• Many reputable companies offer modest price discounts on winter work. They do this to provide employment to their loyal help and to improve their cash flow.

• You can get the service when you need it. The best service providers typically have huge backlogs of work in the Summer, but can respond to your needs more quickly in the off season.

• Winter is a good time to look at and work on most trees. The tree architecture is highly visible, and there are no leaves to add to the cleanup time.

Shop carefully for the professional tree care service provider that meets your needs

Even though a lot of tree care companies offer great discounts during this time of the year, cheap rates do not guarantee good tree work. Here are some tips on how to hire good professional help:

Start with the arborists that are listed in the phone book. 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 and use relatively small Yellow Pages ads. Look instead for what the ad that tells you about the company: number of years in business, professional affiliations, licences, certification, etc. Avoid companies that advertise topping, an injurious an unacceptable practice.

Seek recommendations from neighbors, friends or business associates who you know have had professional tree care work done in the past.

You should be aware that the credentials of someone calling himself 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 references, and check on the quality of their work and level of service.

• Don't be lured by a bargain, don't pay in advance, and do get another estimate or opinion of the needed work.

• Insist on a signed contract as to cost, dates when it 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.

An easy way to find a commercial arborist, or tree care service provider, in your area is to use the NAA’s Locate your local NAA member companies program. You can use this program by calling the NAA at 1-800-733-2622 or by doing a zip code search on their web site, www.natlarb.com. When you hire an NAA-member tree care company, you are assured that the company you are hiring has access to the most recent information on tree care practices, and you are assured that the company you are hiring is insured and/or bonded to protect you and your valuable property.