Signs That Your Commercial Tree Service Contractor Isn’t Getting the Job Done

How do you know if your commercial tree service contractor is doing everything your contract specifies? Or if they’re doing it properly, on time, and in a way that adds value to your property?

Property managers often have many commercial, industrial, residential, and/or special usage properties to look after, so it’s understandable that you may not be visiting individual properties as often as you’d like. But, as a result, you may not notice what’s being done or, more importantly, what’s not being done by your commercial tree service company.

We spend a lot of time visiting commercial properties throughout northern Virginia and have noticed that many companies don’t perform all the tree care services they should be doing (and that are likely specified in their scope of work). While there hasn’t been much downward movement in the dollar amounts on contracts, what’s being delivered has clearly been decreasing over the last few years.

How Do You Know What You’re Getting?

Effective tree care for commercial properties is a partnership between the contractor and property owner or manager. Frequent and consistent communication and site reviews are a critical part of building and maintaining a strong, professional relationship.

Below are some of the ‘red flags’ that indicate your tree service contractor may not be holding up their end of the relationship.

Regular Communication & Reporting

When you can’t be physically present, you rely on your commercial tree service provider to get the job done without your direct oversight. Here’s what you should be asking yourself:

• Are they communicating with you on a regular basis to confirm that they’ve delivered the services and that the property and trees look the way they should?
• Do they share an inspection report with you on the schedule specified?
• Do they send you photos of areas that need attention?

Regular Meetings & Property Reviews

Tree service contractors should be encouraging meetings with you to review the property and make sure that the quality is being delivered appropriately.

• Have you heard from your tree care company this season?
• Do you have a property review scheduled? (or, at least, had the opportunity to schedule one)
• When was the last time you met with your contractor?

Site Visits & Comparisons

Take a look at neighboring properties and compare the services and quality of work that different commercial tree service companies are delivering.

• How does your property compare to others?
• Are you getting the same services and quality?
• Are you pleased with the appearance of your trees and property, especially as it compares to others?

What to Look For

Take a close look at your commercial tree service contract, paying particular attention to the scope of services and any details about how those services will be performed. For example, look for details like:

• Pruning methods to be used on trees (these should follow ANSI A300 standards)
• Hand pruning shrubs vs. shearing them
• Mulching around trees and shrubs, including what type and color of mulch to use
• Quantity, type, and frequency of fertilizer applications, such as deep root fertilization / soil injections versus broadcast spreading granular fertilizer
• Frequency of tree health inspections and what’s included in those inspections (for example, is it just a quick drive-by or an up close and personal assessment)
• Types of insect and disease control treatments and prevention measures, and the schedule for those applications

Then take a walk around your property. Does what you see match what the contract says?

Below are some of the specifics to consider:

Overall Tree Health

• Good canopy color and density of leaves, uniform appearance, no leaf spots or holes, or bare spots in the tree canopy
• No peeling bark, large cracks, fungal growths, or evidence of pest damage on the trunk or branches
• No visibly stressed shrubs or trees, such as signs of wilting or overwatering

Safety

• No broken or hanging branches in the tree canopy that could fall unexpectedly
• Proper cables and/or bracing installed (if needed) and regularly maintained to prevent limb breakage
• Regular inspections and proactive actions to mitigate tree risks

Ornamental Shrubs

• Correctly pruned to maintain desired form, size, and appearance, as well as to allow flowering
• No “catch up” pruning or shearing required

Ornamental Trees

• Correctly pruned to maintain desired form, size, and appearance
• No low hanging branches, deadwood, suckers, crossing branches, or safety issues

Beds & Tree Rings

• No grassy or broadleaf weeds visible within mulched areas around trees
• A uniform layer of high-quality mulch spread to the dripline or bed edge
• No mulch volcanoes, thin spots, faded material, poor quality mulch, irregular depth, or old mulch visible
• No evidence of soil compaction

Overall Property Appearance

• Trees and shrubs trimmed back to ensure signage is clearly visible
• Lighting unobstructed by woody plants or other material
• Walkways, steps, and parking lots swept and free of tree and shrub debris
• Appealing overall appearance that would be attractive to customers and tenants
• No ruts, skid marks, or other signs of heavy equipment damage

After your walk-around, take stock of what you observed. Do you like what you saw? If so, great!

If not, it’s time to have a discussion with your tree service contractor.

What To Do If You’re Not Getting What You’re Paying For From Your Commercial Tree Service Contractor

Talk to your tree service contractor immediately. Have the contract with you so you can check on what is supposed to be delivered. Ask questions about when and how the work is being done. Ask for specific details, including any areas the contractor noticed that need additional attention.

Ultimately, the only way to know that you’re truly getting what you pay for is to visit your site(s). However, your commercial tree contractor should be able to give you a clear and complete description of the condition of each property. If they can’t, it’s time to look elsewhere.

Ready to Make a Change?

Whether you work with multifamily apartments, HOAs, retail spaces, industrial properties, school campuses, or golf courses, the arborists at Absolute Tree Service have you covered! Give us a call at 703-969-6207 for a competitive quote and learn how our exclusive quality control and communication processes help you know that you’re really getting exactly what you paid for.