What is an Arborist?
An arborist by definition is an individual who is trained in the art and science of planting, caring for and maintaining individual trees. ISA Arborist Certification is a non-governmental, voluntary process by which individuals can document their base of knowledge. It operates without mandate of law and is an internal, self-regulating device administered by the International Society of Arboriculture. Certification provides a measurable assessment of an individual's knowledge and competence required to provide proper tree care.
Certification is not a measure of standards of practice. Certification can attest to the tree knowledge of an individual, but cannot guarantee or assure quality performance.
Certified arborists are individual's who have achieved a level of knowledge in the art and science of tree care through at least three years experience and have passed a comprehensive examination developed by some of the nation's leading experts on tree care.
Certified arborists must also continue their education to maintain their certification. Therefore, they should be up-to-date ion the latest techniques in arboriculture.
Why Hire an Arborist?
An arborist is a specialist in the care of individual trees. Arborists are knowledgeable and equipped to provide proper care. Hiring an arborist is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Proper tree care is an investment which 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 only be done by those trained and equipped to work safely in trees.
What kind of services can an arborist provide?
Arborists can provide a variety of services to help maintain your valuable investment.
Pruning - the arborist can determine what type of pruning in necessary to maintain or improve the health, appearance, and safety of your trees. These techniques include:
Eliminating branches that rub each other.
Removing limbs that interfere with wires, building facades, gutters, roofs, chimneys, windows or obstruct streets or sidewalks.
Removing dead or weak limbs that pose a hazard or may lead to decay.
Removing diseased or insect infested limbs.
Creating better structure to lessen wind resistance and reduce the potential fro storm damage.
Training young trees.
Removing limbs damages by adverse weather conditions.
Thinning or removal of unnecessary branches.
Improving the shape or silhouette of the tree.
Removal - Although tree removal is a last resort, there are circumstances when it is necessary. An arborist can help decide whether or not a tree should be removed. Arborists have the skills and equipment to safely and efficiently remove trees. Removal is recommended when:
The tree is dead or dying.
The tree is considered irreparably hazardous.
The tree is causing an obstruction that is impossible to correct through pruning.
The tree is crowding and causing harm to other trees.
The tree is to be replaced by a more suitable specimen.
The tree should be removed to allow for new construction.
Emergency Tree Care - Storms may cause limbs or entire trees to fail, often landing on homes, cars, other structures of other trees. The weight of storm damaged trees is great and they can be very dangerous to remove or trim. An arborist can assist in performing the job in a safe manner, while reducing further risk of damage to your property.
Planting - Some arborist plant trees and most can recommend what types of trees are appropriate for a specific location. The wrong tree in the wrong location could lead to future problems due to limited growing space, insects, diseases, or poor growth.
Other Services - Many arborists also provide a variety of other tree care services including:
Fertilization.
Cabling or bracing for added support to branches with weak attachment. Aeration to improve root growth.
Installation of lightning protection systems.
Spraying or injecting to control certain insect and disease problems.
How do I select the right arborist for the job?
There are a variety of things to consider when selecting an arborist which include:
Membership in professional organizations such as the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) the National Arborist Association (NAA) or the American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA) demonstrates a willingness on the part of the arborist to stay up to date on the latest techniques and information. You may search the ISA Certified Arborist Directory for your area or check the phone directory yellow pages for those arborists who advertise as ISA Certified Arborist. Certified arborists are experienced professionals who have passed an extensive examination covering all aspects of tree care. Make sure the arborist is Licensed, Insured and Bonded. Ask for their information, or you may contact your State Contractors Board to verify their status. A reputable arborist will have personal and property damage insurance as well as workers compensation insurance. Many homeowners have had to pay out large sums of money for damages caused by an uninsured individual claiming to be a tree expert. You could be held responsible for damages and inquires that occur as a result of the job.
Ask for references to find out where the company has done work similar to the work you are requesting. Don't hesitate to check references or visit other worksites where the company or individual had done tree work. Remember, tree care is a substantial, long-lasting investment; you would not buy a care without a test drive!
Unless you know and are comfortable with the arborist, get more than one estimate. You may have to pay for the estimates, and it will take more time, but it will be worth the investment.
Good arborists will only perform accepted practices. For example, practices such as topping a tree, removing an excessive amount of live wood, and removing or disfiguring living trees without just cause, are unnecessary.
Don't always accept the low bid. You should examine the credentials and the written specification of the firms who submitted bids and determine the best combination of price work to be done, skill and professionalism to protect your substantial investment.
After pruning, will the cuts be treated with anything?
