Cactus and tree work: what to check before you agree

Print this page and keep it with you while you talk to contractors.

Contractor / companyROC licence no. Date of estimateQuoted amount General liability policy no.Workers' comp policy no.

Ask these on the estimate

How many of these have you moved, and can I see one you moved a year or more ago?
Who handles the permits and tags?
What happens if the plant dies, and what would void that?
How much of this tree are you planning to take off, and why?
Are sprinkler lines, lawn, or hardscape at risk, and who pays if they get damaged?
Is cleanup included, or is that extra?

Cactus work: walk away if you hear

Nobody marks the north side.
They talk about lifting it by the arms.
No talk of permits or tags.
"Just water it a bunch when it's in."
Nobody calls 811.
Vague answers about the root ball.

Tree work: walk away if you hear

They offer to "top" it.
Climbing spikes on a tree you're keeping.
Everything on the inside gets stripped.
They knocked on your door after a storm.
They want it all paid up front.

Insurance: get both, in writing

Ask for a certificate of insurance for each policy, sent to you directly by their insurance agent.

"We're covered" with nothing on paper.
"I don't have employees" from a crew of five.
A policy that doesn't cover this kind of work.
Limits too small for the job.

If a contractor has insurance, they don't mind showing it. Asking for proof is normal, and anyone who gets evasive about it has already answered your question.

Source: shitshowcactusandtrees.org

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