Know your arborist

by William Scott, City Forester
Tuesday, April 1, 2008 2:22 PM MDT

Tree owners are the most important component in a healthy urban and community forest.

Sound stewardship of community forests includes employing the services of tree care professionals to help maintain the health and vitality of your trees.

What is an arborist?

In the world of landscape and community trees, arborists are the specialists who can help you safeguard your trees. They are men and women who make a career of caring for trees.

Some are self-employed, and others may work or consult for tree care companies, municipalities, insurance companies, utility companies or attorneys. Regardless of where they work, arborists are professionals concerned with the planting and the care of trees.

An arborist can help you with an array of other tree care issues, including selecting, planting, pruning, transplanting, pruning, fertilizing and managing pests and disease. Most arborists are also skilled in tree removal and value appraisals.

When do I need the help of an arborist?

The best way to determine when you need the services of an arborist is to answer the questions on the checklist below:

Do you own trees and care about their place in the future?

Your trees are healthy and vigorous, but are you the kind of person who believes in preventing problems through planning?

Do any of your trees have limbs that are dying?

Is the soil around your trees compacted?

Have any of your trees been damaged by a storm?

Do any of your trees have cracks in the trunk or cankers growing from the bark?

Are any of your trees’ branches close to or touching wires or a structure?

Do any of your trees’ branches interfere with road or sidewalk passage?

Do any of your trees’ branches rub against one another?

Do any of your trees’ roots need to be cut to accommodate construction, plumbing, cable installation, etc?

Are you building a home on a lot with trees?

Do your trees need to be pruned, fertilized, braced, etc.?

Do you want to install lighting in any of your trees?

Do you want to install lightning protection in any of your trees?

If the answer to any question is yes, the service of an arborist can help you keep your trees healthy and give you peace of mind.

Tips for hiring an arborist

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. The following tips can help in the hiring process:

Beware of door-knockers who may show up just after storms when they see a chance to earn quick money. Many of these folks are not professionals and may not have the skills or equipment to do the work safely or properly.

Ask to see the arborist’s license or certification. Tree service companies are required by ordinance to be licensed for work within the City of Casper. Never let anyone without a license work on your trees. It could be very dangerous and costly.

Don’t let anyone rush you with a bargain, such as, “If you sign an agreement today, you can save 15 percent on the price.”

Check the telephone directory for listings of tree care providers (under “tree care”). Look for logos that indicate membership in professional organizations, such as the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). It’s easy to contact these organizations to confirm membership.

Ask the arborist for a client or reference list so that you can assess his or her workmanship.

Get copies of proof of liability, personal insurance, property damage insurance and worker’s compensation. Don’t stop there n- call the insurance company to verify that the policy is current.

Obtain more than one written estimate, but don’t expect an arborist to lower a bid to match another’s. Be willing to pay for the estimate.

A good arborist will not use climbing spikes unless the tree is going to be removed.

Beware of an arborist who is too eager to remove a living tree, but keep in mind that living is not always equal to healthy or structurally sound.

Get a contract.

For a list of licensed arborists in Casper or for other questions regarding Casper’s trees, please contact your city forester at 235-8309, or by e-mail at wscott@cityofcasperwy.com.

Arborist certification information also can be found at www.isa-arbor.com.

Print this story   |   Email this story