Tips on How to Hire an Arborist
Arboriculture is defined as the planting and care of trees. Arborists are responsible for giving sound advice on tree care and performing tasks professionally. However, all arborists are not the same. They may have different knowledge, experience, equipment, and interests. There is an even wider difference between arborists and others in the "tree care" industry. Choose carefully. The health of your landscape is at risk.
How do you qualify an arborist? Ask questions. Do they have insurance? Car insurance is great but won't help much if they inadvertently drop a limb on your roof. If appropriate, ask to see current certificates of liability and workers' compensation. Take a look at their equipment. A dirty or wet climbing rope should flash a warning. Safety is paramount. Are they prepared for emergencies?
Does the arborist do the work, does he or she hire crews or contract? The individual may be knowledgeable, but the crews may not have a clue of what is healthy for trees. Are employees provided training? Some arborists send employees to conferences. Some encourage employees to become certified as an arborist or tree worker.
How did the arborist acquire his or her skills and what does he do to keep up-to-date? Ask about professional affiliations, licenses, and certifications. Training programs are available, such as the Electrical Hazard Awareness Program, hazard tree workshops, climbing, and pruning workshops. The International Society of Arboriculture, the National Arborist Association, and other professional organizations offer training. Private organizations such as Tree Climbers International, as well as universities, state and federal agencies offer programs.
Research on tree care is constantly providing new tools. New techniques and products are more helpful to trees and less damaging to the environment. An arborist must keep up with improving techniques.
It is well known that topping is very damaging to trees. If they advertise topping and are willing to do that to your healthy tree, take that as a "red flag." Information is available to the homeowner on pruning from the Missouri Department of Conservation.
A professional would not use spurs to climb a healthy tree. Spurs wound the tree and often carry diseases from trees previously taken down.
Why would a "tree man" willingly damage trees? Wounds and improperly made pruning cuts attract insects and diseases and lead to decay and death. An arborist cannot undo an old, bad pruning wound, but he or she may be able to help your tree acquire the necessary nutrients to defend itself against progressive decay.
Urban trees are frequently living with infections from old wounds. An arborist can monitor insect and disease problems and prescribe practices that can help the tree defend itself. He or she can advise you if you plan physical changes to the environment that will impact the trees and their root systems.
To become a Certified Arborist, a person must demonstrate an understanding of what it takes to keep trees healthy by passing a grueling test. It tests their basic knowledge of biology, nutrition, fertilization, tree/soil relations, water management, identification, selection, installation, pruning, diagnosis, construction, climbing, cabling, bracing, and safety. They remain certified by attending training programs to keep up-to-date. Certification is no guarantee, but it is a step in the right direction.
You should insist on a signed contract. Requiring work be completed according to ANSI A300 Standards is advisable. The American National Standards Institute can help you better define how work on your trees should progress. They define techniques for pruning, fertilization, safety, and other categories of tree care. Your arborist should have a copy.
Cost is a factor. Hiring to cover a one-time takedown with no repeat work in the middle of an old field, is one thing. But if your house and yard are in jeopardy, hire people who have the knowledge, experience, and equipment to protect your property. Many reputable companies can invoice their work in stages or on completion and receive payment on receipt of the invoice or within two weeks.
A high price doesn't guarantee quality, but a good established arborist won't come cheap. Ask for recommendations, but consider the credibility of your sources. Get bids on a project, but do not sacrifice long-range health of your trees to save a few dollars.
If you are buying a home, you should have existing trees evaluated. This could help you avoid future surprises and help you plan for future development. If you are building, an arborist can work with you to protect existing trees and minimize future problems.
If you have questions, contact your local forester.
