What is an Arborist?
Whether this is a term you’re familiar with, or you’re just now seeing it come up as you’re searching for someone to help you with the trees on your property, you might find yourself wondering: What exactly is an Arborist, and what do they do?
We get this question a lot, so we thought we’d take a moment to discuss who we are, what we do, and how our training can benefit you and your trees.
What exactly is an Arborist?
An arborist is a trained professional who specializes in the care of trees. They are experts in the science of tree biology and have the knowledge and skills to provide proper tree care. Arborists are also familiar with the local laws and regulations regarding trees and can help you navigate the often-complex process of obtaining permits for tree work.
Arborists can provide a variety of services, including tree trimming, tree pruning, tree removal, tree planting, stump grinding, and more. They also offer consultation services to help you choose the best course of action for your trees. Whether you need help with routine tree maintenance or are facing a complex tree issue, an arborist can help.
What Does an Arborist Do?
As you probably know, trees are a vital part of the ecosystem. They help clean the air, provide shade and homes for wildlife, and generally make the world a more pleasant place to be. But trees need care and attention just like anything else, and that's where arborists come in.
Arborists are tree experts who provide a wide range of services related to tree health and maintenance. Some of the things an arborist might do include:
Pruning: Pruning is one of the most important things you can do for your trees. It helps them stay healthy and look their best.
Fertilizing: Trees need nutrients just like any other plant. An arborist can help you determine what kind of fertilizer your trees need and how often to apply it.
Pest control: Insects and diseases can be devastating to trees. An arborist can help you identify problems early and take steps to control them.
Tree removal: Sometimes, the best thing you can do for a tree is to remove it. An arborist can help you determine when this is necessary and safely carry out the removal.
How Do You Become an Arborist?
To become an arborist, also known as a tree surgeon, you need to have specialized training in the care and maintenance of trees. This can be obtained through a vocational school, community college, or university program that offers a degree or certificate in arboriculture. Some arborists may also choose to get certified through the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).
After completing the necessary education, most arborists will also need to gain several years of experience working with trees before they can be considered fully qualified. As a result, many arborists start out working as assistants to more experienced professionals before eventually branching out on their own.
If you're looking to enter this rewarding and challenging field, be sure to arm yourself with the proper training and experience. With hard work and dedication, you can become a qualified arborist - literally saving the world one tree at a time!
What Certifications Does an Arborist Need to Have?
As you might expect, arborists are required to have specific certifications in order to practice their trade. These certifications ensure that arborists have the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and effectively care for trees.
The most important certification for an arborist is the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist designation. This certification is recognized by tree care professionals around the world and demonstrates that an arborist has a high level of knowledge about tree care. In order to become certified, arborists must pass an examination that covers a wide range of topics, including tree biology, soil science, pruning techniques, and more.
In addition to the ISA Certified Arborist designation, many arborists also choose to pursue other certifications, such as the Certified Tree Worker Climber Specialist (CTWCS) designation. This certification demonstrates that an arborist has the skills and knowledge necessary to safely and effectively climb trees.
Arborists may also pursue certifications in specific areas of tree care, such as tree risk assessment or utility line clearance. These specialized certifications can be helpful for those who want to focus their career on a particular aspect of tree care.
No matter what type of certification an arborist has, it is important to remember that these credentials are only a starting point. The best way to ensure that your arborist is knowledgeable and experienced is to ask for references and check out their work firsthand. A qualified and experienced arborist will be more than happy to provide you with references and show you examples of their work.
Is it Time to Turn to an Arborist?
If you have trees on your property, it's important to find a qualified arborist you can trust. Look for someone (like each of our team members here at Tree House Arbor Science) who is certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and has extensive experience working with trees. No matter who you turn to, be sure to ask for references and check them out before hiring anyone.
Arborists are an important part of keeping our urban environment healthy and safe, and it’s why we love what we do! Our primary mission is to help you enjoy the benefits of trees while minimizing the risks associated with them.
Whether you’re trying to determine which tree is right for your yard or you need help with a tree that doesn’t seem to be as healthy as it could be, we encourage you to reach out to us. We’ll take the time to answer all of your questions, address your concerns, and help you determine the right course of action for you and your trees.