What Does an Arborist Do?

Anyone who has ever tended to a garden or maintained a property knows that each plant and tree is unique. Each has its own specifications, requirements for survival and growth, and optimal growing conditions. This is even more true for the trees on a property, as they serve a wide range of purposes on a landscape from providing privacy and aesthetic value to improving air quality and energy efficiency. Choosing the right plants and trees for your property requires extensive research and knowledge. This is where an arborist comes in. Arborists are a unique group of professionals that provide consulting services related to all aspects of horticulture, specifically arboriculture. Arborists are trained to assess the health, safety and structural integrity of trees, as well as to advise clients on tree removal or relocation projects. They are also able to perform formal risk assessments and appraisals of a single or multiple trees.

Arborists work with a diverse group of individuals, including homeowners, property managers, engineers, architects, developers, insurance professionals, landscapers and more. As the authoritative experts on all things relating to trees, they bring an objective and comprehensive viewpoint to their clients – ensuring the safety, health and preservation of trees and their landscapes.

Regulatory Compliance

One of the most common services offered by a Consulting Arborist is the creation of Tree Protection Plans for development projects. These involve visiting a site during the planning stages, before a final design is established, and taking a complete inventory of existing trees that may be affected by the project. From this, they identify any tree preservation needs and offer mitigation measures that prioritize the project’s success while protecting natural resources.

The creation of a Tree Protection Plan can prevent costly delays and project failure by preventing unintended consequences in the field. For example, during construction activities, it is not uncommon for contractors to inadvertently damage roots or remove the wrong portions of a tree. By having a consulting arborist monitor the project, they can prevent these potential issues by providing timely recommendations to subcontractors.

Consulting Arborists are also responsible for preparing written reports based on their observations and assessment results. These documents are often required for regulatory compliance, such as obtaining a tree permit or complying with local regulations. Other times, the report is used for communication with HOAs, insurance companies or municipal cities and towns. Arborists can either produce a simple letter-format report or upgrade to an ASCA-compliant booklet.

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