Current research shows that it is not beneficial to treat pruning wounds with any materials. Proper pruning cuts made by our arborists will seal naturally and treatments on the wounds may actually slow this process. If certain species of oaks or elms are being pruned during the growing season, it may be necessary to treat the larger wounds to help minimize the risk of disease infection. How will you fertilize my trees and shrubs and what should I expect afterwards?
We use several methods to fertilize trees and shrubs:
# Injection of a liquid fertilizer solution into the soil and root zone of the trees.
# Spreading of a granular fertilizer over the top of the root systems.
# Drilling of holes into the soil that are then filled with fertilizer.
# Injecting fertilizers into the trunk of the tree.
Your arborist has prescribed the best means of fertilizing your trees and shrubs. If your trees are in a turf area, you may see dark green tufts of fast growing grass in the areas under and around the trees. This is caused when grass roots take in a bit of the fertilizer. The green "dots" usually disappear after a good rain and as the grass continues to grow.
What if it rains after an application to my trees?
Our materials need about 20-30 minutes to dry. Rain will not affect our sprays as a special material is included that "glues" the spray to the leaf surface once it dries. If it rains immediately after an application, please give our office a call to make arrangements for another application at no charge.
Can we go out right away after you spray?
Once the materials have dried, you may allow your pets and children to enter the area.
How safe are your materials?
Our materials are legally registered by the EPA for application to trees and shrubs in urban areas. The active ingredients in most of our materials are available to consumers at retail outlets. They are applied by highly trained technicians who are licensed by the state. Our technicians receive continuous training on safety and plant health care issues to provide you with professionally qualified arborists caring for your trees.
Why Do Leaves Change Color in the Fall?
Throughout spring and summer chlorophyll, which is green, is the dominant pigment in most leaves. As trees get ready to drop their leaves in the fall, they break down chlorophyll to recycle it. As the amount of green colored chlorophyll declines, the pigments left behind become dominant, giving leaves their autumn colors.
Year-to-year differences in color intensity are due to variations in the weather. How bright leaf colors are, when they appear and how long they last depend on the chemistry within the tree, which in turn results from a combination of temperature, humidity, sunlight, rainfall and other factor's that vary annually.
The change of leaf color in the autumn is the result of a natural annual process, of course. But when leaves change color too early--before nearby trees of a similar type, for example--it is often a sign that the tree needs help. Trees that turn color prematurely are generally under some type of stress--from insects, disease, lack of water, root damage or other adverse conditions. If this is happening to the shade trees on your property, you should call an arborist to determine the cause and recommend a course of treatment.
Topping & Pruning: What's the difference?
Topping is the excessive and arbitrary removal of all parts of the tree above and beyond a certain height with no regard for the structure or growth pattern of the tree. Pruning is the selective removal of certain limbs based on the structure and growth pattern of the tree.
When should we prune?
Heavy pruning just after the spring growth flush should be avoided. This is when trees have just expended a great deal of energy to produce foliage and early shoot growth. Removal of a large percentage of foliage at this time can stress the tree.
A few tree diseases, such as oak wilt, can be spread when pruning wounds allow spores access into the tree. Susceptible trees should not be pruned during active transmission periods.
How much should be pruned?
The amount of live tissue that should be removed depends on the tree size, species, and age, as well as the pruning objectives. Younger trees will tolerate the removal of a higher percentage of living tissue than mature trees. An important principle to remember is that a tree can recover from several small pruning wounds faster than from one large wound. A common mistake is to remove too much inner foliage and small branches. It is important to maintain an even distribution of foliage along large limbs and in the lower portion of the crown. Over-thinning reduces the tree's sugar production capacity and can create tip-heavy limbs that are prone to failure. Mature trees should require little routine pruning. A widely accepted rule of thumb is never to remove more than one fourth of a tree's leaf bearing crown. In a mature tree, pruning even that much could have negative effects. Removing even a single, large-diameter limb can create a wound that the tree may not be able to close. The older and larger a tree becomes, the less energy it has in reserve to close wounds and defend against decay or insect attack. The pruning of large, mature trees is usually limited to the removal of dead or potentially hazardous limbs.
What tree do you think I should plant?
Before this question can be answered, a number of factors need to be considered. Think about the following questions:
# Why is the tree being planted? Do you want the tree to provide shade, fruit, seasonal color or act as a windbreak or screen? Maybe more than one of the above?
# What is the size and location of the planting site? Does the space lend itself to a large, medium, or small tree? Are there overhead or below ground wires or utilities in the vicinity? Do you need to consider clearance for sidewalks, patios or driveways? Are there other trees in the area?
# What type of soil conditions exist? Is the soil deep, fertile and well drained or is it shallow, compacted and infertile?
# What type of maintenance are you willing to provide? Do you have time to water, fertilize and prune the newly planted tree until it is established or will you be relying on your garden or tree service for assistance?
