

Time spent carefully reviewing your potential landscaper will likely translate into a tree trimming job well done at a reasonable price for the amount of skill involved. When it comes to tree landscaping wannabes, you might need to change the old adage to "You don't even get what you pay for".