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 clean-up?
—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.
