Maintaining customer satisfaction is essential for any business, but it’s even more important for tree service companies that have earned the prestigious Diamond Certified award. For Tree Pros, the key to achieving and maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction is simple: focus all its efforts on fulfilling clients’ needs and exceeding their expectations for service, even if unexpected issues arise. “We realize things can change during the course of tree work, so we don’t make a big deal if we have to do something extra on a job,” says co-owner Jon Black. “Some tree service companies will charge for any changes to the initial bid, but for us, the satisfaction of our customers is more important than getting a few extra dollars.”

Tree Pros has been providing tree care services for residential and commercial clients in Marin, Southern Sonoma and San Francisco Counties since 1999. The company has the training and equipment to handle jobs of all types and sizes, from basic tree trimming to intricate ornamental pruning and removals.

Unlike less experienced tree service companies whose owners take a “hands off” approach to the actual work, Tree Pros provides every job with the onsite expertise of both Jon and his brother, co-owner and certified arborist Paul Black. “My brother and I take great care to ensure the well-being of our customers’ trees, which is why we prune on a limb-by-limb basis rather than by a general percentage,” says Jon Black. “We often have three people working in a tree, each of whom is directing individual cuts, which is a lot more attention to detail than other companies provide.”

Another distinguishing attribute of Tree Pros is its dedication to communicating honestly with its clients. “We have a lot of respect for our customers, so we don’t try to upsell them or use scare tactics in our sales approach,” says Mr. Black. “We also prioritize things so customers can defer what isn’t an immediate concern, which is helpful for people on tight budgets.”

If you’re a homeowner, don’t underestimate the importance of proper tree pruning and landscaping. Most property owners understand the basics of landscape maintenance (pruning, watering), but few realize that neglecting maintenance altogether can lead to the death of trees, shrubs and plants. Incorrect maintenance can have a similar effect, which is why it’s crucial to implement the right pruning and landscaping techniques.

When it comes to pruning, improper practices such as over-pruning and pruning out of season can lead to serious problems. “Every tree has different needs and tolerances, so it’s important to have some knowledge about a particular tree before pruning it,” says Jon Black, co-owner of Tree Pros in Mill Valley. “For example, if you have a delicate tree like a Japanese Maple, over-pruning can cause a lot of dieback. Likewise, pruning trees like Conifer and Monterey Pine at the wrong time of year can leave them vulnerable to infection and insect infestation.”

Mr. Black says that due to the sensitive nature of tree pruning, it’s best left to someone who’s acquainted with proper pruning intervals and methodology. “An uneducated individual might prune all the trees in a yard at once, but a knowledgeable person will know to prune certain trees at certain times of the year.”

Homeowners can also unwittingly jeopardize the health of their trees and plants with improper landscaping techniques. “Some landscapers fail to take into account the health of existing trees and shrubs when creating designs, but they don’t realize the methods and materials they’re using can actually damage and even kill the root systems of mature trees and plants,” explains Mr. Black. “You should always hire a tree care professional who will keep in mind the health of existing trees and plants when designing your landscape.”

Q: Do you offer tree maintenance programs?

A: Yes. We typically offer annual and biannual maintenance programs, but we can come more often if you have specific things you want to maintain

Q: My neighbor and I share a tree and we don’t get along. Can you coordinate with both parties if the tree needs to be serviced?

A: Yes. We can act as a mediator between you and your neighbor and come to an agreement. As long as both of you want the same things for the tree, we’ll be able to get the work done without having you two interact.

Q: What do you do with the leftover wood when you’re done working on my tree?

A: We recycle most of our wood chips. We actually dump and spread chips for a few different organizations, including the Audubon Society and numerous schools throughout Marin County.

Q: Can you provide landscape design advice?

A: Absolutely. When we’re looking at a tree or landscape, we can process it quickly and provide suggestions that will improve its aesthetics.

Q: Do you offer tree planting services?

A: Yes.