Do I Need to Hire an Arborist?

Much of the time, the trees that adorn the properties of our homes and businesses do not need our attention to thrive. Sometimes, however, a tree needs specialized care in order to coexist safely in an environment surrounded by people and animals as well as buildings, automobiles, roads and power lines. Neglect of a tree in need of treatment or repair can quickly turn a beloved shade tree into an eyesore and an imminent hazard.

If a tree is damaged, diseased, or dead, it represents a real threat to people, animals, other trees and structures in its vicinity. Bearing in mind the unforeseeable extent of harm that may ensue if a tree fails, the need for proper tree care becomes blatantly obvious. But how can you tell whether the situation warrants the advice and service of a certified arborist?

Many property owners attempt to manage tree problems on their own in effort to save a few bucks. While DIY tree care may seemingly save money up front, long term tree damage and bodily injury can result from a lack of knowledge of proper tree maintenance and treatment. Even attempting a job that appears simple on the surface, such as pruning branches that have grown too close to your home, can quickly go awry if handled by a non-professional. Aside from damage to a tree that can result from pruning its branches incorrectly, damage to the home caused by your negligence is likely not going to be covered by your homeowners insurance. Tree service professionals have the experience to get the job done without damaging the tree or your home, and are covered by insurance to protect your valuable assets in the event that an accident does occur (ensure that an arborist carries insurance against personal and property damage prior to hiring).

A major problem with DIY tree care is that the average person does not have the background knowledge to identify potential hazards. While to the average person a tree may appear normal and healthy, a certified arborist can identify obscure symptoms of structural weakness, insect infestations, disease or death that may call for an alternative means of treatment or constitute tree removal altogether.

A certified arborist can correct tree issues that have already developed, but can also prevent future problems by identifying and correcting potential hazards. For instance, some trees grow in a pattern that eventually leads them to become too unstable to support their own weight. Left untreated, an unbalanced tree can fail unexpectedly, endangering everyone and everything in its path at that unfortunate moment. However, the same tree can be saved if its condition is identified in advance. An experienced arborist can identify the potential for structural weakness and employ techniques such as cabling and bracing to help support the tree and encourage a healthier growth pattern. Hiring an arborist is advised if your trees have never been professionally inspected, even if they show no obvious signs of problems.

If you own any trees that are in questionable health, have incurred damage or have never been inspected for problems, it is advised that you enlist the services of a certified arborist in your local area. The International Society of Arboriculture website is a valuable resource for locating a certified arborist in your area or verifying ISA certification of an arborist you are considering.

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