What Is an Arborist? & What Are the Benefits of Hiring an Arborist?

It is explained in this article how arborists can provide a wide range of services that are beneficial to customers, what they should look for in an arborist, and what they should evaluate when selecting one.

Arborists are professionals who specialize in the care of trees and are trained in this field. In order to care properly for trees, they are qualified and equipped to do so, as they are trained and experienced to do so.

If you are thinking about hiring an arborist, this is not a decision that should be taken lightly. In order to maximize the benefit of trees, they must be properly maintained in order to yield substantial returns. Trees that are well taken care of can have a substantial impact on the value of your property. A tree that is not properly maintained can end up being a significant liability if it is not properly maintained. There can be a high degree of danger when it comes to large trees, especially when they are pruned or need to be removed. In order to perform tree work safely, it is imperative that only people who have been trained and who have the correct equipment on hand should be allowed to carry out the work.

An arborist can provide the following services

Pruning

When trees are pruned by an arborist, they will be able to improve their health, appearance, and safety. In order to prune trees, various techniques can be used, including the removal of limbs that:

• Are obstructing streets or sidewalks
• Infringe on utilities or structures
• Pose a threat because they are dead, weak, or decayed
• Are infested with insects or diseased
• Have been damaged by a storm
• Pose risks that are unacceptable
• Increase light penetration and reduces wind resistance as a result of thinning the canopy

There are also other ways in which trees can be pruned in order for them to maintain their shape and form. This will enable them to be as resilient as possible during future storm events. This will also ensure that they will be less likely to suffer damage from them in the future.

Tree Removal

There are times when it may be necessary to remove trees even though they are considered a last resort. It is very important to consult an arborist before making the decision to remove a tree. Depending on the specific situation, it may be necessary to remove trees in the following cases:

• if the tree in the process of dying or dead
• if there is a risk that is deemed unacceptable
• if pruning alone won't solve the obstruction
• if the tree crowds and harms other trees that are more desirable
• if there is a better specimen should be substituted
• If there is new construction in the area, it must be removed

Care for trees in an emergency

During stormy weather, there is a possibility that trees may fall to the ground, resulting in damage to other trees, structures, and cars as a result. Depending on the weight of the tree, removing or trimming storm-damaged trees can be a very dangerous task. A qualified arborist can help you to carry out the job safely, reducing the risk of further property damage by ensuring that the work is performed safely.

Planting

A lot of arborists are adept at planting trees, and many can also recommend trees that would be suitable for a certain site that is suitable for the site. By planting the wrong tree in the wrong place, it is possible to result in insect infestations, disease outbreaks, and poor tree growth.

In addition to these services

In addition to tree care, many arborists offer other services, such as:

• Insects, diseases, and site problems can be reduced through Plant Health Care or preventative maintenance
• Improved tree health can be achieved by fertilizing and amending soil
  Supporting branches with weak attachments with cables or bracing
• Improve root growth by aerating the soil
• Installing lightning protection systems
• Management of insects and diseases
• Services relating to trees, including consulting and legal expertise

Making the Right Choice When Choosing an Arborist

• ISA (International Society of Arboriculture), TCIA (Tree Care Industry Association), and ASCA (American Society of Consulting Arborists) are professional organizations that members can join. Arborists who are members of such organizations demonstrate a commitment to staying current on the latest techniques and information.
• ISA arborist certification should be checked. All aspects of tree care are covered in the ISA examination, which is conducted by experienced arborists.
• If you are not satisfied with the insurance proof, contact the insurance company. In addition to workers' compensation insurance, a reputable arborist carries personal and property damage insurance.
• Permits and licenses must be obtained. A permit or a license may be required by some governmental agencies before contractors can begin work.
• If you are looking for similar work to what you are requesting, ask for references. If the company or individual has done tree work at other sites, feel free to check references or visit those sites.
• If you don't know and trust the arborist, get more than one estimate. The estimates will cost you, and the process will take longer, but the money will be well worth it.
• You don't have to accept the lowest bid every time. The best way to protect the substantial investment that you have made is to examine the credentials of the firms that submitted bids and their written specifications.
• Don't be fooled by people who go door-to-door offering bargains on tree service. This method of soliciting work is not used by most reputable companies.
• It is important to remember that good arborists will follow industry standards. In these instances, top a tree, remove excessive amounts of live wood, use climbing spikes before removing the tree, and remove or disfigure living trees without just cause are illegal practices.
• Be sure to get a written agreement. A contract is usually required by reputable arborists. The contract should be carefully read. If you have questions, don't be afraid to ask them, such as:
  • What is the expected start and completion date of the project?
  • Cleanup responsibility - who will take care of it?
  • Does this price include everything?
  • How will payment be made?
  • Can you tell me your hourly rate if I need more work done?

 How Does a Certified Arborist Work?

Tree care and maintenance is the art and science of arboriculture, as defined by the arborist definition. Individuals can document their knowledge bases by becoming certified as arborists by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). The International Society of Arboriculture administers it internally without legislative mandate and without law-making authority.

In order to provide proper tree care, individuals must be certified. Their knowledge and competence can be measured through certification.

Certification does not measure standards of practice. In addition to attesting to an individual's tree knowledge, certification cannot guarantee quality or ensure performance.

By passing a comprehensive examination developed by some of the nation's leading experts on tree care, certified arborists have achieved a level of expertise in the art and science of tree care.  Continuing education is also required for certified arborists in order to maintain their certification. Due to this, arborists are likely to stay up-to-date on the latest techniques.