What do Arborists do they do & why are they important?
The tree service industry is built around the expertise of certified arborists (aka Arboriculturists, Loppers, Tree Surgeons or Tree Doctors). Professional arborists perform essential tree care by way of tree pruning, tree removal and stump removal. It is important that this arborist work is done by trained specialists as it is hazardous, often needs powerful machinery and requires expert knowledge to properly maintain and preserve the health of trees.
Not all tree workers are qualified arborists. In this article we will answer some of your most frequently asked questions to shed light on these important professionals.
What is an Arborist?
An arborist is a professional in the tree industry who has completed their AQF Level 3 qualifications in horticulture or arboriculture. With the knowledge they acquired from this study and experience in the field, they work to preserve healthy trees and remove dangerous ones.
The difference between these qualified professionals and other workers in the tree industry is that they are trained to follow best industry practices when it comes to the maintenance and removal of trees. This means that they are able to practice and recommend strategies of tree maintenance that ensure the best results for the tree while considering the impacts on the ecosystem and the community.
What do Arborists do?
Arborists should be your first and last call when it comes to dealing with tree problems. They work in all areas of the tree industry. They work for private residents, for councils, governments and organisations. They assess trees, prune trees, plant trees and remove trees. They provide expert insight on the condition of trees, recommendations for ways to preserve their health and assistance in mitigating the hazards of trees.
While the work of an arboriculturalist can be diverse, it generally involves the maintenance of trees, plants and shrubs. This is done in a number of ways.
Providing health assessments can give an indication of the condition of the tree. This can provide insight as to any damage, infestation or signs of deterioration. This is important to assessing the safety of a tree for the wider community.
Pruning and lopping dead, dying and overweight branches is another important strategy employed by arborists to promote healthy growth and improve overall stability.
Crown reductions, thinning and raising can all help to keep a tree looking good and minimise tree hazards.
Tree and stump removal is generally the last choice an arborist will make, but is often a necessary procedure. Trees that have become sick, damaged, obstructive or old can pose a range of threats to the ecosystem and passing pedestrians. For cases like this an arborist is essential to identifying and removing the threat.
Why do you need a professional Arborist?
You absolutely need a certified, professional arborist to assess the condition of your trees, maintain their health and remove them when necessary. Only an arborist should be trusted to perform these services as they have the necessary skills, qualifications, insurance and experience to do so accurately, safely and with a professional arborist report.
For health assessments it is possible that untrained, uncertified tree workers may not notice important signs of deterioration in a tree. This sort of mistake can lead to incorrect assessments that result in trees being removed that shouldn’t, or dangerous trees left standing.
When it comes to the pruning and removal of trees, only a Tree Surgeons should be in charge of this dangerous work. Climbing, cutting and extracting any tree, especially a large mature tree is highly hazardous and can put people, animals and property at risk.
You need a professional arborist because they keep you, your community and the environment safer.
Arborist Services Across Australia
Jim’s Tree’s offer professional arborist services all across Australia, providing best practices for tree removal and maintenance. You can find expert arborists near you at Jim’s Trees across Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney, Canberra, Hobart & Perth.
More arborist answers
We are sure you have many more questions so we have put together a few guides to the most commonly asked below:
