What is an Arborist? The Role and Importance of Arborists

Importance Of Arborists

A few key reasons that state the importance of arborists are:

• Arborists ensure the longevity and overall health of a tree.


• They contribute to overall environmental conservation as they promote a healthy tree population.


• Experts make sure to identify and address both damaged and weak branches for storm preparedness.


• A well-maintained tree by an arborist enhances the overall property value and improves the landscaping appearance.


• A tree surgeon assesses a tree to find potential hazards which, in turn, result in property damage.

What Does An Arborist Do?

Arborists are typically both skilled and trained in taking care of trees and their maintenance ensuring the trees’ aesthetics, safety and health. For this, they do various work.

Tree Consultation And Reports

Tree consultation and report include assessing, managing and providing necessary recommendations for trees. See how a tree consultation and reports are made.

• Tree Assessment- An arborist conducts an assessment of each tree in a population to evaluate its overall condition, structure and health


• Pest And Disease Diagnosis- The next step is to identify and diagnose the tree to identify pest infestations and diseases that are damaged in the trees.


• Risk Assessment- Immediately after conducting a diagnosis for pest and disease risk assessment is done to find potential risks associated with trees.


• Create Preservation Plans- In projects that concern development, an arborist creates three preservation plans to preserve trees during construction.


• Species Selection And Planting Advice- By considering factors like climate, available space and soil conditions, an arborist provides species selection and planting advice.


• Pruning And Maintenance Recommendations- Arborists also develop plans for pruning and maintenance to meet each tree's requirements to promote good health aesthetics and safety.


• Arborist Reports- Finally reports are made into comprehensive documents that consist of details regarding the tree assessments and consultations, risk assessments, tree health and necessary recommended actions, approvals, permits, etc.

Tree Planting And Transplanting

The important economic practices in arboriculture and landscaping are tree planting and transplanting. The purposes of these practices are beautification, restoration of ecosystems and environment conservation. Speaking tree planting involves steps like site selection, tree selection, planting process, mulching and watering. Typically it improves the wildlife habitat and supports biodiversity. In fact, in places where trees don't naturally regenerate, arborists suggest tree planting and re-establishing forests. In about 10 seconds, a professional arborist can plant a tree which, in turn, upon increasing the number provides freshwater throughout the country.

The resetting of a tree in another location in the ground from its removed location is known as tree transplanting. However, with roots set in deeper layers of soil, an arborist should take particular care while digging, making sure roots aren't accidentally cut or damaged. The reason for tree transplanting might be relocation due to landscaping projects, rescuing a tree from its present site and improving its growing conditions. When a professional comes to your location for tree transplanting, timing should be considered when the dormant season is taken into the picture. Usually, either winter or fall is chosen as it minimises the stress on trees.

Tree Removal

To ensure the aesthetics and safety of your property, you can opt for professional advice regarding tree removal on your premises. Depending upon factors like tree size, tree type, accessibility, and permit requirements. health and condition of the tree, the cost of tree removal varies. One of the common reasons an arborist does a tree removal is because of the disease, damaged or unhealthy condition of the tree. So, if you are hiring professional arborist services for tree removal, then the average costs are as follows:

• Small tree removal: Between $300 and $700


• Medium tree removal: Between $700 and $1,500


• Large tree removal: Between $1,500 and $2,500 and more


• Stump removal: Between $150 and $450 per stamp

Stump Removal, Root Removal And Root Management

Although small stump removal can be accomplished using appropriate DIY methods, the removal of large stumps requires the expertise of a professional arborist. One highly effective method employed by professionals for stump removal is stump grinding. This process involves the use of a stump grinder to grind away the tree wood, resulting in the removal of the stump and leaving behind wood chips.

Root removal is the process of cutting or removing tree roots entirely or to a practical extent from the soil. It is typically undertaken to prevent damage to root structures, resolve utility issues, or clear space for construction purposes. Various methods utilized for root removal include manual excavation, mechanical excavation, root barrier installation, chemical treatments, and air excavation.

Root management is a technique aimed at guiding the growth of tree roots in a manner that prevents damage to nearby utilities, landscapes, and structures. This practice is essential for maintaining the stability and health of a tree while addressing potential issues the roots might pose to their surroundings. Key aspects considered in root management include site selection, species selection, root barriers, root pruning, and mulching.

Tree Pruning And Tree Surgery

Selective removal of tree parts such as roots, buds and branches is a horticulture practice known as tree pruning. Tree pruning enhances the aesthetics, structures and health of your tree, promoting the overall longevity of a tree in the long run. The reasons for tree pruning are to improve fruit production and prevent storm damage and disease management.

Tree surgery or tree care refers to professionally cultivating and managing shrubs, plants and trees. Only a certified trained, insured, certified and well-equipped tree surgeon can work on tree surgery as it ensures environmental conservation. The key aspects of tree surgery are tree planting, emergency tree care, tree health assessment, tree preservation, regular consultation and advice.

Other Jobs An Arborist Can Do

In addition to the jobs mentioned above, an arborist does other jobs as well a few of which can be numbered as follows:

• Landscaping and designing


• Tree risk assessment


• Green infrastructure planning


• Utility arboriculture


• Environmental conservation


• Urban forestry management


• Research and Development


• Pest and disease management


• Tree preservation during construction projects


• Rope access and climbing instruction.

Choosing An Arborist

Choosing the right arborist is key to ensuring the health, safety and aesthetics of your tree. So you need to carefully consider a few aspects when it comes to choosing an arborist for assistance. You can look for these qualifications and safety considerations while opting for a professional arborist in and near your area.

• Certification- The arborist should hold a prestigious certificate from any local arboriculture association or the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).


• Training- A tree surgeon should undergo specialised training related to arboriculture, which usually includes equipment operation, tree biology, safety procedures and pruning techniques.


• Insurance- With insurance comes safety for your trees against potential damage coverages and liabilities during surgery operations for a tree.


• Safety Equipment- In addition to personal protective equipment, a professional arborist should use safety equipment like helmets, goggles, harnesses and safety ropes to ensure their safety when working on unsafe heights.

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