Trees need to be cared for and maintained in order to stay healthy and look good. That’s where an arborist comes in.
Arborists are professionals who specialize in the care of trees and shrubs. They can provide a variety of services, including tree pruning, tree trimming, stump grinding, and more.
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What is an Arborist and What do They Really Do?
Arborists typically work for municipalities, landscaping companies, or homeowners as self-employed arborists. They may also work for forestry or conservation agencies.
Job duties of an arborist vary depending on their employer, but may include:
1. Consulting
This is where arborists provide advice to clients on how to best care for their trees. They may offer suggestions on things like tree trimming
2. Pruning
Pruning is the most common service provided by arborists. It involves the removal of dead, diseased, or damaged branches from a tree. This helps to improve the tree’s overall health, appearance, and safety.
3. Trimming
Trimming is the removal of unwanted branches from a tree. This is often done to maintain the shape of the tree or to allow more light and air to reach the ground.
4. Stump grinding
Stump grinding is the process of removing a tree stump from the ground. This is typically done after a tree has been removed.
5. Soil analysis
Arborists can also provide soil analysis services to help you determine what kind of care your trees need. They can test the pH level, nutrient levels, and water drainage of your soil in order to prescribe the best course of action.
There are a lot of things that can go wrong where trees are concerned and there’s no better option than to get the help of a tree professional.
What is a Certified Arborist?
Climbing trees seem to be a pretty straightforward activity. But in reality, it can be a lot more complex and dangerous than it seems. That’s where an arborist comes in.
Arborists are professionals who have been trained in the proper techniques for climbing, pruning, and caring for trees. They can also assess the health of a tree and determine if it needs to be removed.
A qualified arborist climber typically has a degree in horticulture or a related field, and they may have undergone formal training and be certified by the International Society of Arboriculture.
What is the Average Salary of an Arborist
The average salary of an arborist ranges between $41,000 to $45,000, according to Payscale and Indeed.com.
It varies depending on their experience and training, and whether they’re working for the municipal, a tree consulting company, or as a self-employed arborist.
If you’ve ever thought about being a professional arborist, this job comes with a fairly decent salary. Probably the best perk of this job is that arborists often enjoy working outdoors and have a relatively low-stress level.
Why Use a Professional Arborist for Tree Care?
If you’re like most people, you probably think of tree care as something that can easily be handled by a DIY enthusiast.
However, the truth is that professional arborists are the only ones who have the knowledge and experience necessary to provide the proper care for your trees.
Here are just a few of the reasons why you should use a professional arborist for your next tree care project:
1. Professional arborists have the necessary know-how in the practice of arboriculture to identify and treat any potential problems with your trees.
2. They can provide you with expert advice on how to maintain the health and beauty of your trees.
3. Arborists have access to specialized equipment and products that can help them treat your trees safely and effectively.
4. They can also provide you with valuable guidance on the best way to prune or trim your trees.
So if you’re looking for the best possible care for your trees that adheres to industry standards, be sure to call on a professional arborist.
Fun Fact: The first known use of arborists was in 1755. It comes from the Latin word arbor, meaning tree.
When to Hire an Arborist?
There are many reasons why you may need to hire an arborist for consulting services.
Perhaps a tree on your property is sick or damaged and needs to be removed. Maybe you’re concerned about the health of your home’s landscaping trees and want them evaluated. Or, you may simply need some routine tree care services like pruning or mulching.
In any case, it’s important to choose the right arborist for the job. Not all tree care professionals are certified arborists.
So, how do you know when it’s time to hire one?
One sign that you may need professional help is when a tree begins to exhibit problems such as dieback, excessive growth, poor leaf color, or abnormal shape. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s best to call in an expert to assess the situation.
Another indication that you may need an arborist is when there’s been a storm or wind event and there are broken or dangling branches, especially near power lines.
Always remember: safety first! It’s not safe to try to remove damaged branches from a tree on your own.
If you have a tree on your property that you’re concerned about, it’s best to call in an arborist for an evaluation. Arborists can assess the health of a tree and determine if it needs treatment or if it’s in danger of falling.
They can also advise you on the best way to maintain your trees so they stay healthy and look great.
Other situations that might call upon the help of a professional arborist are:
- Removal of trees or invasive species of plants near or on a tree
- Insect infestation in a tree
- Fertilization of trees
- Installation of lightning protection
So, when is it time to hire an arborist? The answer is: it depends. But, if you notice any of the symptoms or signs mentioned above, it’s probably a good idea to get some professional help.
They are the best ones to help with your tree emergency care or preventive maintenance, especially when your property is at risk of a sick or damaged tree.
Final Thoughts
Tree doctors or tree surgeons, formally known as arborists, should be your go-to option whenever you need a tree removed, cared for, or to perform regular maintenance like pruning or mulching.
They are professional who specializes in the care and maintenance of trees. Arborists are responsible for everything from planting and watering to pruning and pest control. They may also be called upon to remove hazardous trees or to rescue stranded climbers.
It’s best to not do it yourself if you don’t have the necessary experience or climbing equipment.
