Response from Tree Resource
First off, apologies to the member for a slow response on their initial inquiry, we are usually much better than that. And yes, we charge for and perform a professional consultation before doing any cutting or other treatment to a tree. We take this part of our job very seriously. The member's request to "wind-sail" there trees is an appropriate example of why we do this. "Wind-sailing" is a very bad thing to do to a tree. It's very common in the industry for the arborist that performs the "free" estimate to recommend this type of work and it has become very prevalent in the Pacific Northwest as a way to prune conifer trees like the Douglas-fir. Many folks believe it will make their tree safer. In reality it does not make the tree any safer and in fact can have the opposite effect. Our basic consulting service that was offered to the member might very well save the member money by keeping actual tree pruning to only what is necessary to accomplish their landscape objectives. I've said this many times to members that are surprised by our lack of a free estimate - their are plenty of tree service providers that will give you a free quote to do whatever you want. If however, you are looking for the very best tree care by arborists that care about your trees, please give us a call. We are not trying to win your loyalty by being the cheapest service provider, but by being the best at what we do.