Frequently Asked Questions - My Tree Service LLC

How do I identify ash trees and the EAB insect?

It is interesting to note that the larvae does the real damage to trees, not the adult insect. Please view this 3 minute video for current information on how to identify Ash trees and how to identify the invasive and destructive Emerald Ash Borer insect.

What does the National Park Service have to say about the Emerald Ash Borer?

This 6 minute video answers questions about how the EAB came to the U.S. and clearly illustrates the damage it is doing. You’ll also learn why this insect is affecting more than homeowners.
My Tree Service LLC can help prevent infestation in your Ash trees. Call now for a free estimate.

This 5 minute animated video warns of the dangers of the EAB beetle The EAB could be present in your trees for up to two years before they start showing signs. It may be two late to save the tree if tunneling damages too much of the the xylem layer.

“I have friend that needs the wood so I had them take my tree down for free”

Oh my gosh! What a great deal (one might think immediately)! But here are a few things to consider. If this friend (or his helpers) suffers an injury while on your property, you and your insurance company could be liable for all his medical bills and lost wages from his ‘regular’ job! Most likely, your insurance will try to get out of paying, claiming that you used an unlicensed/uninsured and inexperienced contractor to do the work, leaving you and your estate financially responsible. Crazy as it sounds, friends become less friendly when they are hurt and facing huge medical bills. On top of that, imagine if things go horribly wrong and your friend of a friend damages your property while performing this FREE service! They will not have insurance to cover the cost of repairs. Will your insurance cover the repairs?? – It is highly unlikely! These things happen and can threaten your livelihood for years to come. I encourage you to consult with any attorney before allowing something like that to take place on your property.

“These guys came up to my door and offered to do this work for X-amount. It seemed like a good deal”

Those of us in the business call these crews Carpet Baggers or Fly-by-night crooks. You can bet they know all the tricks in taking your money for as little effort as possible. These types of stories are all over the news in almost every home improvement industry. Why do people continue to allow themselves to be victims of these unsavory characters?! All the reasons above apply to this situation as well. As a legitimate business, My Tree Service does not go door-to-door cold calling vulnerable senior citizens. We do leave door hangers in the neighborhood where we are performing work as a widely acceptable advertising practice. The difference is that we are also heavily insured, highly trained and educated, and very well equipped. We are professionals and when you hire professionals to do the job, you are supporting your local businesses who understand the risks and expenses involved with hazardous work as well as the quality and value of your property. When you see unknown people canvasing your neighborhood in unmarked vehicles, going door-to-door without any uniforms to identify them, and offering “a great deal if you do it right now”, Note the type & color of the vehicle plus their license plate number, then call your local police department and turn them in immediately!
Whenever possible, support your local (and legitimate) businesses to keep them in business. Always ask for an insurance certificate directly from the businesses insurance agency. When you get the certificate, verify that the company has Liability, Automobile, and Workers Compensation coverage for the period they are on your property. The state of Illinois allows only the business owner to exempt themselves from Workers Compensation Insurance. Any other person, relative or otherwise, must be covered by a Workers Compensation Policy, that’s the law! Subcontractors of the business working for you must carry their own insurances (same as listed above) and have more than a minor investment in their own legitimate business. Remember, If you allow someone on your property and they get hurt while on your property, you, the property owner, could be responsible when all other means of collecting for damages or injuries have been exhausted. I’m not opposed to anybody saving some money and if you can do some of the work yourself or you know someone who can, we can do the dangerous part for you. Just be sure to let us know that you won’t need any cleanup and we can adjust the cost accordingly.
Be sure you know the law, You can bet the criminals & scam artist already knows the law! Follow this simple rule – Don’t be a victim!