Salem, Oregon may be a small city, but it boasts of rich history and jaw-dropping beauty. It has a perfect location for people who love to ski and stay out in the warm sun.

Do you know everything about Salem? Here are some interesting facts you may not know about it.

1. The city of Salem lies in Willamette Valley, which is famous for its excellent winery. If you are not in for a glass of wine, you can always drink their water, which is acknowledged as one of the tastiest water in the Pacific Northwest.
2. With a total population of approximately 150,000 people, Salem is considered one of the largest cities in Oregon.
3. The present-day Salem was first established as a Methodist mission in the 1830s. Some of the early Native Americans living in the area was plagued with diseases brought by earlier traders. The Native Americans were offered food and medicine by the missionaries. However, the missionaries' dream of organizing a school never happened, according to an online history of Willamette University.
4. The local government of Salem provides the most number of employment for its residents. In fact, almost 30% of the working population in Salem are employed by either the federal, state or local government. Transportation, trade, education, health services, and business services are also significant industries in the city.
5. The 31st U.S. president Herbert Hoover resided in Salem for three years. He was employed as an office boy at his uncle's company. Hoover, was orphaned at the age of 10 and relocated to Oregon to be with his aunt and uncle.

Hoover donated his whole salary to charity when he was elected as U.S. president. Although he no longer lived in Salem, he didn't cut ties with the city and occasionally returned. He even celebrated his 81st birthday in the humble town of Salem.

Finding the right tree removal service to help you with tree removal is a serious job. After all, you don't want to entrust your property (and life) to someone who doesn't know what he is doing. With a lot of companies claiming to be the best choice, it is easy to get confused as to who you should hire. What are the things you should consider? Who should you ask about a company's service? And what is a competitive price for tree removal? These are just some of the questions you might have in your mind that you need to get answers for.

Below is a simple guideline to help you find the best company for the job.
 
Reviews
One of the best sources for finding reviews is online. The internet gives you easy access to real client's honest reviews about different tree company's they have worked with. You will not only find reviews on these companies' websites, but you can also check third-party sites and get unbiased information. Companies are rated from 1 to 5 stars, five being the highest. The reviews are based on different categories; that is why you will find it easier to look for the company that has the best reviews from other clients.
 
Referrals and Recommendations
This is very much like online reviews, only in personal conversations. If you know a relative or a friend who used a good tree service previously, you can ask him whether the company did well on the project or not. Ask not just about the quality of service, but also the company's customer service and work ethics and professionalism. Ask as many questions as you want to ensure that you are choosing the best company fit for the job.
 
Portfolio
A tree company's portfolio is important for its reputation. It shows the types of projects the company has worked on. You should ask for their portfolio, especially if you have a large-scale project because you will need a company that has extensive experience. Reputable companies maintain a comprehensive portfolio which emphasizes their expertise shown in the different projects they have handled. Most companies have portfolios in their websites that is why you should make time to check their website and see the list of their projects. When you are doing your research, make sure to visit their website for proof of their reliability and professionalism in the job.
 
Labor and Equipment
Removing a tree may require the use of equipment, and of course, the workforce. You want to hire a tree company that has the all necessary equipment in case the situation calls for it. Also, well-trained and skilled personnel are important to make sure the job is done correctly. Tree removal can be dangerous; that is why it is important that the people who will do it know safe and proper techniques to avoid unwanted accidents and damages to your property. Don't hire a company unless you are sure they have an experienced team and reliable equipment to save yourself from trouble.

Whether you are a local or a tourist traveling with your family, knowing indoor activities is essential, especially if you don't want to be out in the cold. In Salem, OR, there are family-oriented activities and places you can visit that you can enjoy even with the children. We have listed some indoor activities that can be enjoyed by all ages.

Oregon State Capitol
Kids are not the only ones who can enjoy educational tours. You can bring your whole family to the beautiful capitol building and learn about the city's history through murals and other exhibits. Admission is free for everyone, and they are open from Monday to Friday.

