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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
be done only by those trained and equipped to work safely in trees.
ISA Certified Arborist List
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Services That Arborists Can Provide:
Pruning
An arborist can determine the type of pruning 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, or 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
- removing branches, or thinning,
to increase light penetration
- improving the shape or silhouette
of the tree
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Removal
Although tree removal is a last resort, there are circumstances when it is
necessary. An arborist can help decide whether 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
- is located in an area where new construction requires removal
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Emergency Tree Care
Storms may cause limbs or
entire trees to fall, often landing on other trees, homes and other
structures, or cars. The weight of storm-damaged trees is great, and
they can be dangerous to remove or trim. An arborist can assist in
performing the job in a safe manner, while reducing further risk of
damage to property.Planting
Some arborists plant trees,
and most can recommend types of trees that are appropriate for a
specific location. The wrong tree in the wrong location could lead to
future problems as a result of limited growing space, insects, diseases,
or poor growth. |
Other Services
Many arborists also provide a variety of other tree care services, including
- 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
When selecting an arborist,
- check for membership in professional organizations such as the
International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), the Tree Care Industry
Association (TCIA), or the American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA).
Such membership demonstrates a willingness on the part of the arborist to
stay up to date on the latest techniques and information.
- check for ISA arborist certification. 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 carries personal and property damage
insurance as well as workers compensation insurance. Many home owners have
had to pay out large amounts of money for damages caused by uninsured
individuals claiming to be tree experts. You could be held responsible for
damages and injuries that occur as a result of the job.
- check for necessary permits and licenses. 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 laws that govern 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 work sites 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!
- get more than one estimate, unless you know and are comfortable with the
arborist. You may have to pay for the estimates, and it will take more time,
but it will be worth the investment.
- don’t always accept the low bid. You should examine the credentials and
the written specifications 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.
- be wary of individuals who go door to door and offer bargains for
performing tree work. Most reputable companies are too busy 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?
- keep in mind that good arborists will perform only 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.
- get it in writing. Most reputable arborists 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 nongovernmental, 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 and by
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 are more likely to be up to date
on the latest techniques in arboriculture.
Be an Informed Consumer
One of the best methods to use in choosing an arborist is to educate
yourself on some of the basic principles of tree care. ISA offers several other
brochures in this series, which discuss many of the basic principles of tree
care. Your local garden center, extension agent, or city arborists are also
excellent sources of information if you should have further questions. They may
also be able to refer you to an ISA Certified Arborist in your area.
E-mail inquiries: isa@isa-arbor.com
(c) 1998, 2004 International Society of Arboriculture.
UPDATED JULY 2005 Developed by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), a non-profit
organization supporting tree care research around the world and is dedicated to
the care and preservation of shade and ornamental trees. For further
information, contact:
ISA, P.O. Box 3129, Champaign, IL 61826-3129, USA. © 2007 International Society of Arboriculture.
UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2005 *Notes added by Village of Mount Prospect May 8, 2007. *Although we cannot recommend a tree care company, we can provide a list of tree
contractors that have successfully worked for the Village upon request. Call
Public Works at (847) 870-5640. *If you are hiring someone to apply pesticides on your property, make sure they
have a valid Pesticide License issued by the Illinois Department of Agriculture
(IDA). You can call the IDA’s Bureau of Environmental Programs, (217)-785-2427,
to check a license status. |
