Arborist services use the science and hands-on practice of cultivating, maintaining, and managing trees and other woody plants. Arborists are specialized tree care professionals (often referred to as tree doctors or surgeons) who focus on the long-term health of trees.
In today’s article, we’ll discuss what is included in these services, when you actually need professional help, and how tree surgeons play a crucial role in the entire process.
Let’s get started.
Critical Arborist Services
Pruning and trimming are the two most common arborist services. Here, a professional removes dead or structurally weak branches to promote the tree’s healthy growth.
Similarly, a specialist can inspect trees for fungal decay and apply targeted treatments to address the root cause. Pest infestation can threaten a tree’s survival. A professional can identify those problems and deliver timely solutions to stop the spread of infestation.
They use specialized rigging and machinery to safely extract the dead or poorly placed trees. They also decide whether a leaning or compromised tree can be saved or must be removed.
Benefits of Taking Help from These Services
So, a professional arborist understands tree biology and different pest cycles. They can accurately diagnose diseases or insect infestation early before they spread to other plants.
Working with tall trees or storm-damaged branches on your own is dangerous. Professionals use proper rigging and safety gear to handle those complex situations safely. They also possess deep knowledge of species-specific pruning techniques to improve air circulation throughout the tree.
If you have unique plants, a professional can help you build a customized growth plan that keeps the specific needs of leaves into account. Your property’s curb appeal will instantly get a boost when the trees are well-maintained.
Role of Tree Surgeon
A tree surgeon serves as the hands-on, practical specialist within the broader field of arboriculture. They focus on the physical execution of tree care and maintenance.
While an arborist often acts as a scientific consultant who diagnoses diseases and builds long-term management plans, the tree surgeon performs the high-risk physical labor required to keep trees structurally sound.
However, when you’re planning to work with a surgeon, you must first check certain qualities. For example, they must be comfortable working at heights and exhibit calm precision when operating specialized rigging gear. They should also explain the proposed work transparently and coordinate well with a ground crew.
How to Know If You Need Professional Help?
You should hire a professional when your trees show signs of disease or when you need safe maintenance for large trees.
For example, discolored or wilting leaves indicate that the tree is not healthy. Similarly, spotting deep cracks or split trunks after a storm means your tree needs proper maintenance. Those large or broken branches may also pose a risk of falling on your new home or on walkways. An arborist can professionally manage these hanging limbs.
Similarly, if you’re planning building work that could damage tree root zones, you should consult with a professional to get a customized protection plan.