It can be really easy to take trees for granted. Sure, we might appreciate their aesthetic beauty and even spare a thought at times for the significant role they play in the health of the planet. However, people rarely consider how important the maintenance of a tree is. This is especially true in more urban environments, where we live in, among and beside what can be extremely substantial trees, which without appropriate maintenance, are unable to thrive and can pose serious risks to people’s safety.
With this in mind, people may only be mildly familiar with what a tree arborist is and the raft of things they do when it comes to tree maintenance. In fact, people who manage trees and their health are not actually known as a tree arborist but rather arborists or arboriculturists. It is also important not to confuse an arborist with a tree lopper, as lopping a tree simply refers to cutting the entire top section of a tree off, which is rarely the appropriate way to manage a tree. This kind of extreme and unconsidered approach can place a tree under tremendous stress, either causing it to die or creating far weakened regrowth, as much as 80% weaker.
An arborist, on the other hand, is an expert in arboriculture, meaning they are skilled in all aspects of tree management, from cultivation, right through to complex maintenance and removal, where necessary. Their qualifications mean that they are well versed in the legislation governing tree maintenance and are trained to follow best industry practices, ensuring the safety of both, you, your property and themselves, when working with trees.
When should I call an arborist?
The moment you have a question about a tree, it’s time to call an arborist. Whether it is simply an assessment, a pruning job, planting trees or removing them, a trained arborist will be able to provide the precise insights you need and have the skills necessary to deal with your trees, regardless of their complexity.
What are the most common services an arborist provides?
Reporting: Due to Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs), arborist reports are typically needed before the owner of a property can remove a tree. Strict and heavy penalties apply for breaches of these laws, meaning that involving an arborist in any tree maintenance is an absolute necessity. Even if you are not planning on fully removing a tree, incorrect pruning techniques can be fatal for many trees
Pruning: With this in mind, tree pruning is one of the other most common tasks that an arborist will engage with. Just like trimming your hair to encourage growth, pruning works for a tree in much the same way. If done correctly, it also helps to achieve a strong structure and a tree’s most desirable form. Don’t hold off on pruning, as many trees will require less maintenance once they are mature if they are pruned correctly whilst they are young. Arborists will also be able to advise on when is the best time of year to allow for boosts to a tree’s flowering and fruiting.
Tree trimming: Particularly in urban areas, when working with power lines and structures, tree trimming can be crucial to maintain a desired shape or appearance of a tree.
Tree removal: Arborists will work to avoid tree removal but there are times when a tree’s health is jeopardised and or when a tree jeopardises the safety of people or structures and will need to be removed. These kinds of removals can be highly complex, posing significant risk, with only a trained arborist qualified to engage in such work.
Stump grinding: Once a tree has been removed, it is important to deal with the stump and remaining debris created by the felled tree. An arborist will be able to grind the remaining stump and shave the remaining debris or dispose of it appropriately.
Now that you know just what an arborist does, you’ll have no need to call them a tree arborist anymore but you will know to call them for any of your tree related queries.
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