An arborist by definition is an individual who is trained in the art and science of planting, caring for and maintaining individual trees. ISA Arborist Certification is a non-governmental, voluntary process by which individuals can document their base of knowledge. It operates without mandate of law and is an internal, self-regulating device administered by the International Society of Arboriculture. Certification provides a measurable assessment of an individual's knowledge and competence required to provide proper tree care.
Certification is not a measure of standards of practice. Certification can attest to the tree knowledge of an individual, but cannot guarantee or assure quality performance.
Certified arborists are individual's who have achieved a level of knowledge in the art and science of tree care through at least three years experience and have passed a comprehensive examination developed by some of the nation's leading experts on tree care.
Certified arborists must also continue their education to maintain their certification. Therefore, they should be up-to-date ion the latest techniques in arboriculture.
Why Hire an Arborist?
An arborist is a specialist in the care of individual trees. Arborists are knowledgeable and equipped to provide proper care. Hiring an arborist is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Proper tree care is an investment which 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 only be done by those trained and equipped to work safely in trees.
What kind of services can an arborist provide?
Arborists can provide a variety of services to help maintain your valuable investment.
Pruning - the arborist can determine what type of pruning in necessary to maintain or improve the health, appearance, and safety of your trees. These techniques include:
Eliminating branches that rub each other.
Removing limbs that interfere with wires, building facades, gutters, roofs, chimneys, windows or obstruct streets or sidewalks.
Removing dead or weak limbs that pose a hazard or may lead to decay.
Removing diseased or insect infested limbs.
Creating better structure to lessen wind resistance and reduce the potential fro storm damage.
Training young trees.
Removing limbs damages by adverse weather conditions.
Thinning or removal of unnecessary branches.
Improving the shape or silhouette of the tree.
Removal - Although tree removal is a last resort, there are circumstances when it is necessary. An arborist can help decide whether or not a tree should be removed. Arborists have the skills and equipment to safely and efficiently remove trees. Removal is recommended when:
The tree is dead or dying.
The tree is considered irreparably hazardous.
The tree is causing an obstruction that is impossible to correct through pruning.
The tree is crowding and causing harm to other trees.
The tree is to be replaced by a more suitable specimen.
The tree should be removed to allow for new construction.
Emergency Tree Care - Storms may cause limbs or entire trees to fail, often landing on homes, cars, other structures of other trees. The weight of storm damaged trees is great and they can be very dangerous to remove or trim. An arborist can assist in performing the job in a safe manner, while reducing further risk of damage to your property.
Planting - Some arborist plant trees and most can recommend what types of trees are appropriate for a specific location. The wrong tree in the wrong location could lead to future problems due to limited growing space, insects, diseases, or poor growth.
Other Services - Many arborists also provide a variety of other tree care services including:
Fertilization.
Cabling or bracing for added support to branches with weak attachment. Aeration to improve root growth.
Installation of lightning protection systems.
Spraying or injecting to control certain insect and disease problems.
How do I select the right arborist for the job?
There are a variety of things to consider when selecting an arborist which include:
Membership in professional organizations such as the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) the National Arborist Association (NAA) or the American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA) demonstrates a willingness on the part of the arborist to stay up to date on the latest techniques and information. You may search the ISA Certified Arborist Directory for your area or check the phone directory yellow pages for those arborists who advertise as ISA Certified Arborist. Certified arborists are experienced professionals who have passed an extensive examination covering all aspects of tree care. Make sure the arborist is Licensed, Insured and Bonded. Ask for their information, or you may contact your State Contractors Board to verify their status. A reputable arborist will have personal and property damage insurance as well as workers compensation insurance. Many homeowners have had to pay out large sums of money for damages caused by an uninsured individual claiming to be a tree expert. You could be held responsible for damages and inquires that occur as a result of the job.
Ask for references to find out where the company has done work similar to the work you are requesting. Don't hesitate to check references or visit other worksites where the company or individual had done tree work. Remember, tree care is a substantial, long-lasting investment; you would not buy a care without a test drive!
Unless you know and are comfortable with the arborist, get more than one estimate. You may have to pay for the estimates, and it will take more time, but it will be worth the investment.
Good arborists will only perform accepted practices. For example, practices such as topping a tree, removing an excessive amount of live wood, and removing or disfiguring living trees without just cause, are unnecessary.
Don't always accept the low bid. You should examine the credentials and the written specification of the firms who submitted bids and determine the best combination of price work to be done, skill and professionalism to protect your substantial investment.
After pruning, will the cuts be treated with anything?
