What Is an Arborist​?

If you’re looking for the best professional to maintain your trees and help them flourish, you may be considering an arborist. It’s vital to hire the right professional with the skills and equipment required to perform the tasks your tree needs to remain healthy. Learn what exactly an arborist does, the services they provide, and the difference between their profession and tree service professionals.

What Is an Arborist?

An arborist is a specialized professional often referred to as a “tree doctor” because of their extensive knowledge and training in caring for and maintaining the health of trees. Arborists can identify and diagnose various diseases and recommend the best course of action to help a sick or dying tree.

They also assist in planting new trees by ensuring that you pick the correct species that will thrive in your climate and soil conditions.

Do Arborists Cut Down Trees?

Part of an arborist's training is the ability to cut down and remove trees safely. If you aren’t sure if a tree can be saved or needs to be cut down, an arborist can inspect it and determine the best course of action. They will also determine if the tree should be cut down due to its status as a safety hazard, such as leaning too close to a structure or power lines.

What Kind of Services Do Arborists Provide?

Arborists are well-trained professionals who can optimize the health of your trees. They can identify minor and major problems, ranging from overwatering or underwatering your tree to signs of tree diseases. Here are some of the main types of services arborists provide:

• Tree health assessments: An arborist will evaluate your tree to identify any issues, such as pests, diseases, or nutrient deficiencies, and provide the proper plan of action to help it.

• Pest control: Arborists can identify what type of pests may be damaging your tree and provide the best treatment options to eradicate them.

• Pruning and trimming: Removing diseased or dead branches by trimming trees is essential to their health. Arborists are experts at pruning trees the correct way to avoid harming them and promote new growth.

• Tree removal: If your tree is diseased, dead, or poses a hazard, an arborist has the skills and equipment to remove it safely.

Arborist vs. Tree Service Professionals

Arborists specialize in tree care, and many hold certifications from organizations such as the International Society of Arboriculture, which ensures they meet high-level training and education standards. They also prioritize the long-term health of trees and offer a wide range of services.

On the other hand, tree service professionals focus on pruning, trimming, and removing trees. They specialize in tree care and maintenance, but aren’t required to have the diagnostic skills to confirm a tree disease or pest infestation. So, if your goal is to save a tree or learn the best place to plant a new one, hire an arborist near you for the job.