Why Hire an Arborist?
Services That Arborists Can Provide:
Pruning
 An
arborist can determine the type of pruning necessary to maintain
or improve the health, appearance, and safety of trees. These
techniques include:
- Eliminating branches that rub each other
- Removing limbs that interfere with wires,
building facades, gutters, roofs, chimneys, or windows,
or that obstruct streets or sidewalks
- Removing dead or weak limbs that pose
a hazard or may lead to decay
- Removing diseased or insect-infested
limbs
- Creating better structure to lessen wind
resistance and reduce the potential for storm damage
- Training young trees
- Removing limbs damaged by adverse weather
conditions
- Removing branches, or thinning, to increase
light penetration
- improving the shape or silhouette of
the tree
Removal
Although tree removal is a last resort, there are circumstances
when it is necessary. An arborist can help decide whether a
tree should be removed. Arborists have the skills and equipment
to safely and efficiently remove trees. Removal is recommended
when the tree
- is dead or dying
- is considered irreparably hazardous
- is causing an obstruction that is impossible
to correct through pruning
- is crowding and causing harm to other
trees
- is to be replaced by a more suitable
specimen
- is located in an area where new construction
requires removal
Emergency Tree Care
Storms may cause limbs or entire trees to fall, often landing
on other trees, homes and other structures, or cars. The weight
of storm-damaged trees is great, and they can be dangerous to
remove or trim. An arborist can assist in performing the job
in a safe manner, while reducing further risk of damage to property.
Planting
Some arborists plant trees, and most can recommend types of
trees that are appropriate for a specific location. The wrong
tree in the wrong location could lead to future problems as
a result of limited growing space, insects, diseases, or poor
growth. Other Services
Many arborists also provide a variety of other tree care services,
including:
- Plant Health Care, a concept of preventive
maintenance to keep trees in good health, which will help
the tree better defend itself against insects, disease,
and site problems
- Fertilization
- Cabling or bracing for added support to
branches with weak attachment
- Aeration to improve root growth
- Installation of lightning protection systems
- Spraying or injecting to control certain
insect and disease problems
 Selecting
the Right Arborist for the Job
When selecting an arborist,
- Check for membership in professional
organizations such as the International Society of Arboriculture
(ISA), the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), or the
American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA). Such membership
demonstrates a willingness on the part of the arborist to
stay up to date on the latest techniques and information.
- Check for ISA arborist certification.
Certified Arborists are experienced professionals who have
passed an extensive examination covering all aspects of
tree care.
- Ask for proof of insurance and then phone
the insurance company if you are not satisfied. A reputable
arborist carries personal and property damage insurance
as well as workers compensation insurance. Many home owners
have had to pay out large amounts of money for damages caused
by uninsured individuals claiming to be tree experts. You
could be held responsible for damages and injuries that
occur as a result of the job.
- Check for necessary permits and licenses.
Some governmental agencies require contractors to apply
for permits and/or to apply for a license before they are
able to work. Be sure they comply with any local, state,
provincial, or national laws that govern their work.
- Ask for references to find out where the
company has done work similar to the work you are requesting.
Don't hesitate to check references or visit other work sites
where the company or individual has done tree work. Remember,
tree care is a substantial, long-lasting investment; you
would not buy a car without a test drive!
- Get more than one estimate, unless you
know and are comfortable with the arborist. You may have
to pay for the estimates, and it will take more time, but
it will be worth the investment.
- Don't always accept the low bid. You should
examine the credentials and the written specifications of
the firms that submitted bids and determine the best combination
of price, work to be done, skill, and professionalism to
protect your substantial investment.
- Be wary of individuals who go door to
door and offer bargains for performing tree work. Most reputable
companies are too busy to solicit work in this manner. Improper
tree care can take many years to correct itself and, in
some cases, it can never be corrected. Are you willing to
take that risk with your valuable investment?
- Keep in mind that good arborists will
perform only accepted practices. For example, practices
such as topping a tree, removing an excessive amount of
live wood, using climbing spikes on trees that are not being
removed, and removing or disfiguring living trees without
just cause are unnecessary.
- Get it in writing. Most reputable arborists
have their clients sign a contract. Be sure to read the
contract carefully. Don't be afraid to ask questions, such
as:
- When will the work be started and completed?
- Who will be responsible for cleanup?
- Is this the total price?
- If I would like more to be done, what
is your hourly rate?
What Is a Certified Arborist?
An arborist by definition is an individual who is trained in
the art and science of planting, caring for, and maintaining
individual trees. ISA arborist certification is a nongovernmental,
voluntary process by which individuals can document their base
of knowledge. It operates without mandate of law and is an internal,
self-regulating device administered by the International Society
of Arboriculture. Certification provides a measurable assessment
of an individual's knowledge and competence required to provide
proper tree care. Certification is not a measure of standards
of practice. Certification can attest to the tree knowledge
of an individual but cannot guarantee or ensure quality performance.
Certified Arborists are individuals who have achieved a level
of knowledge in the art and science of tree care through experience
and by passing a comprehensive examination developed by some
of the nation's leading experts on tree care. Certified Arborists
must also continue their education to maintain their certification.
Therefore, they are more likely to be up to date on the latest
techniques in arboriculture. |
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