Let me explain some things that will help you understand exactly how our work is better and why it costs less.

When you decide to hire someone to work or your trees it is wise to get bids from at least two different companies. Once you have your bids, you have to determine which company to choose. It is a choice that is not easy to make and information is important. There are likely to be big differences in the amount charged by the companies. Customers often tell me of this.

One of the biggest factors that can cause the prices to be so different is that each bid represents a different amount of work. Every tree person has a unique idea of what to do to a tree, but for the same amount of work no real arborist charges less than I do. When I assess a tree, I do my best to see all the things a tree needs and then calculate the amount of time required to do those things. The other guys usually  do not see the same amount of things to do that I see. I have seen that my service includes things that are not included by the other guy. I am motivated to do everything the tree needs. I will let you decide what motivates the other guy. I do not add for drive time, loading and unloading equipment, driving the chips to the recycler, or any other preparation time. I calculate only the time spent actually working on the tree. I charge $35.00 per man-hour. You can easily calculate the amount of time I plan to spend working on a tree. My competition may not tell you exactly how much they plan to do or how much they charge per hour. Ask them. Then decide.

Another factor that can cause price differences is the speed at which the men working on the tree can get the job done. If there is anyone faster than I am (which I doubt) , the difference is negligible. I price my work according to the rate I work, not the rate at which my men can work. I do this because I can get it done most quickly. I began doing tree work in 1973 and I studied botany in college. I am an ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) certified arborist. Good tree workers are hard to find and many companies use people from Mexico. A company that has workers that take longer to do a job has to do less work on the trees in order to make enough money. This makes for unfair bidding practices, unfair treatment of customers, and unfair treatment of trees. There are efforts being made throughout the country to correct this problem, but it remains a problem.

The tree service industry is vast and old, but it is not yet well organized. There are organizations, books, and magazines that have been trying for a long time to make things better for the public, the trees, and the people involved in the industry. However, change comes slowly sometimes. One organization that is doing a lot to make things better is the International Society of Arboriculture, otherwise known as the ISA.

I charge $40.00 per hour for each man actually doing the work. There is little left in this country that cost so little. Tree work is one of the best values for your dollar . I know of no other service that charges less. Even a massage costs more and is over as soon as it is done. Tree work increases the value of property and lasts a long time. The work is hard and good help is very difficult to find. I do it because I love to help trees and I love the work.

I do not remove live trees. I do not have the heart for it. I love trees too much to be a part of their demise. There are plenty who are more than willing. If you want your trees cared for, I am the one to call. I have pruned many thousands of trees personally. I have thousands of satisfied customers and will be happy to provide references, perhaps even in your area. My tree surgery experience started in 1973 with one of the old companies of Austin. I strive for perfection. I believe in and practice the best values and ethics I can conceive. My ambition is to manifest the virtues.

I believe The Tree Tender will give you the best value for your dollar. I will make sure of it. When you consider my competition, consider what is proposed. If this is not made clear to you at the start, try to have it made clear. If they are vague or unwilling, do not let them touch your trees for any price. I have been hired many times to fix what they have done.

To get a free proposal for work on your trees please contact me. My telephone number at my home and office is 512-280-1958.  You can contact me via the internet at ndbishop@sbcglobal.net.  I sure would love to hear from you.