What Does an Arborist Do?

A well-maintained tree adds beauty and value to a home or business. It can also protect people and property from severe weather conditions and provide habitats for many species of birds and wildlife. Yet, for some reason, many homeowners and businesses don’t use certified arborists to help maintain their trees. In fact, a poorly maintained tree can be a significant liability that may result in costly lawsuits and lost productivity.

Arborists are highly trained and certified professionals who specialize in the care of trees. They are familiar with the proper techniques to plant, prune, and remove trees of all sizes. They can help plant the right trees for a given climate, soil type and situation, and can help prevent or mitigate damage from storms or other events. Arborists can also provide diagnostic services such as soil analysis, root health monitoring and inspection, microbiology, hazard assessment, and insect or disease detection. In addition, they can develop and implement maintenance plans to promote the health, safety and aesthetics of a landscape or park.

Often, arborists are called upon for emergency tree care. They can quickly respond to a call to trim or remove a tree that has been damaged by a storm or is threatening structures or lives. They can also provide guidance and support to property owners who have experienced a major tree loss on their residential or commercial properties.

When choosing an arborist, always ask for proof of insurance to ensure you are hiring a qualified and knowledgeable individual or company. A reputable arborist should have both personal and property damage liability insurance as well as workers’ compensation coverage. You should also request references and visit other work sites where the arborist has done work.

Some arborists are self-employed, but most work for tree service companies or municipal parks and public spaces. They are usually required to have some form of on-the-job training before being hired. During this time, they learn the basic knowledge of tree maintenance as well as how to climb and treat different types of trees. They are also instructed on how to properly use and handle tools and other equipment, such as chainsaws.

The responsibilities of an arborist can be challenging and rewarding, as they can involve a wide variety of tasks. Their job duties include pruning, tree planting and removal, hazard assessment, and diagnosis of diseases and pests. In addition, they are required to understand the basic ecology of plants and trees as well as how to apply this knowledge to the management of those plants.

Because of the risks associated with their work, arborists are required to follow strict safety procedures and wear the appropriate protective gear at all times when working with trees. In addition, they must be skilled at climbing and working safely around power lines, large trees, and other hazards. This makes it essential that anyone who is considering becoming an arborist receives proper training and education to ensure they have the skills and knowledge needed to practice this profession.

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