Trees are a crucial part of our ecosystem. In addition to providing oxygen to breathe, they add value to your property, act as windbreakers, provide food for wildlife, and add elegance and beauty to any landscape. Maintaining healthy and beautiful trees brings forth an extensive range of benefits. On the other hand, neglecting your trees can turn them into a potential hazard and liability.
It takes special industry knowledge to care for trees properly. That’s where a certified arborist comes in. Hiring an arborist is crucial to keeping your trees healthy and structurally sound. So, what is a certified arborist and what does an arborist do? Keep reading to learn more.
What Is a Certified Arborist?
A certified arborist is a professional with extensive training, knowledge, and experience in arboriculture. Because tree health is crucial to the environment, arborists must know all there is to know about tree care. To be recognized as a certified arborist, one must attain a generally accepted level of tree care knowledge and prove their knowledge by passing a comprehensive examination.
To be eligible for the ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) Certified Arborist exam, an individual must have:
- Three or more years of full-time, practical work experience in arboriculture
- A degree in arboriculture, forestry, landscape architecture, or horticulture from an accredited institution
The ISA certification covers an extensive range of topics, including tree biology, diagnosis, safety, maintenance, and other tree care subjects. To maintain their certification, an arborist must keep up with the most recent arboricultural techniques, continue their education, and adhere to the Code of Ethics.
What Tree Services Does a Certified Arborist Provide?
While most property owners call certified arborists for tree risk assessment when they need to remove a tree or check its health, these professionals provide an extensive range of services, including:
Tree Planting
Planting trees is an art and science. In addition to choosing a tree species that will thrive in your area, you need to consider the right location to plant the tree. Once planted, trees need proper care and maintenance. An arborist can guide you through the entire process.
Tree Removal
Tree removal may seem like a straightforward process, but it involves more than chopping off a tree and hauling it away. For most people, tree removal is the primary solution when dealing with damaged or diseased trees.
For an arborist, tree removal is usually a last resort. Certified arborists are defenders of trees. An arborist will know when and how to save a tree that any other individual without the training would choose to remove. Whether a few branches need trimming or a towering oak, our arborists have the skills and equipment for any tree removal request.
Tree Pruning
Proper pruning involves specific methods and techniques. Given their training and expertise, certified arborists can determine what type of pruning is necessary to maintain or improve your trees’ health, safety, and appearance.
Tree Care and Maintenance
Plant health care and preventative maintenance are crucial to keeping trees in good health. Certified arborists have the professional knowledge to help trees better defend themselves against pests, disease, harsh weather, and other issues.
Consulting
When you need an expert’s opinion on proper tree care, garden planning, tree removal, or any other concerns about your trees and shrubs, consider seeking the help of a certified arborist. A certified arborist brings an objective and comprehensive viewpoint to ensure the safety, health, and preservation of your trees.
Now you have an answer the next time you encounter the question, “What does a certified arborist do?”
To learn more about the benefits of hiring a certified arborist, contact Arborist Aboard today at (813) 920-4410. We’re proud to offer Tampa certified arborist consulting services.
