For yard work or lawn issues, you call a landscape company, but who do you call for concerns about trees on your property? The answer is an arborist, a trained and certified expert on all things related to trees and shrubs. Arborists can work in the public sector to keep power lines, roadways, and sidewalks clear, especially after a storm, but they can also work for or own a professional tree service to service private property. Let’s look more closely at what arborists do and when you need their help.
The Many Responsibilities of an Arborist
Arborists do so much more than trim branches and chop down trees. For starters, they are highly trained on specialized equipment and safety procedures. They also have extensive knowledge about woody plants, including different tree species, regional and wide-spread diseases, routine maintenance and preventive care, emergency concerns, and even tree removal and stump grinding. Their love of trees makes them willing to take on this arduous physical labour. In addition, their job requires them to work outdoors in all types of weather.
Even what may be considered routine tasks for an arborist requires expertise. Here are some of the duties an arborist does:
- Planting – understanding species and how location and climate can affect the tree’s ability to thrive
- Pruning – identifying disease or infestation to remove limbs, recover after a storm or high winds, and improve the shape and appearance of trees, all while adhering to safety standards
- Fertilizing – Treating saplings and older trees with appropriate nutrients to help them grow and thrive
- Spraying – working to limit insect or pest infestations with treatments that do not harm the tree or inhibit its growth
- Maintaining – creating a schedule of basic routine care to prevent problems during dormancy and to inspect for damage and promote growth when spring arrives
- Removing – after exhausting all other avenues to save the tree, carefully removing the tree while limiting impact on other plants and preventing damage to property
- Grinding – removing remaining stump to allow for new landscaping or tree planting while limiting the opportunity for infestation
With so much involved at every step of tree care from planting to removal, you can see why even seasonal pruning is best left to a professional arborist who can consider every aspect of tree health and environmental impact as well as appearance and safety. While you may think that most of what they do is seasonal, arborists do not slow down throughout the year. Plus, arborists work round-the-clock to take care of emergencies in addition to their scheduled appointments.
The Importance of Keeping Safe and Well-Equipped as an Arborist
Well-trained arborists are just as knowledgeable about their equipment as they are about the trees themselves. After all, the inherent danger of tree maintenance is not limited to just the sharp tools. Their specialized equipment may include climbing and rigging gear such as ropes, shoe spikes, bracing, and harnesses, all used to access treetops while keeping them safe. Cutting gear can range from clippers and pruners to pole saws and chainsaws. They may also use heavy equipment, like stump grinders, woodchippers, tractors, and possibly a min-excavator to remove larger trees, stumps, branches, and other debris. The goal is two-fold: take care of the trees but do it in the safest way possible to prevent injury or property damage.
Professional Tree Service Company to the Rescue
As you can see, a lot more goes into being an arborist than meets the eye. Instead of doing it yourself, contact Martin’s Tree Service for your tree care. Our team is skilled, insured, experienced, and attentive to provide the best customer service for our clients and the best care for the trees. Call or contact us online for more information or to request a quote.
Steve Martin
