Why Hire An Arborist?
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An arborist is a specialist in the care of individual trees. Arborists
are knowledgeable about the needs of trees and are trained and
equipped to provide proper care. Hiring an arborist is a decision that
should not be taken lightly. Proper tree care is an investment that
can lead to substantial returns. Well cared-for trees are attractive
and can add considerable value to your property. Poorly maintained
trees can be a significant liability. Pruning or removing trees,
especially large trees, can be dangerous work. Tree work should
only be done by those trained and equipped to work safely in trees.
ISA Certified Arborist List
Services That Arborists Can Provide
1. Pruning - The arborist can determine what type of pruning is
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, 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.
• Thinning or removal of branches to increase light penetration.
• Improving the shape or silhouette of the tree.
2. Removal - Although tree removal is a last resort, there are
circumstances when it is necessary. An arborist can help decide
whether or not 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.
• Should be removed to allow for new construction.
3. Emergency Tree Care - Storms may cause limbs or entire trees to
fall, often landing on homes, cars, other structures, or other trees.
The weight of storm-damaged trees is great, and they can be very
dangerous to remove or trim. An arborist can assist in performing
the job in a safe manner, while reducing further risk of damage to
your property.
4. Planting - Some arborists plant trees and most can recommend
what types of trees are appropriate for a specific location. The wrong
tree in the wrong location could lead to future problems due to
limited growing space, insects, diseases, or poor growth.
5. Other Services - Many arborists also provide a variety of other
tree care services including:
• Practicing 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
There are a variety of things to consider when selecting an arborist
including:
• Membership in professional organizations- such as the
International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), the Tree Care Industry
Association, or the American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA)-
demonstrates a willingness on the part of the arborist to stay up-to
date on the latest techniques and information.
• Check in the phone directory yellow pages for those arborists who
advertise as ISA Certified Arborists or display the official logo of the
ISA Certified Arborist. 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 will have personal and
property damage insurance as well as worker's compensation
insurance. Many homeowners have had to pay out large amounts of
money for damages caused by uninsured individuals claiming to be a
tree experts. You could be held responsible for damages and
injuries that occur as a result of the job.
• 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 law that
governs 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 worksites 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!
• Unless you know and are comfortable with the arborist, get more
than one estimate. You may have to pay for the estimates, and it will
take more time, but it will be worth the investment.
• Be wary of individuals who go door-to-door and offer bargains for
performing tree work. Most reputable companies are too occupied 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?
• Good arborists will only perform 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.
• Don't always accept the low bid. You should examine the
credentials and the written specification 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.
• Get it in writing. Most reputable arborists will 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 non-governmental, 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
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 should be up-to-date on the latest
techniques in arboriculture.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
An arborist is a specialist in the care of individual trees. Arborists
are knowledgeable about the needs of trees and are trained and
equipped to provide proper care. Hiring an arborist is a decision that
should not be taken lightly. Proper tree care is an investment that
can lead to substantial returns. Well cared-for trees are attractive
and can add considerable value to your property. Poorly maintained
trees can be a significant liability. Pruning or removing trees,
especially large trees, can be dangerous work. Tree work should
only be done by those trained and equipped to work safely in trees.
ISA Certified Arborist List
Services That Arborists Can Provide
1. Pruning - The arborist can determine what type of pruning is
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, 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.
• Thinning or removal of branches to increase light penetration.
• Improving the shape or silhouette of the tree.
2. Removal - Although tree removal is a last resort, there are
circumstances when it is necessary. An arborist can help decide
whether or not 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.
• Should be removed to allow for new construction.
3. Emergency Tree Care - Storms may cause limbs or entire trees to
fall, often landing on homes, cars, other structures, or other trees.
The weight of storm-damaged trees is great, and they can be very
dangerous to remove or trim. An arborist can assist in performing
the job in a safe manner, while reducing further risk of damage to
your property.
4. Planting - Some arborists plant trees and most can recommend
what types of trees are appropriate for a specific location. The wrong
tree in the wrong location could lead to future problems due to
limited growing space, insects, diseases, or poor growth.
5. Other Services - Many arborists also provide a variety of other
tree care services including:
• Practicing 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
There are a variety of things to consider when selecting an arborist
including:
• Membership in professional organizations- such as the
International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), the Tree Care Industry
Association, or the American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA)-
demonstrates a willingness on the part of the arborist to stay up-to
date on the latest techniques and information.
• Check in the phone directory yellow pages for those arborists who
advertise as ISA Certified Arborists or display the official logo of the
ISA Certified Arborist. 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 will have personal and
property damage insurance as well as worker's compensation
insurance. Many homeowners have had to pay out large amounts of
money for damages caused by uninsured individuals claiming to be a
tree experts. You could be held responsible for damages and
injuries that occur as a result of the job.
• 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 law that
governs 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 worksites 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!
• Unless you know and are comfortable with the arborist, get more
than one estimate. You may have to pay for the estimates, and it will
take more time, but it will be worth the investment.
• Be wary of individuals who go door-to-door and offer bargains for
performing tree work. Most reputable companies are too occupied 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?
• Good arborists will only perform 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.
• Don't always accept the low bid. You should examine the
credentials and the written specification 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.
• Get it in writing. Most reputable arborists will 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 non-governmental, 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
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 should be up-to-date on the latest
techniques in arboriculture.
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