Arborist or Tree Service?

[Menchhofer]

It has become quite evident during the past two years that people are finally getting a bit more intellligent.

Most of my work, about 80% seems to come from people looking specifically for an arborist instead of a "tree service". I find this interesting and at the same time finding it difficult to keep up with current demand. People in general seem to be more concerned with who will work on their trees instead of simply letting the local hacks do their thing. Now do not get me wrong, there are still plenty of hackers out there working, but more customers do seem to be getting more choosey.

Anyone else seeing this trend, or is just wishful thinking on my part?

 

[SteveBullman]

not seeing it here at all....ive almost given up telling people im an arborist when they ask my profession, 99% of the time it gets met with a blank look

 

[treeseer]

after years of using ISA and other mtls to promote arborists in my area, and to get the YP to open an Arborist listing (where I am 1 of 4 there), I get at least a dozen high-quality calls a week. they are not shopping, but demanding proven abilities to care for trees with more than a saw, and willing to pay in kind.

The higher market niche can be carved, and the knife is in front of you. Use ISA, like the link below for starters.

 

[a_lopa]

People down under are happy to hear it all even let you work on the trees but still get some hack in to "give it a haircut"

 

[trevmcrev]

Many of our phone call enquiries ask "will it be an arborist coming out", much more so than a few years back. Most council permits around here mention that the "work should be undertaken by a suitably experienced or qualified arborist"

Trev.

 

[Ekka]

Around here your just a tree lopper.

 

[OTG BOSTON]

It is definately becoming a trend

I think that people who care about their landscapes and actually work on them themselves realize they need a professional for their trees. They hire a "tree service" and are disappointed by the treatment that their tree recieved (for what ever reason). They read a book, find a website like this one, and Voila' an educated consumer is born!

 

[Tree Machine]

I've received calls from clients informing me of 'door knockers' soliciting tree services or guys scribbling a sentence or two on quote sheets and canvassing the neighborhood. One of my clients ran one of these dudes off and told him the entire neighborhood was covered by an Arborist and get the hell off the streets or she's calling the cops. 'Atta girl.

The hack work around here has really diminished in recent years, but then again I only see three neighborhoods and it may not be indicative of other places. I do think people are becoming more savvy and knowledgable.

 

[rebelman]

IT is picking up some. I see more brochures with illustrations of proper and improper work. Some companies that used to violate every section of the standard on every job are making collar cuts at least. I'm seeing ladders on the trucks of guys who are known for spiking. I see insurance guys giving close inspections, they don't cite me of course, but it's good to know they are checking on things. Also each year I see fewer cards and ads for topping.

 

[Munkee feet]

My niche is above the hacker and below a certified arborist. I find that customers want a great job at a great price...So to answer your question I think it comes down to if the customer cares about there trees and how much they trust the person selling the job. I do not notice any trend going either way.
Tom

 

[hobby climber]

In my area, the bargain hunters end up with the hacks. As for the rest of the home owners, it buyer beware! Reputation means allot and with a good reputation, you'll get a lot more referrals!

The only way that people will know enough to hire a Tree Care company as appose to a Tree Service is if we educate them as to what proper tree care is all about! Give them the information and over time , they will give you there business!

So no Menchhofer, its not wishful thinking, its you taking the time to show people the proper way. Your now just seeing the fruits of your efforts, IMO!

Keep up the good work! HC

 

[John464]

The only way that people will know enough to hire a Tree Care company as appose to a Tree Service is if we educate them as to what proper tree care is all about!

load of crap. Regardless of your marketing "Tree Service" or "Tree Care Company". It is the arborist(s) that works within those establishments that advances a quality reputation. The last thing we need to say "Tree Service" means lesser quality.

 

[treeseer]

It is the *arborist*(s) that works within those establishments that advances a quality reputation.

Very True.

The last thing we need to say "Tree Service" means lesser quality.

We don't need to say that; people already know, thanks to the load of gaseous crap :fart: work done by many tree services. Folks are really tired of hearing that the solution to all their tree problems is a basal cut.

