LOOKING for an arborist to work on your trees and shrubs? Here are some facts to consider.
Manitoba arborist regulations
Manitoba government regulations require all commercial, municipal and government arborists be licensed. Arborists must pass a course of study supervised by the University of Manitoba's Department of Agriculture as the first prerequisite to obtaining their Manitoba arborist licence. Application for the license must be accompanied with proof that the arborist has obtained at least $2 million general business liability insurance. Licences must be renewed each year. The administration of the arborist licence is the responsibility of the Department of Conservation.
Get three quotes for tree work
Homeowners often rely on arborist referrals from their friends or family. You can also look up a tree service company in the Yellow Pages directory. Obtain at least three quotations from companies if you are uncertain which one to choose. From my experience talking with property owners, very few talk to more than one arborist. There seems to be a reluctance to find the best bid from more than one arborist. Be sure to verify that the companies from which you are getting quotations have a current valid licence which is located on the arborist's Manitoba Arborist Identification Card. It is your right to ask to see that licence. It should show the current year's date beside the arborist licence number.
Write up a list of tree work you want done
Before you call an arborist, make a detailed list of all the work you want done. Be as specific as you can in your instructions. This same list must be shown to each of the arborists from which you are obtaining quotations. If a tree has to be removed be sure it is clearly marked on the trunk with coloured paint or secured flagging tape. Mention this in your instructions for work to be done. Here is a common scenario. You are looking for pruning work for a tree on your contracting out list, however an arborist says the tree should be removed. Be sure to ask all of the other arborists if they believe that tree needs to be removed before you agree to enter into the contract. Sound, healthy trees are often removed because people are reluctant to question the integrity or motives of an arborist.
Certified arborists with the International Society of Arboriculture
Most tree service firms do good pruning and removal work. Some are licensed to spray and fertilize trees. Not all companies have staff trained in understanding specific plant health care treatments related to certain pests and diseases. I would start with those firms that advertise their professional qualifications stating they have one or more certified International Society of Arboriculture (I.S.A.) arborists on staff. The ISA is a professional group that advocates the highest standards of training and state-of-the-art tree care for the international tree service community. The ISA requires member arborists to upgrade their education in tree care annually in order to keep their certified arborist designation. If you do not have references for any one particular tree service company you could talk to each of the companies displaying their certified ISA arborist designation in their advertisement about your problem.
There is a word of caution I must mention here. A company may be a member of the ISA but it might not employ any certified ISA arborists. Be sure that you are dealing with certified ISA arborists when someone comes out to inspect and quote on the work you want done to your trees.
Pesticide applicator's licence
If you are looking for a company to spray or fertilize your trees then there are different regulations that apply. Under Manitoba Agriculture's Pesticides and Fertilizers Control Act, all business applicators must have a current Pesticide Applicator's Licence. Again be sure you ask to see it and ensure it is current. Many tree service companies do all the services mentioned in this article.
If you are uncertain about the professional reputation of a company, you can also call the Better Business Bureau.
Michael Allen is a consulting urban forester and certified ISA arborist and owner of Viburnum Tree Experts. He makes house and garden visits to assess tree and shrub problems. He can be contacted by calling 831-6503 or by email at viburnumtrees@shaw.ca You can also mail questions to Michael Allen, c/o Newsroom, Winnipeg Free Press, 1355 Mountain Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R2X 3B6. His website is www.treeexperts.mb.ca
