Arborist cutting down tree

What is an Arborist and What Exactly do they Do?

What is a Tree Expert Called?

A person who specializes in tree care is called an arborist. Being an arborist may sound fairly straightforward, however, there are certain qualifications one must possess to become a certified arborist.

What is an Arborist?

An arborist is a person who specializes in trees and is trained in the craft of caring for trees and shrubs. This includes pruning, maintaining, planting, and tree removal. Arborists have an in-depth knowledge of tree systems and their interaction with the surrounding environment.

Essentially, an arborist is an expert in what trees like and don’t like but most importantly, on how to help your trees live a long, healthy life.

You know what a Doctor is, someone who takes care of you and your family. An arborist is just that, but for trees. Various dictionaries each give us a very clear arborist definition:

a specialist in the cultivation and care of trees and shrubs, including tree surgery, the diagnosis,treatment, and prevention of tree diseases, and the control of pests.”

Ar ~ bor ~ ist (-ist) n. An Arborist is a professional who is trained in the art and science of planting, caring for, and maintaning trees and other woody plants.”

Why Choose an Arborist for Your Tree Care?

The decision to hire someone to work on your trees is not one to be rushed into. Arboricultural services can be extremely dangerous. Pruning and large tree removals should only be performed by trained professionals that have the experience to keep surrounding buildings and people safe. Improper tree services will not only damage your trees but could likely kill them and depreciate the value of your property in the process. 

The title “ARBORIST” refers to a person who has gained the technical competence to correctly and efficiently care for trees and other woody plants. Arborists are generally called upon to evaluate the condition of trees, make recommendations for their care, and then provide services needed such as pruning, fertilization, and insect and disease control.

Learn more about being an Arborist at the International Association of Arboriculture. Above all, the arborist is a highly qualified professional who recognizes their responsibility to maintain the value trees can add to life and property for your family, and generations to come.

What Does an Arborist Do?

TREE PRUNING

Arborists can determine what type of pruning is best for the individual tree to maintain its health and improve its appearance and safety. Also, if pruning requires a ladder and a chainsaw, hire a professional.

TREE REMOVAL

Arborists can help determine whether or not a tree should be removed, though usually this is a last resort. Arborists have the skills and equipment to safely and efficiently remove trees. Tree removal is dangerous and should be done by a tree care professional.

EMERGENCY TREE CARE

Storms can cause major damage to limbs or entire trees. These trees need to be removed or trimmed to lessen the long-term damage to the tree and surrounding property. This is dangerous work and an arborist should be hired to perform this job safely.

TREE PLANTING

Planting the right tree in the right place is important for the long term health of the tree. Arborists can recommend the appropriate tree for the desired location and assist in proper planting.

OTHER ARBORIST SERVICES

There are many other services that arborists provide when necessary such as fertilization, insect control, cabling, aeration, and lightning protection. Consulting with an arborist and establishing a plant health care plan will help determine when these services are necessary.

When Should I Hire an Arborist?

What can a certified arborist do for your trees, landscaping, & home besides being an excellent source of tree care service?

  • Provide expert witness testimony in cases involving damage or injury related to trees
  • Conduct appraisals of tree value in property insurance claims
  • Evaluate the environmental impact of land development
  • Guide the long-term planning for placement and maintenance of trees
  • Educate clients about the preservation of existing trees
  • Hazard Tree Assessments and Survey
  • Expert Witness and Litigation
  • Tree Management for Arboreta, Golf Courses, and Nurseries

Now that you know what an arborist is and what exactly we do, feel free to reach out if your trees are in need of our services. Trees provide shelter, reduce heating/cooling bills, protect your home, and best of all add untold value to your home and surrounding property. Years of proper care by a certified arborist can be the difference so give us a call, we’d be happy to say hi to your trees and give you a free consultation.

Call Us Anytime with Tree or Shrub Questions (618) 202-4209

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