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Certified Arborists, Urban Forestry, City of Falls Church, VA
Certified Arborists
 Quick Link:
After significant storms, it is not unusual for individuals calling themselves tree specialists to show up at your door looking for work. Owning a truck and a chain saw does not automatically qualify someone as a tree care professional!
In the City of Falls Church, tree care companies must have a license to work. This means that they have met minimum requirements set by the City such as insurance, workers' compensation, and the posting of a bond. Although these companies have met minimum requirements, their ethics and quality of work should be investigated by the homeowner -- get several quotes and request references.
If pruning involves working above the ground, or using power equipment, it is best to hire a professional arborist. An arborist can determine what type of pruning is necessary to improve the health, appearance, and safety of your trees. A professional arborist can provide the services of a trained crew, with all of the required safety equipment and liability insurance.
Visit the ISA Web site to locate a local arborist. You may also contact Ben Thompson, City Arborist, via email or 703-248-5183 (TTY 711) for information regarding tree removal and tree pruning.
Things to Consider When Selecting a Tree Care Company- Membership in professional organizations such as:
- Certification (not just a member) through the ISA Certified Arborist program.
- Proof of insurance and workers' compensation.
- Check their references.
- Do not hire a tree care company that spikes live trees or does topping. Topping is the drastic removal, or cutting back of large branches in mature trees, leaving large, open wounds that subject the tree to disease and decay. Topping causes immediate injury to the tree and ultimately results in the early failure or death of the tree.
- Get a written estimate listing all work to be completed.
- Do not pay for the job until everything agreed upon is completed.
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| Contact Us |
Dept. of Public Works:
Urban Forestry
300 Park Avenue
Suite 100 West
Falls Church, VA 22046
703-248-5183 (TTY 711)
703-248-5336 fax
bthompson@fallschurchva.gov
Hours
Monday-Friday
8 a.m.-5 p.m.
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