When to Hire an Arborist: What You Need to Know
Finding the right tree doctor doesn’t have to stump you
Highlights
An arborist is like a tree doctor.
Arborists care for healthy or diseased trees.
You can hire an arborist for general or emergency tree care.
Hiring an arborist costs an average of $860.
If you have many trees on your property, you’ll likely need to know when to hire an arborist. These tree experts have the skills to care for trees at any stage, from tiny saplings to 100-year-old giants. But how do you know when you need a certified arborist’s help? Here’s everything to know about hiring an arborist.
What Is an Arborist?
An arborist is a professional who studies and cares for trees. Think of an arborist like a tree doctor. These experts spend a lot of time learning ways to care for trees—from planting them to growing them to removing diseased or hazardous trees.
Types of Arborists
ISA-certified arborists: ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) Certified Arborists have undergone specific training and passed an exam that qualifies them as experts in the care and maintenance of trees. They stick to a specific code of ethics and can tackle nearly any issue with your trees.
Consulting arborists: Tree removal and landscaping companies employ many different arborists, including consulting arborists who meet with clients to assess the health of trees, bushes, and the rest of your landscape. Their role involves working with clients to make informed decisions about the care and maintenance of plants in their yards.
Tree risk assessment arborists: If you have tree-specific needs, a tree risk assessment arborist helps you evaluate the health and danger of any trees on your property.
Master arborists: Master arborists are highly experienced professionals who often have advanced skills and expertise due to years of practice. Master arborists tend to take on leadership roles and are often owners of landscaping and tree service companies.
Arborists Certifications
Certification isn’t always required to become an arborist, but many arborists can undertake third-party certification programs that offer additional training on tree care and safety. Popular certifications for arborists include programs from The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA). Arborists who perform tree removals may also benefit from earning the Certified Tree Care Safety Professional (CTSP) credential from TCIA.
What Does an Arborist Do?
Arborists help keep trees in good health and protect humans from weak or falling trees. After a storm, an arborist may come to remove broken branches or fallen trees and their stumps.
Perhaps you notice holes in your trees’ bark or the pine needles of your evergreens turning brown. An arborist can identify and help eradicate pests or get to the root (pun intended) of the problem. While they can’t always save a tree if the damage is too extensive, they can at least safely remove trees and prevent disease from spreading throughout your landscaping.
Arborists aren’t just there to care for sick trees. These professionals can also help you successfully plant new trees and ensure they live long and healthy lives. They can also provide general tree maintenance, like trimming and pruning, which is especially helpful for the giant oak tree in your front yard.
Why Should You Hire an Arborist?
Trees are wonderful additions to any property, offering shade and beauty to many home gardens. However, these trees take care and attention so they don’t become dangerous for the people around them. An arborist helps you care for your trees and can remove any problem trees that pose a danger. Here are a few times working with an arborist makes sense:
Planting: If you want trees properly planted on your property, arborists possess the knowledge to recommend suitable trees for your location.
Pruning: Pruning trees involves cutting away hanging and dead branches to keep the tree or plant healthy. Arborists have the proper equipment to prune trees quickly and efficiently.
Removing trees: When a tree must be removed due to disease or safety concerns, arborists are equipped to handle this task safely and with no damage to your property.
Emergencies: During storms, many trees or tree limbs fall. While you should call your local utility company if the tree causes electrical dangers, you can also call an arborist during to help you address your tree damage. Their expertise allows for quick and appropriate action, reducing the risk of further harm and promoting the recovery of affected trees.
Disease diagnoses: Identifying and treating tree diseases requires a deep understanding of the plant world. Arborists can accurately diagnose diseases, prescribe effective treatments, and implement preventive measures to safeguard other trees on your property.
When Do I Need to Call an Arborist?
Any time you’d like help with the trees in your landscapes, you can hire a local arborist. Perhaps the sentimental tree you planted when your now-adult child was born is looking worse for wear. An arborist can help diagnose any problems and provide solutions to save the tree.
If a tree breaks or falls after a storm or becomes diseased beyond repair, an arborist can also safely remove the tree so it doesn’t fall on your home. In some regions, invasive tree species can create problems for native plants. An arborist can identify problematic trees or advise you on which trees are best and worst for your neighborhood.
Planting a new tree? An arborist can help you ensure it grows to its full potential by providing tips on balancing soil nutrients, watering, and fertilizing. An arborist can also help you with general upkeep, like pruning or trimming trees of all sizes.
What to Look for When Hiring an Arborist
Handling trees can be a dangerous job, so it’s important to check that your arborist is insured before hiring. At a minimum, ensure the arborist has liability insurance and workers’ compensation in case a branch falls on your roof or a contractor is hurt when trimming the top branches.
If you’re hiring a tree service, make sure they are licensed in your city and state. For the best protection and peace of mind, you should opt for an arborist that has a certification, such as the ISA or TCIA certifications. These show that the pro you hire underwent proper training to care for and remove trees safely. You can verify an arborist’s certification using the ISA verification tool or the TCIA-accredited arborist database.
In general, when you hire an arborist or other contractor, choose someone that communicates quickly. With trees, a fallen branch or cracked trunk can quickly cause extensive damage or become a serious hazard that needs handling as soon as possible.
How to Hire an Arborist
Working with an arborist ensures the health and well-being of your trees. When looking for professional tree care service, the following steps will help you hire a reputable arborist in your area:
Ask your friends and neighbors: Start by asking those around you if they’ve worked with a professional arborist. If so, was it a good experience? Would they recommend the company? This method helps you get a true understanding of what it’s like to work with a certain company.
Check the credentials of the arborist: Verify that the arborist you’re working with is certified by the International Society of Arboriculture. ISA certification indicates that the arborist has demonstrated a high level of knowledge and competence in their field.
Make sure to ask about insurance: Confirm that the arborist is fully insured and holds the necessary licenses for your state. Insurance coverage protects you and your property in the event of accidents or damage during tree care operations.
Get multiple rate quotes in writing: Seek quotes from several arborists to compare their services and pricing. Keep in mind that the lowest price may not always guarantee the best service, so consider the overall value, including expertise, equipment, and the reputation of the company. Request a detailed, written estimate that outlines the scope of work, costs, and timelines.
Ask what the process looks like: Inquire about the arborist's process. Ask how long it’ll take, what equipment they use, and what you have to do to make your land accessible. A knowledgeable arborist should be able to communicate their methods and educate you on the best practices for maintaining your trees.
Cost to Hire an Arborist
Hiring an arborist costs anywhere from around $250 to $2,500, depending on the size and location of the trees and the work you need done. Trimming small trees may cost as low as $75, plus $25 to $100 for cleanup, while removing a large tree and its stump may cost $1,700 or more.
Because trees are tall, and it’s not always easy to see how healthy or weak they are, it’s dangerous to attempt to trim tall trees or remove any trees yourself. Plus, tree root systems may be near utility lines. That’s why it’s important to budget for a professional arborist to help you with your tree care.