The Arborist: All in a Day’s Work Arborist What an Arborist Does Certified Arborist The Arborist:  All in a Day’s Work Why Choose a Certified Arborist? The right start in hiring the right tree service company begins with contacting only those that are Certified Arborists.  Being an arborist is not the only consideration but it is absolutely the first to consider.  The company's certification as arborists can be verified through the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) website. In order to gain certification as an arborist one must pass an extensive examination developed by the leaders in tree care, and thereafter, to maintain the certification the arborist must participate in continuing education to be current on the latest advancements in tree care. The budget mined customer might think hiring an arborist will be more expensive than the local “Chop-A-Tree” service. Not surprisingly, the time it takes for a crew with poor or no equipment is likely to be much longer than a company with well maintained expensive equipment. This is not even addressing the safety issues involved with inadequate equipment. There all kinds of individuals doing tree work, some of them even do a good job. The industry though is replete with providers whose knowledge about tree care is laughable if not fanatical. There are many tree services who are not associated with the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and its certifications, but the odds of getting a difficult job done right the first time, on time, and within budget, go up when you hire a Certified Arborist. Otherwise a level of dedication to the industry and demonstrated knowledge and experierence may be lacking. The professional standard of the tree service industry is the Certified Arborist. Why Choose a Certified Arborist? Why a Certified Arborist? An arborist is knowledgeable in the science of planting, taking care of, and basic maintenance of individual trees. An arborist documents their base of knowledge through International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Certification through ISA means the individual possesses the competence and knowledge to provide instruction to apply proper tree care. Performance and standard of practice is not guaranteed through ISA certification. Arborists must continually update their knowledge to maintain certification, making them the best choice for the most up to date techniques in arboriculture. Best cared for trees increase property value. In some cases, provide food and are pleasant to the eye when properly placed. Neglected trees become an eye sore and can become a safety issue very quickly in certain unforeseen weather conditions. Trimming or removal of large trees can be a hazardous chore. Properly equipped and trained personnel are recommended for this type of work. Always remember safety first. Arborists Services  Pruning  The techniques in maintaining a healthy tree can be easily determined by your local arborist. a. Cutting branches that rub against each other. b. Cutting branches that interfere with roofing, guttering, electrical wires c. Branches that obstruct patios, walkways, and streets. d. Branches that are weak or dead that will pose a potential safety hazard. e. Limbs that are diseased and infected with insects. f. Strengthening the tree to reduce wind resistance and storm damage. g. Removing or trimming branches damaged due to harsh weather conditions. h. Thinning densely shaded areas for more light penetration.  i. To shape or improve the appearance of a tree. Planting Most arborist can recommend what tree to plant in any given scenario. The wrong tree planted in the wrong place can cause future problems during tree growth, and also after the tree reaches full maturity. Poor growth, infection from disease and insects can be a result. Emergency Care   Storms can cause full grown trees to be uprooted, broken, resulting in property damage. Other trees can be affected by other trees being damaged in adverse weather conditions. An arborist can determine if a tree needs to be removed, or can be saved by trimming or pruning. Removing or Relocating Removing a tree is always the last scenario. Relocating is an option in most cases, but not always practical. Arborists have the knowledge and equipment to properly maintain the situation you may encounter. Removal or relocation is suggested when: a. The tree is destroyed or is dead. b. The tree has been damaged due to extreme weather events. c. other trees are causing harm by crowding. d. a fully grown tree causes obstruction of view and cannot be fixed by trimming or pruning. e. new building construction requires removal of the tree. f. a more suitable tree for the environment is required. There are many other services an arborist may assist you with. " Proper Tree Health, support in helping the maintain good health to ward off infectious disease, and insect problems. " Suggestions for the food to give your tree. (Fertilization) " Checking tree for weak branches. Correct support may be needed. " Root aeration (loosening soil around root) to help roots grow. " The tree may attract lightening needing a lightning rod. " Disease and insect prevention. The Right Arborist For My Project " Ask for identification associated with a professional organization such as (TCIA) Tree Care Industry Association, or (ISA) International Society of Arboriculture, or the (ASCA) American Society of Consulting Arborists. This should insure the arborist you hire will be up to date on the latest techniques. " Arborists with certification have been tested in all forms of tree care. " All respectable arborists will be insured for personal, and property damage. Large sums of cash have been lost by home owners due to fraudulent tree experts. Many home owners have been held accountable for damages and injuries occurring on the job. " Permits, licenses all should be in order before actual work begins. Local, state and national laws apply. " References are great if the company or person has them to offer. Check references.  Your tree is an investment that can last a lifetime. " Getting estimates (more than one) will be an investment well worth the while. " You get what you pay for. The lowest bid is not always the best. Consider the price, skill of worker, and work to be done. It is always best to know who your arborist is. " Soliciting for this type of work should raise a question of credibility. Most companies have schedules far in advance for specific jobs. " A good arborist will not trim in excess, or disfigure a tree for any reason. Topping or trimming excess and dense foliage a usual practice. " Get all contracts in writing stating total price, who is responsible for clean-up, what is the hourly rate for extended work, and start and finish time for tree care.