Becoming an Arborist

Arborists are tree care professionals who specialize in identifying, caring for and maintaining trees. They are trained to understand the needs of different species and how each grows and matures. Their work includes pruning, trimming, removing and planting trees to ensure their health and safety. Arborists are often called on to help plan, install and adapt landscapes to meet the changing needs of pedestrian safety and evolving plant communities. They can be found stewarding trees in local parks, retention ponds, sidewalks and state forests.

Becoming an arborist takes dedication and training. To start on the path you need a high school diploma or GED certificate and enroll in an arboriculture program at a college or university. Coursework may include topics like tree biology, insect pests, soil science and chainsaw use. Then you need to find a job in the industry and begin working towards your certification from the International Society of Arboriculture, or ISA. This can take more than three years, depending on your experience and the level of certification you pursue.

Once you become an ISA certified arborist, the opportunities are endless. You can choose to focus on a particular area of the field such as risk assessment, consulting or urban forestry. You can also decide to become a climbing arborist who spends time in the canopy of the tree performing various tasks. You can even move into sales and help clients with the maintenance of their trees by looking at them, interacting with them and scheduling crews to do the work on their properties.

A well-rounded arborist can be an invaluable member of any team. They can provide expert advice and guidance on all aspects of plant health care from the planting to the removal. They can identify and diagnose problems such as insect infestations, disease and fungus. Then they can develop a strategy to correct the problem and provide recommendations on how to keep the plants healthy and happy.

The next time you hire a tree service, look for an arborist who is ISA certified. Ask for references and check online reviews. It’s important to find a company that is committed to keeping your trees healthy and thriving, and who will be safe for both their staff and property owners.

Choosing an arborist who isn’t certified could lead to costly mistakes like improper pruning, which can cause damage and weaken the structural integrity of your trees. Or worse, what you think is a simple trimming project might be an early warning sign of serious disease or insect infestation that could spread to other plants and your property. A good arborist will have the knowledge and equipment to get the job done right the first time. That way, you can save money and know that your trees are in good hands. Ultimately, this is what makes an arborist the best choice for your commercial landscape. Contact us today to learn more about our tree care services.

from TLC Trees and Co https://ift.tt/JEF0l6v