Specialized equipment is needed for almost all tree care services. For tree removal, complex tools like aerial lifts, cranes, stump grinders, and climbing and rigging equipment are utilized.  These tools are costly to acquire, maintain, and insure.

Since tree work can be hazardous and various risk factors are involved, qualified tree service companies will have liability insurance to protect the homeowner’s property. They will also have workers’ compensation insurance in case of an accident or injury sustained by the crew. For companies that do not carry the proper insurance, the homeowner would be responsible for a lawsuit and the costs of damages in the case of an accident or injury. It is also illegal in New York state to do tree work without workers comp and proper liability.

Always follow up with the company to ensure that their insurance policies are current before beginning tree work. Both their liability and workers’ compensation carrier can email you their certificates of insurance with your name and address on them to ensure that you are protected.

You can, but beware. When mulch is applied incorrectly, the mulch tends to get steeper and steeper the closer it gets to the tree. 

There are several problems with mulch or dirt mounded around trees:

• Water runs off the sides of the mulch and away from a tree’s base thus depriving it of water
•  Excessive mulching can suffocate a tree’s roots
• improper mulching retains moisture at the tree’s base, which can introduce collar rot. Collar rot essentially girdles the tree. The smartest thing you can do when you mulch is not to let any mulch touch the tree trunk.