Why Should You Hire a Certified Arborist For Your Tree Service?

What is a Certified Arborist?

In order to answer the question of why you should hire a certified arborist for the care of your trees, it is important to first understand what is certified arborist is. The definition of a certified arborist is someone trained in the art and science of planting, caring for, and maintaining individual trees. These are individuals who attained a high level of knowledge in the proper technique and theory in tree pruning, tree removal, and any other aspect of properly maintaining the well-being of trees. Certified arborists know how to assess, maintain, and remove trees safely as well as professionally.

The decision to hire an arborist is an important one, and deciding between someone who is an arborist and a certified arborist is equally important. So what is the difference? Answering this question can be compared to the answer to other questions about hiring someone with a certification versus someone without one. Is it better to hire a licensed mechanic to do work on your car, or a car enthusiast? Would you rather hire a doctor to diagnose your health, or someone who worked in a doctor’s office? It is a question of what a certification means. Being certified as an arborist means that you have passed a very comprehensive examination created by an organization of the leading experts in tree care practices. Further to that, certified arborists must follow a code of ethics in their daily operations, and must continue their education to maintain their certification. This ensures that they are current in their knowledge of best arboriculture practices.

Tree Pruning

As in any other profession, merely reading information and passing a test does not make an individual a professional or an expert. It is much more than that – years of practical experience and having the right tools and equipment are important. Possessing a good reputation and history of good work paired with a thorough knowledge of the trees particular to the area that you live are relevant factors to consider. Also, there would be added benefit in finding a company that possesses other certifications such as urban forest technician, safety training, and more. This would demonstrate a commitment to the profession they operate in.

Often the most important consideration given when choosing an arborist is the price. While this is understandable, it is a mistake. It boils down to the old adage of price versus cost. The price on the surface can be lower, but the cost may be much higher. Often for the sake of a couple hundred dollars we choose the option that saves us money in the short term. It is better to consider what the cost will be if we choose an option that may be unqualified to care for the trees that are part of your biggest investment – your home. Poorly maintained trees can be a liability to the value of your home, and that can cost many times more than the short-term savings achieved by going with the “lowest bidder”. It is not to say that non-certified arborists are incapable of doing a fine job, merely that it increases the chances.

What to Look For

Here are some things you can ask for when interviewing potential arborists to service your trees:

certification of professional training experience
education in urban tree maintenance or forestry
professional standards – certificates or references
safety training and best practices
locally owned and operated (knowledge of local conditions)
guarantee of satisfaction and good workmanship
thorough clean up
insurance

If you are looking to hire someone to help ensure that your property value is upheld through the proper maintenance of your trees, consider these points and ask questions. You’ll be glad you did.