Q: I'm ready to move forward. How do I accept your quote?

There are three ways to accept a quote: accept it electronically from the link in the email we send with the quote information; print the quote, sign it, and mail the signed document to info@ostvigtree.wpenginepowered.com; or print and sign the quote, scan it, and send it by email to info@ostvigtree.wpenginepowered.com. You can also text the salesman to approve it. We require written approval and can't accept verbal approval.

Question 1

Do you have proper insurance and workers compensation?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Ostvig Tree Care is fully insured with liability and workers compensation insurance specific to tree care work. Call our office at 952-473-0534 for proof of insurance.

Tree work is inherently dangerous for both workers and property. Without proper insurance and workers comp, you're at risk if something goes wrong. Always check the insurance credentials of anyone you hire for tree work.

Our liability policy covers damage to any property, people, or buildings caused by tree work. If a contractor shows you a certificate of insurance, verify it's current and covers the work you're having done. Most landscaper insurance only covers work up to 10-15 feet off the ground, not higher.

Question 2

Do you work with HOAs?

Accepted Answer

We work with many HOA management companies in the area and would be happy to provide details you may need. Call us at 952-473-0534 for more information.

Question 3

Do you work in the winter, snow, and rain?

Accepted Answer

We work year-round and through all types of weather. However, we may shift our schedule during particularly harsh weather for the safety of our crew and the health of your trees and landscape. For safety reasons, we can't work during lightning or strong winds. Winter storms may also delay work.

Question 4

Do I need to be home when you do the tree work?

Accepted Answer

No, you don't need to be home unless we've specifically asked you to be there. The crew or treatment technicians will have a work order describing the work from your quote and will complete it according to those specifications.

Question 5

Can you diagnose a problem over the phone?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes the symptoms you're observing are distinctive enough for one of our Certified Arborists to make an accurate diagnosis over the phone. However, other factors, including nearby landscaping, soil conditions, irrigation, and more, often influence your tree's health. A site visit is usually required for an accurate diagnosis.

Question 6

What if I have pets or animals on my property?

Accepted Answer

Please let us know before we come out to provide an estimate. All animals must be brought indoors or contained before staff arrive.
Some animals find the noise and activity of tree work distressing, so please keep all animals well away from the work zone while our crew is on site.

Question 7

Do I need to mark any underground lines or structures?

Accepted Answer

We actually handle this for you. It's our employees' safety on the line with underground utilities, so we make sure it's done right. It's still a good idea to contact Call Before You Dig (call 811) to get underground utility lines marked before stump grinding, tree removal, or large pruning jobs. 
If you have any underground sprinklers, drain lines, invisible fences, septic fields, or underground cables, those should also be marked or mapped. Unless underground lines and structures are adequately and accurately marked, and that information is presented to our crew before work starts, we can't be responsible for any damage during the work.

Question 8

Will the debris be cleared away?

Accepted Answer

We clean up all debris from our tree services before we leave your property (unless you've made other arrangements with us, which would be noted on the quote). That means we rake all lawn areas, clear streets and sidewalks, and remove all brush, branches, and logs.

Question 9

How long will the job take?

Accepted Answer

The time required to properly and safely complete tree work varies based on many factors. Until we see the tree(s) and job site, we can't give you a realistic estimate. We'll discuss timing with you during and after the site visit.

Question 10

Do I need to be present when you visit my property to provide a quote?

Accepted Answer

It's not necessary, but we highly recommend it. Your quote is always personalized to meet your needs. We work best when we can meet you in person and examine your property together, so you can help us understand your objectives and any limitations we need to be aware of.

For your first appointment, it's best if you can be present. Although we can access your trees if they're not behind a locked gate, we prefer to meet you. We like to build a relationship with our clients and explain what we suggest for your trees and why.

If you can't be present, please mark the tree(s) in question with ribbon, tape, snowplow markers, or paint (for removals). We also ask that you be available by phone for any questions or a virtual walk-through.

Question 11

Do you charge to provide a quote?

Accepted Answer

We provide free quotes for all our tree care services. In some cases, we're hired for Arboricultural Consulting on issues that require more time and in-depth evaluation such as insurance damage claims, tree preservation plans, or arborist reports. However, we can give you a free quote for these paid consulting services as well.

Question 12

Can you give me a quote over the phone?

Accepted Answer

We can't provide a quote without visiting the site where the work will be done. Each tree and location is unique. Our representative needs to examine the tree and its surroundings to give you an accurate quote.

Question 13

I'm ready to move forward. How do I accept your quote?

