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Checking Tree Care Credentials
Last year, several fatalities in California were linked to dangerous tree care practices, especially work done byntrained and uncertified individuals. The United Voice for Healthier Communities (UVHC) is a coalition of arborists and urban foresters that urges contractors to hire only certified tree-care professionals. Landscapers or gardeners who are not trained arborists or certified tree workers risk legal consequences resulting from pruning or other dangerous tree work. UVHC includes the California Urban Forest Council and the Western Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture.
“Property owners who don’t understand the dangers involved in tree care are hiring unskilled workers who are dying to trim their trees,” said Andy Trotter, Chairman of the UVHC. Arborists, urban foresters, and tree care professionals urge everyone to take the following steps before hiring anyone to remove or trim a tree. These steps are:
• Check credentials and references
• Check for a contractor’s license
• Confirm that workers are covered by worker’s compensation liability insurance
• Seek professional guidance, especially when planning to trim on one’s own
ISA/Western Chapter maintains a toll-free number with experts on hand who can advise on tree care: 1-866-785-TREE (8733). The International Society of Arboriculture also has a hotline for tree care, 1-888-472-8733.