Current research shows that it is not beneficial to treat pruning wounds with any materials. Proper pruning cuts made by our arborists will seal naturally and treatments on the wounds may actually slow this process. If certain species of oaks or elms are being pruned during the growing season, it may be necessary to treat the larger wounds to help minimize the risk of disease infection. How will you fertilize my trees and shrubs and what should I expect afterwards?
We use several methods to fertilize trees and shrubs:
# Injection of a liquid fertilizer solution into the soil and root zone of the trees.
# Spreading of a granular fertilizer over the top of the root systems.
# Drilling of holes into the soil that are then filled with fertilizer.
# Injecting fertilizers into the trunk of the tree.
Your arborist has prescribed the best means of fertilizing your trees and shrubs. If your trees are in a turf area, you may see dark green tufts of fast growing grass in the areas under and around the trees. This is caused when grass roots take in a bit of the fertilizer. The green "dots" usually disappear after a good rain and as the grass continues to grow.
What if it rains after an application to my trees?
Our materials need about 20-30 minutes to dry. Rain will not affect our sprays as a special material is included that "glues" the spray to the leaf surface once it dries. If it rains immediately after an application, please give our office a call to make arrangements for another application at no charge.
Can we go out right away after you spray?
Once the materials have dried, you may allow your pets and children to enter the area.
How safe are your materials?
Our materials are legally registered by the EPA for application to trees and shrubs in urban areas. The active ingredients in most of our materials are available to consumers at retail outlets. They are applied by highly trained technicians who are licensed by the state. Our technicians receive continuous training on safety and plant health care issues to provide you with professionally qualified arborists caring for your trees.
Why Do Leaves Change Color in the Fall?
Throughout spring and summer chlorophyll, which is green, is the dominant pigment in most leaves. As trees get ready to drop their leaves in the fall, they break down chlorophyll to recycle it. As the amount of green colored chlorophyll declines, the pigments left behind become dominant, giving leaves their autumn colors.
Year-to-year differences in color intensity are due to variations in the weather. How bright leaf colors are, when they appear and how long they last depend on the chemistry within the tree, which in turn results from a combination of temperature, humidity, sunlight, rainfall and other factor's that vary annually.
The change of leaf color in the autumn is the result of a natural annual process, of course. But when leaves change color too early--before nearby trees of a similar type, for example--it is often a sign that the tree needs help. Trees that turn color prematurely are generally under some type of stress--from insects, disease, lack of water, root damage or other adverse conditions. If this is happening to the shade trees on your property, you should call an arborist to determine the cause and recommend a course of treatment.
Topping & Pruning: What's the difference?
Topping is the excessive and arbitrary removal of all parts of the tree above and beyond a certain height with no regard for the structure or growth pattern of the tree. Pruning is the selective removal of certain limbs based on the structure and growth pattern of the tree.
When should we prune?
Heavy pruning just after the spring growth flush should be avoided. This is when trees have just expended a great deal of energy to produce foliage and early shoot growth. Removal of a large percentage of foliage at this time can stress the tree.
A few tree diseases, such as oak wilt, can be spread when pruning wounds allow spores access into the tree. Susceptible trees should not be pruned during active transmission periods.
How much should be pruned?
The amount of live tissue that should be removed depends on the tree size, species, and age, as well as the pruning objectives. Younger trees will tolerate the removal of a higher percentage of living tissue than mature trees. An important principle to remember is that a tree can recover from several small pruning wounds faster than from one large wound. A common mistake is to remove too much inner foliage and small branches. It is important to maintain an even distribution of foliage along large limbs and in the lower portion of the crown. Over-thinning reduces the tree's sugar production capacity and can create tip-heavy limbs that are prone to failure. Mature trees should require little routine pruning. A widely accepted rule of thumb is never to remove more than one fourth of a tree's leaf bearing crown. In a mature tree, pruning even that much could have negative effects. Removing even a single, large-diameter limb can create a wound that the tree may not be able to close. The older and larger a tree becomes, the less energy it has in reserve to close wounds and defend against decay or insect attack. The pruning of large, mature trees is usually limited to the removal of dead or potentially hazardous limbs.
What tree do you think I should plant?
Before this question can be answered, a number of factors need to be considered. Think about the following questions:
# Why is the tree being planted? Do you want the tree to provide shade, fruit, seasonal color or act as a windbreak or screen? Maybe more than one of the above?
# What is the size and location of the planting site? Does the space lend itself to a large, medium, or small tree? Are there overhead or below ground wires or utilities in the vicinity? Do you need to consider clearance for sidewalks, patios or driveways? Are there other trees in the area?
# What type of soil conditions exist? Is the soil deep, fertile and well drained or is it shallow, compacted and infertile?
# What type of maintenance are you willing to provide? Do you have time to water, fertilize and prune the newly planted tree until it is established or will you be relying on your garden or tree service for assistance?
