What Does an Arborist Do?

Tree care is a demanding, complex field of work that requires both science and art. Arborists are trained to recognize different types of trees, advise on their health, diagnose disease and insect damage, and perform trimming, mitigation or removal as needed. They may work for a private landscaping or tree service company, city government, power companies or even a university or golf course. Many also start their own businesses and provide services to residential and commercial properties.

It’s important to ask potential arborists for references and to check their credentials. Look for membership in professional organizations, such as the International Society of Arboriculture or the Tree Care Industry Association. An arborist should be able to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and expertise by providing a list of previous clients as well as detailed estimates for the entire project.

Arborists must be comfortable working in a variety of weather conditions, including high temperatures and intense heat, as well as at heights using a variety of equipment, such as ladders, pruning shears and chainsaws. They may also use a variety of climbing techniques, depending on the type of tree and their own personal preferences and safety considerations.

For example, if an arborist is removing a large oak tree, they might use a climbing technique called “topping” to remove branches that are too close to the ground or that are growing in an uncontrolled way. A less disruptive option would be to prune the tree using a series of cuts known as crown reduction, where only a portion of the tree is removed.

When pruning, an arborist should have a specific purpose in mind and follow the general rules of thumb set out by the industry. For instance, it’s important to not “too-prune” a tree, as this can damage or weaken it, as well as remove leaves that are vital to the photosynthetic process. An experienced, knowledgeable arborist should be able to explain the purpose of each cut and why it is being made.

During construction projects, an arborist’s knowledge of the local plant community is invaluable. For example, he or she can prevent unintended impacts to the integrity of a site’s trees by recommending appropriate planting and maintenance strategies before construction begins. This can save both time and money in the long run, as costly rework or remedial actions are avoided.

Hiring an arborist for tree service is an investment in the overall health of your property’s landscape. An experienced, certified arborist will be able to identify issues before they become serious problems and help you keep your property looking its best. It’s a far better choice than trying to do the work yourself, which can be dangerous (falls from trees are common injuries for DIY tree workers) or result in damage to your property or underground utilities. It’s worth paying a little more for the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’ve hired a qualified professional. If you’re considering hiring an arborist, ask for a free consultation and a list of references before making your final decision.

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