Fall and winter storms often bring out the best in a community. Neighbors, even strangers, help each other cope with aggravations and property damage left in the wake of a storm. Unfortunately, storms also bring out the worst in a community -- fast-buck artists looking to profit from the misfortunes of others. How can homeowners protect themselves when they need to hire a tree care company to clean up after a storm?

"With thousands of dollars at stake, not to mention the integrity and appearance of your property and your personal safety, make sure you investigate before deciding which company you should hire," warns Tchukki Andersen, BCMA, staff arborist with the Tree Care Industry Association.

If the "professional arborist" you hired to remove a tree drops it on your house instead of your lawn, it's too late to confirm the company is insured. "Disreputable companies are renowned for ripping gutters off, breaking fences and bird baths, and even dropping trees on houses," says Andersen. "Then they typically fold up and leave, never to be seen again."

Disreputable companies tend to:

- Solicit work door-to-door
- Demand payment in advance
- Advertise topping
- Sell jobs without producing a written estimate or work order

Start with the arborists listed in the phone book or on the Internet. Don't place much emphasis on the size of the Yellow Pages ad - some of the most reputable firms rely almost entirely on word-of-mouth advertising. Look instead for what the ad or Web page tells you about the company: number of years in business, professional affiliations, licenses, Accreditation, certification, etc. Avoid companies that advertise topping, an injurious and unacceptable practice. You should be aware that the credentials of someone calling himself or herself an arborist can vary widely. Don't just hire someone with a chain saw who knocks on your door. Look for the company displaying the credentials of a professional. When you meet with the arborist:

- Ask to see current certificates of liability and workers' compensation insurance, if applicable.
- Ask for local references, and check on the quality of their work and level of service.
- Verify professional affiliations the company might have, such as membership or Accreditation with the Tree Care Industry Association.
- Don't be lured by a bargain and don't pay in advance.
- Insist on a signed contract as to cost, dates when work is to be performed, and exactly what is to be done.
- Insist that climbing spikes are used only if the tree is to be cut down; they damage the tree.
- Get a second opinion if it will add to your comfort level. Make sure that a complete diagnosis of the potential for tree failure is performed before a tree is removed.

Link: http://www.embarkservices.com/newsdetail.php?id=36

Press Release: Embark Services Launches a New TCIA Award-Winning Website Dedicated to Arbor Education and Client Stewardship

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 3, 2011-Houston, TX- Embark Services, a landscaping and arbor care service provider located in Houston, Texas, has recently launched a new website designed to raise understanding of the Arbor industry as well as inspire arbor stewardship with its clients. This initiative, led by Embark Services President Jeff Schroeder, is using state-of-the-art, interactive Web technologies to create an online community where visitors can deepen their knowledge of the Arbor industry and how it is tied to their individual community. The new website was recently named Winner of the coveted “2010 TCIA Professional Communications Award” by the Tree Care Industry Association.

TCIA evaluated all entries on the overall appearance, content quality, adherence to ANSI and OSHA standards, and their success in achieving the company’s marketing and communications goals. With almost 60 entries, TCIA was impressed with the website’s dedication to Arbor Education and overall client ease of use. Amy Tetreault, Marketing & PR Coordinator of TCIA, explains “Embark Services website features much more information than the average tree care company’s website. This website is a valuable resource for consumers looking for tree care information”. The website also includes the Embark Services Blog and RSS feeds where visitors can go to stay up-to-date on the latest local events that affect the Arbor Community. Visitors can also access Arbor Care content and participate through Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

For more information on Embark Services, please visit www.embarkservices.com.

Link: http://bit.ly/hDcL58

Posted 2/4/2011 5:08 PM CST

Being an avid nature lover and self-proclaimed "tree hugger", I have been looking for a website that would give me some good tips and tricks for dealing with my lovely trees and landscaping, especially during this crazy weather (since when does Houston freeeeeeeze?). So, in my lookings about, I came across an awesome site that does way more than I have been able to find out there. www.embarkservices.com gives me all sorts of green tips and up-to-date info on weather and how to protect my pretty trees and shrubs. Me, being the sometimes cynic, had to do my due diligence of how "relevant and valid" these people are. Turns out, they just won the award for best website from the Tree Care Industry Association...pretty cool, I think. So, I have vowed to share the info with all of my tree hugging friends out there....read on dear lovers, read on!