Blogs - Caring for Hardwoods | Johnson's Tree Service & Stump Grinding Inc

By Johnsons Tree Services
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12 Sep, 2018
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One of the most common problems we see with tree trimming is hardwood pruning. Hardwoods include Oak, Mahogany, Black Olive, etc. All over town are trees stripped of all young branches on the inside of the tree, or trees only trimmed halfway up, not removing bad branches from the upper half. We see people topping (cutting the outside tips of branches) trees, leaving scars and nubs that will create further future damage…unfortunately, the list goes on. We also talk to many homeowners that believe they are receiving a full structural prune but are being left with trees that are only elevated and still charged full price. Improper pruning techniques can lead to breaking limbs, property damage, disease, growth stunting, and all types of issues later down the road. Once a tree is topped, it never grows back properly again, therefore the local governments hand out violations, fines, tickets, and even demands that you replace to tree completely. The ticket does not go to the contractor that performed the improper pruning, but to the homeowner that owns the tree.

So how are homeowners to be sure that they are receiving exactly what they are supposed to and what they are paying for without obtaining a minor arboriculture degree? The absolute best way to protect yourself against improper pruning is to only hire a professional tree service to trim your trees. Tree Services focus solely on tree trimming and tree care, that is our passion and our life. We have no other interests or divested attentions. So many homeowners confuse landscape and lawn maintenance companies with tree care because it makes sense – landscaping is trees right? No, it’s not! Landscapers have different licenses, education and even different insurance. That’s right, landscapers do not carry a Workman’s Comp code to work off the ground, in a tree, or on a ladder which is required to trim your trees properly. If a landscaper falls from a tree in your yard, you can be sued! This is so important for everyone to know and we wanted to make this our first blog. Protect your trees, your home and yourself, hire a professional tree service to trim your trees.

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Two Types of Tree Care Companies

By 7016564212 • 14 Nov, 2018

It’s important to understand how proper tree service will protect the health and safety of your trees, but it’s just as important to know how the tree care company is going to protect you from potential liability.

For this reason I generalize the tree companies into two categories:

“Tree Guys”
Arborists

“ Tree Guys ” will state or advertise that they are “Fully Insured” with liability and workers comp while not truly understanding what coverage is actually required. In most cases when we see “Fully Insured” advertised, it means nothing. There are only a very small number of tree companies in our area that have proper liability and workers compensation insurance.

Arborists work very closely with industry associations, such as the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) and CT Tree Protective Association (CTPA), to stay at the forefront of the tree care industry while meeting or exceeding safety and tree care standards. Arborists are passionate about their industry and delivering a level of care and professionalism that greatly exceeds the “Tree Guy” scenario. Additionally, Arborists commit to a level of training, certifications and licensing that is ongoing and shows a commitment to being an industry steward that best represents consumers and their landscape needs.

Protect Yourself: What You Need to Know About Tree Care Company Insurance

By 7016564212 • 14 Nov, 2018

Many people are unaware that the tree care industry is one of the most dangerous professions out there. Tree care employees work at extreme heights while using dangerous tools, such as chain saws. The danger is compounded by working near power lines, busy roadways and other infrastructure obstacles. These working conditions place tree work in the same category as logging, which is rated as the second most dangerous job in the USA and has a high risk of serious injury and/or death.

With all these risks in mind, you can see why having a company that’s properly insured should be at the top of your list. This is also why you should make sure that a tree care company has up-to-date industry certifications and licenses. This ensures that employees are properly trained and that they use the latest industry standards to mitigate the risks involved in tree care.

In most cases, consumers tend to lump tree care companies in with landscapers – after all, they both do “tree work,” right? But there’s a big difference – landscapers do not usually work in the high-risk situations listed above and are certainly not insured properly to cover these risks.