If your property includes trees, you will sooner or later find yourself needing an arborist. This tree care professional can help you take care of sick trees, prune them to keep them healthy, and perform a variety of other tasks specifically designed to make sure that your property and all of its greenery remains in good shape.
If, when the time comes, you need help finding an arborist near you, enter your zip code to be connected today to local arbor care companies. In that case, here's everything you need to know before starting the process.
What Does an Arborist Do?
As mentioned above, an arborist is a tree care specialist. Here's how the International Society of Arboriculture defines the profession: "An arborist, by definition, is an individual trained in the art and science of planting, caring for, and maintaining individual trees. Arborists are knowledgeable about the needs of trees and are trained and equipped to provide proper care."
In other words, an arborist is specifically qualified to help improve and maintain the health of any trees on your property. They can prune your trees, spot early signs of disease and damage, or remove them if necessary. Keeping your trees healthy is crucial to both the value and safety of your property, and the right arborist can help you achieve that goal.
The Licensing and Qualifications any Arborist Should Possess
Of course, not everyone who claims to be qualified to take care of your trees actually is. That's why when looking for an arborist near you, you should always make sure that they are licensed to perform the work necessary to maintain, prune, or cut down your trees.
Certification by the International Society of Arboriculture is voluntary. Still, it results in a type of quality seal that will be invaluable for you in choosing a professional to work with. Other potential certifications that carry similar weight are the American Society of Consulting Arborists, the Tree Care Industry Association, or your local/state arborists' association.
Arborists certified by these organizations follow a code of ethics that ensure they take every decision and action with the trees' health in mind. In addition, the associations make it a point to keep their members up-to-date with the latest industry trends and best practices, ensuring that a professional who carries this certification will take care of your property as well as possible.
The Costs of Hiring an Arborist
Naturally, the costs of hiring an arborist depend significantly on the exact services you need. Some arborists offer a free tree health inspection, allowing you to evaluate whether further services are needed. Most of our homeowners report that pruning services cost an average of $691 per visit, while tree cutting can cost more than $1,000.
Of course, a number of variables play into these averages. The number and size of the trees on your property is the biggest variable to keep in mind. In addition, the health, type, and location of the tree also matter in determining how much hiring an arborist will actually cost.
