Protecting Yourself From Rouge Traders
1. If you want to hire a contractor, use legitimate sources e.g. (online or recommendation), proper companies do not do business at your doorstep.
2. Insurance, a reputable company will be happy to show their insurance to you. It should be employers liability and public liability for tree surgery specifically.
3. Ask relevant questions about the companies training, education, and certification.
4. Make sure price includes waste removal and is inclusive for the total job.
5. A company should be traceable i.e. (address, website, landline) etc.
6. Never give money upfront, a reputable company will rarely ask for a deposit and should have their own equipment and materials.
7. Treat your quotation meeting as an opportunity to interview the company and ascertain their professionalism.
8. Do not ever feel pressurised into making a decision on the spot, take time to think it over. Get more quotes then go with the most professional, not the cheapest.
9. If workers start the job and you don’t like what you see, stop them and explain your concerns, don’t be afraid to cancel the job. Staff should be wearing appropriate PPE and working to your requirements.
10. If you feel intimidated or like you are not being treated fairly, stop the job and if necessary don’t be afraid to retreat into the house and call the gardai.
11. Photograph the work vehicle’s registration number and hold onto business cards.
12. Tree surgery is expensive because it is a specialist industry that requires a high level of training, expertise, education, and proper insurance.
13. A good arborist should know the Latin / botanical names of the trees in your garden, as well as common names. Ask them and verify on google etc.
14. If it sounds too good to be true that it probably is!