Riverfront Carousel
You should never miss visiting this Oregon-themed carousel. If you go there with your family, you should go to their Gift Gallery Shop where you can buy toys, clothes, and snacks. There is a fee of $1.50 per ride, but you can get a free ride if you catch the brass ring from the mouth of the salmon at the entrance of the Carousel.

Gilbert House Children's Museum
It is a popular attraction among kids who want to participate in fun camps, exhibits, and more. The museum was established in 1989 and aims to encourage children to nurture their curiosity through exciting activities.

If you are a non-member, you have to pay $8 for entrance. They are open every Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Willamette Heritage Center
Explore Salem, Oregon's rich history in this 4.5-acre park. You can learn about history at Visitors Center, Thomas Key Woolen Mill, Mission Mill Museum, Parsonage, Marion Museum, and the Jason Lee House. Admission fee for adults is $8 and $4 for kids, and you can go to their craft shops or learn about textiles in their textile learning center. They are open from Monday to Saturday, from 10 a.m.to 6 p.m.
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Rock Boxx Climbing Gym
The Rock Boxx Climbing Gym is a perfect destination if you want to stay active and warmed up despite the cold weather. The gym has more than 5,000 square feet of climbing walls that is good for beginners and expert guests. You can join fitness classes and take advantage of the gym equipment.

Willamette Valley Fruit Company
Satisfy your sweet-tooth craving at the Willamette Valley Fruit Company. You can visit their country store of jams, candy, honey, and other sweet treats. They even serve homemade pies and ice cream that the kids will surely enjoy. The café has an inviting ambiance, and it features a large playset for kids to enjoy. Visit their place from Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and every Saturday from 9 to 5 p.m.

Ice Skating
Salem on Ice is a covered outdoor ice skating rink in the center of the city. They are open until January 21, 2019. It is a seasonal attraction in Salem that people of all ages love. Entrance fee for the 90-minute session is $12 for younger kids and $15 for ages 13 and above. The prices include rental for skate equipment.

Click here for more information about Salem, OR.

​Hiring a certified arborist might be one of the best decisions you will ever make in keeping your tree healthy. It is important that you choose the top tree service company to do your tree work. You want to hire only the best to get your money's worth and only the best service that your tree deserves. Before hiring an arborist, ask these five questions first:

Tree work is not entirely easy that is why it is important to hire a reputable tree care service. The company that you should hire must have insurance or you risk yourself of being liable in case an accident happens while they work in your property. Insurance gives you the confidence that you will not be held legally and financially responsible for any damages. 

The number of years the arborists have been in the business is critical because it is an indicator of the skill of an arborist. Just because they have a tree service company does not mean that they can do the job well. Some techniques can be acquired through years of experience. An arborist that has no experience may not understand the details of tree work that is why hiring an experienced arborist is very important.

It is now much easier to learn about your prospective tree service company with the help of internet. Reviews are available on different review sites and these reviews will help you determine who the best arborist in the area is. Further, you can ask a family member or a friend who has previously used an arborist's service. There is no better way to find out about an arborist but by the opinion of those who have worked with them. 

Tree work typically involves two approaches depending on the situation. They can use aerial lifts or climbing arborists to complete the tree work. Some situations would call for one approach while another would need the other approach.
Aerial Lifts - Using aerial lifts is ideal for reaching high parts of trees. This equipment can make any tree work much easier. An arborist should be well trained in using the aerial lift because it can be dangerous at some point.
Climbing Arborists - This is ideal for backyard tree removal and trimming because it requires no heavy equipment.

Tree work can be messy and you do not want to handle the overwhelming tree debris after the job is done. That is why it is important to make clear with the tree service company if cleaning-up is included in their service. Clean-up service saves you time and money, so ask the arborist if they have this additional service in their estimate.
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If the tree service company you want to hire checks all these requirements, no doubt you are choosing one of the best in town.