Accepted Answer

There are three ways to accept a quote:Accept it electronically from the link in the email we send to you with the quote informationPrint the quote, sign it, and mail the signed document to info@ostvigtree.wpenginepowered.comPrint and sign the quote, then scan it and send it to us via email at info@ostvigtree.wpenginepowered.comYou can also text the salesman to approve it. We require written approval. We can't accept verbal approval.

Question 14

How can I get my project scheduled?

Accepted Answer

After you accept a quote, we'll contact you to schedule your service. If you need to be scheduled right away, call your salesman at 952-473-0534.

Question 15

Why can't I schedule a date for my work right away?

Accepted Answer

We schedule based on the date your proposal was accepted—first accepted, first scheduled. Several factors can influence timing, including weather, equipment availability, and sometimes coordination with utility companies and energy providers. 
We'll notify you 48 hours before your scheduled work. All workdays are weather and equipment dependent.

Question 16

I see your crew working across the street. Can they come do a quick job for me today?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, crews in your neighborhood have fully scheduled days and won't have a window available for additional work. If you'd like to move forward, please call our office at 952-473-0534. We'll schedule one of our arborists to visit your property, examine your tree(s), discuss your needs, and provide a quote. After you accept the proposed work, we'll call you a few days before the scheduled service.

Question 17

Do I need to pay the crew when they're done?

Accepted Answer

When the project is finished, we'll send you an invoice for the work.

Question 18

Should I tip the crew?

Accepted Answer

Tips are never expected and are always at your discretion. That said, our team members certainly appreciate a tip if you feel they've done exceptional work.

Question 19

What forms of payment do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept Visa, American Express, Mastercard, and personal checks. A 3% processing fee applies to credit card payments.

Question 20

Can I pay with a credit card?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can pay by credit card by calling our office at 952-473-0534 or using the online payment portal from the link in your invoice. A 3% convenience fee will be added to your invoice if paying by credit card.

Question 21

What is a Certified Arborist and why should I hire one?

Accepted Answer

A Certified Arborist brings extensive knowledge of:

Tree biology and proper tree care techniques
Safe and effective pruning and removal methods
Identification and treatment of pests and diseases
Professional safety protocols
Specialized equipment operation

Through rigorous training and certification by the International Society for Arboriculture (ISA), Certified Arborists demonstrate their expertise and commitment to following industry best practices. They must maintain their certification through ongoing education and adhere to a professional code of ethics.

Question 22

What's the difference between a Certified Arborist and other tree care workers?

Accepted Answer

While anyone can offer tree services, only Certified Arborists have verified credentials and expertise. Other tree workers might include general landscapers focused on lawn care, independent workers with varying experience but no formal qualifications, or tree service workers with some training but no professional certification.

The key difference is that Certified Arborists have proven their knowledge through testing and must maintain their expertise through continuing education.

Question 23

Why is professional tree work considered dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Tree work consistently ranks as one of the most hazardous professions because it involves:

Working at significant heights
Handling heavy, unpredictable tree sections
Operating powerful equipment like chainsaws and chippers
Navigating confined spaces between buildings
Working near electrical lines
Managing complex rigging systems

This is why Certified Arborists use specialized safety equipment and follow strict safety protocols.

Question 24

When should I contact a Certified Arborist?

Accepted Answer

Call a Certified Arborist when you notice or have:

Signs of tree illness or pest problems
Dead or broken branches
Trees growing too close to structures
Storm damage
A need for routine pruning
Questions about tree health or care

Early intervention by an arborist often prevents more serious problems from developing.

Question 25

Why shouldn't I have my landscaper prune my trees?

Accepted Answer

While landscapers excel at maintaining lawns and ornamental plants, tree work requires specialized knowledge, insurance, and equipment. Here's why:Biology: Arborists understand tree growth patterns and how trees react to different types of damage and pruning cuts.Technique: Arborists use proper pruning methods that promote long-term health, rather than damaging techniques like tree topping and lion-tailing.Insurance: Arborists carry appropriate insurance for elevated work (above 15 feet), which landscaper policies typically don't cover.Equipment: Arborists have specialized equipment like spider lifts, cranes, grapples, and bucket trucks.Focus: Arborists prioritize both current appearance and future tree health, while landscape crews focus mainly on appearance.

Question 26

How can I verify someone is a Certified Arborist?

Accepted Answer

Every ISA Certified Arborist has a unique certification number. You can verify credentials at https://www.treesaregood.org/findanarborist. Visibility on the website is optional, so if you can't find someone listed, you can still ask for:Their ISA certification numberProof of insurance (including workers compensation)Local referencesA written estimate

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