An arborist is a specialist in the care of individual trees.  Arborists are knowledgeable about the needs of trees and are trained and equipped to provide proper care.  Certified Arborists are individuals who have achieved a level of knowledge in the art and science of tree care through experience and by passing a comprehensive examination developed by some of the nations leading experts in tree care.  Certified Arborists must also continue their education to maintain their certification.  Certification provides a measurable assessment of an individual's knowledge and competence.

Hiring an arborist is a decision that should not be taken lightly.  Proper tree care is an investment that can lead to substantial returns.  Well-cared-for trees are attractive and can add considerable value to your property.  Poorly maintained trees can be a significant liability.  Pruning or removing trees, especially large trees, can be dangerous work.  Tree work should be done only by those trained and equipped to work safely in trees.

Pruning

An arborist can determine the type of pruning necessary to maintain and improve the health, appearance and safety of trees.  These techniques include:

• Eliminating branches that rub each other
• Removing dead or weak limbs
• Remove limbs that interfere with wires, building facades, gutters, roofs, chimneys, windows, or that obstruct streets or sidewalks
• Removing diseased or insect-infested limbs
• Creating a better structure to lessen wind resistance and reduce the potential for storm damage
• Training young trees
• Removing limbs damaged by adverse weather conditions
• Removing branches or thinning to increase light penetration
• Improving the shape or silhouette of the tree

Removal

Although it is usually a last resort, there are circumstances when it is
necessary.  An arborist can help determine whether a tree should be removed. 
Removal is recommended when the tree is:

• Dead or dying
• Considered hazardous
• Causing an obstruction not correctable by pruning
• Crowding or causing harm to other trees
• To be replaced by another specimen
• Located in an area where new construction requires removal

Emergency Tree Care

Storms may cause limbs or entire trees to fall, often landing on other trees, homes, cars, or other structures.  The weight of a storm-damaged tree is great, and can be dangerous to remove or trim. 

Other Services

Arborists also provide a variety of other tree care services, including:

• Plant health care, a concept of preventative maintenance to keep trees in good health
• Fertilization
• Cabling or bracing
• Aeration to improve root growth
• Spraying or injecting to control certain insects and disease

Selecting the Right Arborist for the Job:

• Check for an ISA arborist certification
• Ask for proof of Insurance
• Check for necessary permits and license
• Ask for references
• Don't always accept the low bid. 
• Be wary of individuals who go door to door offering bargains for performing tree work.  Most reputable companies are too busy to solicit work in this manner.  Another common occurrence is a crew accompanying the "estimator" and offering to do the job right now.  It is common these companies are not licensed nor insured.
• A good arborist will only perform accepted practices.  Examples of UNaccepted practices are topping a tree, remove an excess amount of live wood, using climbing spikes, removing or disfiguring living trees without cause
• Get it in writing. Most reputable arborists have their clients sign a contract