Why Hire an Arborist?
While simple tree care can be accomplished by almost everyone, there are times when professional help may be needed or required. A professional ISA-certified arborist can be a great resource to both you and your trees.
What does ISA-Certified mean?
An ISA (The International Society of Arboriculture) certified arborist has a minimum of 3 years experience in tree care and/or a college degree in horticulture, forestry, landscape architecture or urban forestry. They have also passed an exam covering all aspects of tree care.
Arborist Services
Pruning – to ensure the health, appearance, and safety of your trees.
Planting – looking for recommendations on species based on climate, location or personal preference.
Insect, Disease or Site issues – preventive maintenance or treatment options for best tree health.
Emergency Tree Care – tree risk assessments and/or emergency tree care.
Tree Removal – When all else fails, an arborist can consult on tree removal.
Tips on hiring an arborist
- Ask if they have insurance and worker's compensation. Make sure the policy is current - call the insurance provider. Better safe than sorry, as you can be responsible if an uninsured worker gets hurt on your property or if the arborist damages your neighbour's property.
- Get more than one estimate if possible.
- Ask for references and examples of their past work.
- Don't rush into making a choice and when you chose an arborist, get them to give you a specific contract for the agreed-upon work, including all costs and tasks associated with the work.
- Professional work is not cheap: a good arborist has several kinds of insurance and owns specialized equipment. You’re hiring them for their experience and understanding of trees. Beware of work-estimates that fall well below the average.
- You can have an arborist come out for a consultation without having work done on your trees.