Hiring an Arborist

An Arborist is a highly specialized professional who deals with planting, caring for and maintaining trees, shrubberies and other woody plants. An arborist’s work may involve pruning, plant health care, diagnosis of insect and disease problems, removal or control of pests, weeds, or other unwanted species. Arborists have an extensive knowledge of botany and local environments. Arborists are trained to work in a variety of settings using a variety of equipment such as trucks, aerial lifts and climbing techniques.

Trees are a huge investment for any property owner and provide many environmental, economic and social benefits. A well-maintained landscape can increase property value by up to 15%. But without regular care, trees can become a nuisance or even dangerous. Hiring a qualified Arborist is critical for the safety and longevity of your trees.

There are several levels of professional certification available for Arborists, with the highest being a Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA). This designation requires advanced training and experience in all aspects of arboriculture, including tree risk assessment, treatment of common disorders and diseases, insect management, tree removal, pruning and planting, establishing and managing plant health care programs, and serving as consultants or leaders in large-scale tree management operations.

To obtain a BCMA, arborists must complete an extensive application and pass a rigorous scenario-based exam. The exam covers topics such as advanced tree biology, plant identification, disease management and tree risk assessment. Those who earn this distinction are considered the elite in the field and are sought out by employers, clients and fellow professionals.

While most people understand the importance of hiring a professional for routine tree trimming, it’s also important to hire a qualified Arborist for other services as needed. Many tree service professionals recommend “topping” or cutting the tops of trees, which leaves them vulnerable to disease and insects and can lead to serious safety hazards. Only a certified Arborist has the training and knowledge to properly prune a tree for health, safety and appearance purposes.

When choosing an Arborist, be sure to ask for references and visit previous work sites where they’ve performed similar services. Also, confirm that they carry personal and workers’ compensation insurance to protect you in the event of an accident during their work on your trees. Finally, be sure to get multiple rate quotes in writing before hiring anyone for tree services.

from TLC Trees and Co https://ift.tt/Hw7WyoA