You want your yard looking good, right? Of course you do. But when it comes to getting your shrubs and bushes trimmed, I see a lot of folks in Hayward make some pretty common, and sometimes costly, mistakes. As someone who's been doing this for years with Classic Tree, I've seen it all. Let's talk about what to watch out for so you don't end up regretting your trimming project.
Mistake #1: Hiring the Cheapest Bid Without Asking Why
This is probably the biggest one. You get three quotes, and one is significantly lower than the others. Your first thought might be, “Great, I’m saving money!” My first thought is, “Why is it so cheap?” Often, that low bid means they’re cutting corners. Maybe they aren’t insured, which is a huge risk for you if someone gets hurt on your property. Or they don't have the right equipment, so they'll do a sloppy job that could damage your plants. Or they're just not experienced and don't understand proper pruning techniques, which can lead to unhealthy shrubs that look terrible in a few months.
Always ask for proof of insurance – general liability and workers' compensation. If they can't provide it, or they hem and haw, send 'em packing. It's not worth the headache or the potential lawsuit.
Mistake #2: Not Knowing What You Actually Want
Before you even call for a quote, take a walk around your yard. What's the goal here? Are you trying to get more light into a window? Do you want to encourage flowering? Are some branches rubbing against your house? Or do you just want them tidied up a bit? If you can't articulate what you want, you can't expect a contractor to read your mind. A good contractor will ask these questions, but it helps if you've thought about it beforehand. Be specific.