There are 105 Tree Services in my YP, and 4 Arborists. Hmm, let's see, where should I advertise arborist services?:monkey:

O and btw I bumped up my rate again for the initial consultation, and still get >80% instant goaheads on the phone for that. Bids in the field, usually by the hour with a comfortably wide range, are about the same. Nice niche to be in, an arborist with more than a saw.

 

[woodchux]

95% of people here could care less if you spike the trim or not.

 

[woodchux]

Sad but true.

It's the other 5% that you want for your customer base.

 

[John464]

Very True. We don't need to say that; people already know, thanks to the load of gaseous crap :fart: work done by many tree services. Folks are really tired of hearing that the solution to all their tree problems is a basal cut.

There are 105 Tree Services in my YP, and 4 Arborists. Hmm, let's see, where should I advertise arborist services?:monkey:

O and btw I bumped up my rate again for the initial consultation, and still get >80% instant goaheads on the phone for that. Bids in the field, usually by the hour with a comfortably wide range, are about the same. Nice niche to be in, an arborist with more than a saw.

there are many tree services with employed arborists and there are also many arborists that cant perform worth a damn. Just as said anyone with a saw can call themselves a tree service. anyone who becomes certified, which takes very little time to do, can call themselves an arborist. Classifying by quality level based on a name, that is chosen by the company, in which they want to be marketed as is down right ignorant. It is the execution of work performed that means something. Whether I call myself XYZ Tree Service or XYZ Arborist I wont get repeat work if my services arent up to snuff.

Your examples prove to us your marketing skills have improved, based on terminology. That is definitely something to make note of, but I will still be that tree service who has established a branding name in this area whom employs proffesional arborists. After 40 some odd years in business, changing our name to end in arborist would surely confuse our customers and would be unecessary. I will however look into advertising under arborist if my local yellow pages ever opens up an arborist section.

 

[treeseer]

JOhn it sounds like you have a successful program as a tree service, which is great. "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet", as Willie the Shake wold say.

I will however look into advertising under arborist if my local yellow pages ever opens up an arborist section.

The YP will open an Arborist section if they are pressed to. Look at all the money they get from us! We have earned the right to say what we are. If you can cite another book in a nearby market that has Arborists advertised, it's a slam dunk.

The same kind of working brand recognition that you are talking about locally is what I'm talking about nationally/globally.

woodchux if 95% of the people you talk to are ignorant, then either you are not helping them see the tree, or you are just talking to the wrong people:bang: Your part of SC cannot be that different from my part of NC. Do you connect with Clemson and the SCUCFC, to spread the word on good tree care?

 

[Kneejerk Bombas]

My guess is the Yellow Pages would love to open up another section and force everybody in the tree service to list twice. $$$
What I find interesting, is customers ask if we are arborists. By definition, if we work with trees, we are. What they want to ask is, are we certified, but they don't understand the difference, they just know they want somebody more knowledgeable.
Any hack can call himself an arborist. Arborist is not like Landscape Architect, which indicates a level of education.

 

[treeseer]

Since no one searches for us under 'Arborist' I believe that getting the 'Arborist' listing was counter productive.

Where is your data, Dr. Nelson? ALL my new calls come from the Arborist listing.

Bell South gives me a free 2nd listing. Even if it costs, you have to look at how much, and do a cost-benefit analysis. You also should compare the Quality of calls from arborist vs tree service. Few priceshoppers call an arborist, it's the tree service sthey think they can jerk around (and do).

 

[hobby climber]

John464,

Obviously I wasn't clear in my post...let me clarify. What I was getting at when I say "tree service" is that most tree service in my area just cuts down trees and a "tree care service" is one that takes care of tree to promote its health! What they call themselves matters little in the phone book!

Its how a company,(person) "Cares" for the customers trees and doing a good job is what I was getting at.

Most home owners don't care what you know...they just want to know that you care! Your reputation of doing good work and education your customers will get you to this level of trust! HC