What is an Arborist 

Professionals Focused on Trees

In the same way, as there are highly trained professionals skilled in the care of the human body, there are professionals whose sole responsibility is the care of trees and other plants.

These individuals are called arborists, and the art and science of the care of trees are their areas of expertise. Many of them not only view this work as a job, but allow their personal passion for trees, plants, and nature to overflow into their work.

Some History

Arboriculture can be traced all the way back to the 1800s, to a man named John Davey.

John Davey is considered the father of ‘tree surgery’.

The practices he introduced and the principles he operated with going back even further in history to ancient times.

Ancient Greek literature has records of the Greeks treating tree wounds, possibly in much the same way a modern-day Arborist would do thousands of years later.

Drawing on this knowledge allows them to determine what kind and scope of pruning is best for each individual tree.

They do so with the overriding goal of protecting the tree’s long-term health and improving its aesthetic appearance.

Tree removal – if you’re in doubt as to the state of a tree’s internal health, drawing on the professional eye of an Arborist is the best way to make the decision as to whether or not a tree requires removal.

This is normally the last option.

However, leaving trees in that have damaged roots or are suffering from ill health can prove hazardous for the tree, for the surrounding environment and for your home and family.

If a tree does need to be removed for safety purposes, an Arborist will have the skills required to do so in a manner that is safe and thorough.

Planting – As important as knowing when a tree needs to come out is knowing where and when to plant new trees.

Planting trees in the right position is incredibly important to their long term health.

Different tree varieties come with their own specific needs, with a wide range of sunlight needs, soil requirements and nutrients required to promote healthy growth.

Arborists lend their industry knowledge to your garden by advising on which trees will flourish the best in its natural environmental conditions.

Emergency Assistance – Storms can be devastating to trees, causing irreparable damage.

When this occurs, it’s important that trees are attended quickly, as falling limbs can become a potential hazard after wild weather.

Trees on your property may require emergency attention, whether this is for pruning or for removal.

Given the fact that there may also be fallen power lines or other hazards at play, calling in a professional Arborist takes the danger out of your hands and instead allows them to use their experience to complete the task at hand.

An on-going commitment – is the Arborist you’re consulting planning on sticking around for the long run? By hiring an Arborist to work on your property, you’re making a huge potential long-term investment. Thorough and careful tree care is an investment that could either lead to sizeable returns or noticeable losses. Well maintained and cared-for trees add value to a property, both aesthetically and financially, whilst a poorly maintained tree can become a troublesome liability that lessens your property’s overall value.

Customer testimonials – can the Arborist in question prove a strong track record of happy customers? This is a key area to consider and it’s worth speaking directly with a previous client. If the experience has been positive, any previous clients should be able to speak in glowing terms. If an Arborist is not able to connect you with a previous client, this is a potential sign that they’re looking to hide feedback from a negative previous experience.

Equipment – is your Arborist fully equipped for the task at hand? Tree care can require a wide and extensive range of gear and equipment, which is designed specifically for the execution of Arborist tasks and to protect their safety in the process. Some jobs may require special-design vehicles, cherry pickers, and stump grinders.  Knowing your Arborist comes fully equipped with all of the tools required for the job is important.

Their attention to detail – as Arborists treat trees as the living organism that they are, their expert advice should always prioritise the health of the tree as they make decisions on the best way forward. You’re looking for someone who will take their time evaluating your plants and trees, instead of rushing their way through it.

Highly skilled arborists can spot even the tiniest early signs of disease, which could potentially save a tree from removal. If you plan on having an Arborist keep an eye on your garden on a regular basis, make sure it’s someone who is going to invest their time and energy into ensuring the health of all of your plants and trees as best as they can.

Insurance – as any kind of tree work can be dangerous business, you need to ensure your home and your family are protected from any potential claims that could arise out of an unforeseen situation, circumstance or accident.

If the professional in question comes with their own insurance, you can rest assured you’re covered from a legal perspective should anything go wrong.

Pricing – skilled Arborists will provide you with a quote in writing that describes with detail the work they believe requires carrying out. This quote can become a binding document between the two of you, as it should also list details on how the property will be left once work has been completed. Although it can be tempting to go with the cheapest offer, this is not an area where you want to skimp.

Going with the cheaper low-end company could lead to potential damage or to a job that’s less than satisfying once finished.

By looking at hiring a company within the mid-range of prices, you’ll know they’ve proven themselves in the industry and have quoted you at a reasonable price for the work that is required without cutting corners and setting you up for a nasty extra bill down the track.

Final Thoughts

All in all, employing a professional Arborist can add immense benefit to your property’s environment.

By caring for your trees, you’re carrying out part of your responsibility to your surrounding environment, providing them with the care and love they need to grow as strong as they can.