The job of a tree arborist is a very broad profession within the arboriculture industry. It often gets confused with the job of a tree surgeon. And whilst there are similarities between the two, an arborist is someone who will look after the management of your tree, while a tree surgeon will take care of the maintenance. These are, of course, slightly over-simplified depictions of what each role entails.
More specifically, a tree surgeon will take to trees and branches with a chainsaw, take care of stump and tree extraction and removal, and pruning. It is more of a specialised skillset (as with a medical surgeon); assessing the health of the tree and preventing any diseases within the tree from spreading further. This, of course, is often why they are called out to remove branches, if not entire trees. A tree surgeon would also be responsible for assessing the environment surrounding before undergoing a repair or removal, to make sure that the health of the area is not compromised in the process. They are a master of their equipment and often act under the instruction of an arborist.
Tree arborists will approach the care of the tree with a more comprehensive overview of the factors that need to be considered around the health of the tree. The PH levels of the soil, for example, and other elements of the surrounding ecosystems within the area. An arborist can work our exactly where your trees will best thrive, as well as the most suitable option for your tree if it becomes sick. Health aside, a tree arborist is who you want to call to improve the general appearance of the tree.
Both arborists and surgeons undergo extensive training in order to obtain their licenses and certifications. Each role that is covered within the two professions often carries significant risk, and should never be carried out without the proper training and certification required.
So now that we’ve got that settled…
As tree arborists, we are about the health and wellbeing of your trees (and natural environment of your property generally). If the health of any tree has been compromised, we will consider all factors before resorting to its removal. If this is something you are interested in, we can come up with a full Arborist Report to provide you with every option that you are afforded in order to bring the tree back to health. It is very rare that we would need to call in a tree surgeon, as we are trained and certified in most areas that a surgeon covers too.
Specialising in the removal of large trees, we will make sure that your needs are met and concerns are accommodate at every point of the job. If you are still unsure as to what you need in order to address the concerns you have about your trees, give us a call. We are happy to clarify any confusion you might have.