We are often asked: What is a certified arborist, and why should you hire one?
Let’s look at the big picture. The trees on your property are an investment. In addition to being beautiful, they are a vital part of your landscaping. In summer, they provide shade, contributing to energy savings. They also boost your property’s curb appeal.
Many trees are hardy and long-lived, but every homeowner or municipal property manager will need tree service at some point. This can be for emergencies as well as routine maintenance.
What is an arborist?
An arborist is a tree-care expert, a highly trained professional who has earned certification through rigorous exams and at least three years of experience. Arborists have experience planting, caring for, and maintaining trees.
Arborists earn certification from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). The ISA certification exams test an arborist’s knowledge about tree species, how they grow, how to care for them, and how trees respond to their environments.
Certification is certainly the first step, but arborists are also required to stay current on the latest developments and innovation in tree care.
When choosing a tree care service, you should look for one led by an ISA-certified arborist. This means you’ll be hiring a knowledgeable professional who will help you make the best decisions for your trees and your property.
What tree care services do arborists perform?
First, let’s talk about the big stuff. In an emergency—for instance, when a tree has been damaged by a storm—you want to hire an expert tree service. Branch or tree removal can be dangerous work, and you don’t want to risk damage to your property. An arborist brings valuable knowledge and experience to your individual situation.
There are other situations that warrant tree removal. If a tree has died, is infested or diseased, is too close to your home, or is otherwise a threat, it will need to be removed. A certified arborist will know the best way to remove the tree (and you’ll know it’s being done right).
Pruning is an important part of regular tree care and maintenance. Pruning is the removal of branches to keep your tree healthy or shape its growth. A certified arborist will know the best way and time of year to prune your trees.
Tree health is also an important aspect of maintenance. With expertise in tree care, an arborist can diagnose a disease or infestation that is afflicting your tree—and make recommendations for treating it if the tree can be saved
Finally, consulting an arborist is also wise if you’re planning to plant new trees. Every tree is an investment. Knowing where and when to plant a tree helps it have a healthy start.
Tree care is often an undervalued profession. Homeowners and property managers may focus on only the emergencies or situations that require tree removal. Working with an arborist, though, can help you care for your trees properly, helping to protect your property and enhance the landscape.
In addition, safety should always be a high priority. Choosing a tree service led by a certified arborist can help to minimize the risk of damage to your property or accidents on-site.
Advanced Tree Care combines top-notch equipment, cutting-edge technology, and well-trained staff to provide emergency tree removal and tree maintenance services. With a presence in nine counties and two states, we work daily to provide unparalleled customer service, safety, and efficiency—as well as the expertise to beautify your landscaping and community. Advanced Tree Care isn’t just our name—it’s also our purpose!