There are many types of arborists, just like there are many types of trees!
Arboriculture is the profession of tree and shrubbery care. Arborists optimize our quality of life by choosing, planting and maintaining trees. When well cared for, plants can add immense value to a home or public area with their bright colors and ability to filter air and purify drinking water.
Trees also offer shade, lowering HVAC costs while simultaneously minimizing pollution and upping home values.
Sadly, the average tree in an urban neighborhood only lives 60 years. In a rural area, these trees can live hundreds of years. When surrounded by urban sprawl, trees need a lot of help. Without the care of an arborist, they can turn from key resource to expensive burden.
Today, arborists are more important than ever as cities expand and we understand more about all the positive economic, social, and environmental power of trees.
The Arborist’s Profile
Arborists are attracted to their field because they like being outdoors, doing physically demanding work, helping the environment and working with people. They’re problem solvers, figuring out some challenging tree troubles.
It’s a mentally difficult task, too. Being an arborist includes a variety of responsibilities — picking plants, pruning, bracing, fertilizing, taking care of pests and making sure trees are structurally sound. Arborists watch over trees in construction zones and are brought in for appraisals in legal situations.
Arborists have three primary specializations: commercial, municipal and utility. Commercial arborists don’t serve just commercial clients — they also do residential work. They work as individuals (business owners or freelances), in a partnership or for a company. They might be called by government agencies, homeowners, planners/developers or as an expert witness in court.
Municipal arborists, sometimes known as urban forestry arborists, do work similar to commercial arborists. However, they specialize in trees and plants in parks and on streets or other public land. They’re also the arborists on hand at construction zones.
Additionally, they create and enforce ordinances while keeping public records. They inform the public, go over landscape plans and train employees.
Utility arborists handle trees that are near power lines or railroad tracks. They also plan for tree maintenance at these locations and inspect existing work. They’re always testing line clearance and watching for vegetation advances while teaching the public about the importance of tree care.
Tree Experts
Many arborists have a college education, but the industry remains an apprenticeship-like environment. Some arborists do their training at a technical school.
To ensure you hire the best in your area, call Reliable Tree Care, where you can connect with expert arborists.