Communication is established, an agreeable time to have a meeting to discuss what your wishes are.
If you can provide photos and a very detailed explanation about what it is that you would like, we may be able to provide you with an estimate based on that. It is much better to have a meeting to discuss, however.
We usually do not like to point at particular limbs to remove unless absolutely necessary. We try to write all work using these phrases: clear some distance, prune (has some additional information with it - if not - see definition of prune), elevate some distance, thin some percentage, shape or reduce some amount.
There is a pruning standard set forth by ANSI. The majority of its content is agreeable with us as a company. We can work within its definitions if you like. We have found that the language is litigious and cumbersome to work with on a day to day basis.
Trees have limitations about how much pruning is tolerable. Species and health are the two basic factors. Generally, not more than 20% of the canopy can be removed during one pruning operation. Topping or heading cuts will not be made.
We try to prune in a manner that has minimal impact on the tree. This means that you should barely see where the cuts were made. In our experience, the more visible the cut, the more stress is caused to the tree.
Trees should be pruned on no less than a three year cycle.
Major changes should occur over a long period of time (10 years +).
The arborist that provides you with the estimate will determine a number of hours to complete and write the information on an estimate form. We generally do not provide the number of hours, only the description and price. Usually the estimate is sent as a pdf attachment to email. We can also print one out for you if you like.
Once the estimate is signed by the customer, it is a contract between The Arborist Inc. and the customer.
The work will then be scheduled. We try our best to work with people about scheduling. If we have communicated the appropriate information in the contract, it is unnecessary to have someone home while the work is in progress.
If the person performing the aerial work is on the ground after the operation and the customer decides that they would like another limb or 2 removed, there will likely be additional charges. Try to remember you have a crew working, and there are 2-4 people that are being paid by the hour as well. 15 minutes additional time is multiplied.
Provided the customer is satisfied, an invoice will be generated.
