Advanced Tree Service’s highly skilled crew, working under the supervision of two Certified Arborists, sets the stage for their clients’ continued customer satisfaction, year after year. Unlike many companies in the tree care industry, Advance Tree Service’s crewmembers are long-term employees.

“We’ve had the same crews for years,” says Darren Edwards, president and owner.

In addition to their longevity with the company, crewmembers are continuously trained, taking courses to keep their skills sharp and up-to-date. Each has honed individual areas of expertise regarding the types of trees pruned and treated. The bottom line: all crewmembers are completely qualified and trained before tending to any tree.

Promptness and dependability are of the utmost importance. Clients are notified if an arborist or crew is running more than a few minutes late for an appointment; customers are never left waiting.

“Even when the arborists make an appointment, we don’t say we’re going to come on Tuesday between this time and that time,” says Mr. Edwards. “We say we’re going to be there Tuesday at 10:00, and we’re there Tuesday at 10:00.”

Because there is someone in the office during all business hours, the lines of communication are always open.

Company owners and Certified Arborists, Darren and Lew Edwards, work closely with all clients and provide supervision at job sites when needed. They are honest and upfront about what is healthy or unhealthy for the trees. As such, they will never do anything that will harm a tree, and they may actually recommend not doing what the customer has in mind, like pruning a pine tree in summer–which can lead to its demise. In such cases, they will tactfully suggest postponing a job until the proper time. “We’d rather lose business than lie to get business,” says Mr. Edwards.

The employees of Advance Tree Service use great care when it comes to job preparation and cleanup. They use the utmost consideration in protecting whatever is under the tree and take proper measures to prevent damage to the surrounding vegetation. So, they’ll never damage the client’s lawn and will do everything possible to minimize the impact to all growth in the yard. Upon completion of the job, they take their time to make sure that everything is raked and removed. The crew leaves the job site looking as good as–if not better–than they found it.

Nothing can replace skill, experience and integrity. It’s important to make sure that the landscaping/treescaping company you hire is being run in a legal and ethical manner. It should be reputable and reachable, with clearly defined contact information.

Plenty of any companies offer cheap prices but provide low-quality service. Often, illegal and/or inexperienced workers are sent to a job site, only to damage a tree beyond repair. Unfortunately, with some trees, once they’re gravely damaged they can’t be healed.

Make sure the people you hire to work in your yard are covered by the proper insurance. There are documented stories of workers who have fallen from trees while on a job who have subsequently sued the homeowner. To avoid something like this happening to you, be sure to find out how long a company has been in business and ask to see their credentials, references, and legitimate proof of insurance. Keep in mind that anybody can generate false documentation on a computer, so exercise caution. When considering a company for insurance work (as in cases of storm damage, etc.), it’s better to work directly with the insurance company. Then you’re sure to be covered.

Getting the best results means hiring the most skilled and experienced people. It pays to ask the company representative if their workers take classes to stay up-to-date on the skills, equipment, and techniques.

Q: Can I prune trees myself?

A: It’s better to enlist professionals. Improper cutting can damage or even kill a tree. In addition, it can be downright dangerous if the right equipment isn’t used or proper safety measures aren’t taken. Experience is a must in this case.

Q: Besides pruning, do you offer other remedial care for trees that are having problems?

A: Yes. Our professional arborists can diagnose a tree’s condition and treat it for insects or inject it with vitamins to make it healthier.

Q: How about maintenance?

A: We do property management for homeowners, businesses, and apartment complexes, including mowing and cleanup. For our homeowner clients, we provide more of a detailed maintenance for their yards. We also offer sprinkler maintenance.

Q: Do you offer advice for people who want to save money?

A: Yes. We can answer questions about fertilization and other matters for our do-it-yourself clients. We will also teach people about the proper watering of trees between maintenance calls, so that it doesn’t get to a point where a tree can’t be saved.

Q: Are clients consulted about how they want their trees and yards to look?

A: Yes. We work with clients regarding what branches they would like removed during tree pruning and maintenance. However, if what they want is detrimental in any way, our experts will try to steer them toward a better plan of action. In the case of landscaping, we always make sure that the homeowner agrees upon where we place the plants.

Q: Do you have a lot of repeat customers?

A: Yes. More than half of our business is from clients who have used us in the past. In most cases, the crew that is familiar with a certain client is the one sent out.