What does an arborist do?

What is an Arborist?

An arborist specializes in the care and maintenance of trees. Arborists are knowledgeable in tree biology and are trained in the proper techniques for planting, pruning, and removing trees. They also have expertise in diagnosing and treating tree diseases and pests. Arborists work in a variety of settings, including residential, commercial, and public spaces, such as parks and urban forests.

Arborists also play an important role in the protection of the environment, as trees are a critical component of ecosystems and help to mitigate the impacts of climate change. They may work with government agencies and conservation organizations to promote the preservation and restoration of natural forests and other ecosystems.

What does an Arborist do?

Duties and Responsibilities
Trees are everywhere and provide people with many benefits. They offer shade, produce oxygen, and provide food. They keep streets and cities cool and prevent soil erosion. And just like a person, trees need proper care and nutrients to stay healthy. An arborist provides this kind of care. Their duties and responsibilities typically include:

• Tree Care and Maintenance: Arborists assess the health, structure, and condition of trees to identify any issues or potential hazards. They perform various tree care tasks such as pruning, trimming, and shaping to promote healthy growth, improve aesthetics, and enhance safety. Arborists also provide recommendations for fertilization, watering, and pest management to maintain the vitality of trees.
• Tree Planting and Transplanting: Arborists select appropriate tree species for specific sites based on factors such as soil conditions, climate, and space availability. They oversee tree planting projects, ensuring proper techniques are used to promote successful establishment and growth. Arborists may also transplant trees from one location to another, taking care to minimize stress and damage to the tree's root system.
• Diagnosis and Treatment of Tree Diseases and Pests: Arborists diagnose and treat tree diseases, insect infestations, and other health issues that may affect tree health and vitality. They identify symptoms of common tree ailments, such as fungal infections, insect damage, or nutrient deficiencies, and recommend appropriate treatment options, such as pruning, spraying, or soil amendments, to mitigate the problem.
• Tree Removal and Hazard Assessment: Arborists assess the structural integrity and stability of trees to determine if they pose a safety risk to people or property. They may recommend tree removal in cases where trees are dead, diseased, or structurally unsound and cannot be safely preserved. Arborists use specialized equipment and techniques to safely fell and remove trees, minimizing damage to surrounding vegetation and structures.
• Consultation and Risk Assessment: Arborists provide expert advice and consultation to property owners, developers, municipalities, and other stakeholders regarding tree management, preservation, and risk mitigation strategies. They conduct tree risk assessments to evaluate the likelihood of tree failure or property damage and recommend measures to reduce risks and liabilities associated with trees.
• Tree Preservation and Conservation: Arborists advocate for the preservation and conservation of trees and natural landscapes by promoting sustainable tree care practices, advocating for tree protection ordinances, and participating in community tree planting and conservation initiatives. They may also collaborate with environmental organizations, government agencies, and community groups to promote tree stewardship and urban forestry efforts.

Types of Arborists
There are various types of arborists, including:

• Certified Arborist: Certified arborists are professionals certified by organizations such as the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) or the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA). They have demonstrated their knowledge and expertise in tree care through education, training, and examination. Certified arborists are skilled in all aspects of tree care, including pruning, tree risk assessment, tree planting, and tree health diagnosis and treatment.
• Commercial Arborist: Commercial arborists work for tree care companies, landscaping firms, or tree service providers and provide tree care services to residential, commercial, and institutional clients. They perform a wide range of tree care tasks, including pruning, tree removal, stump grinding, and tree health assessments. Commercial arborists may specialize in specific areas such as tree preservation, tree risk assessment, or tree inventory and management.
• Consulting Arborist: Consulting arborists are independent professionals or firms that provide expert advice and consultation on tree-related matters to property owners, developers, municipalities, and other stakeholders. They conduct tree inventories, tree risk assessments, and tree health evaluations, and provide recommendations for tree management, preservation, and risk mitigation strategies. Consulting arborists may also serve as expert witnesses in legal proceedings related to tree disputes, property damage, or tree-related injuries.
• Municipal Arborist: Municipal arborists work for local government agencies or municipalities and are responsible for managing trees on public property, parks, and rights-of-way. They develop and implement urban forestry programs, tree planting initiatives, and tree maintenance plans to enhance the beauty, health, and sustainability of urban forests. Municipal arborists may also address citizen concerns related to trees, enforce tree ordinances, and provide expert advice on tree-related matters.
• Tree Service Technicians: Tree service technicians perform hands-on tree care tasks such as pruning, trimming, tree removal, and stump grinding under the supervision of certified arborists or tree care professionals. They operate specialized equipment and tools to safely and efficiently perform tree care operations, ensuring the health, safety, and aesthetics of trees and landscapes. Tree service technicians may work for tree care companies, landscaping firms, or municipal parks departments, providing essential support in tree maintenance and preservation efforts.
• Utility Arborist: Utility arborists specialize in managing trees near power lines and utility infrastructure. They are trained to identify and address potential hazards posed by trees to utility lines, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and standards set by utility companies and regulatory agencies. Utility arborists perform pruning, trimming, and vegetation management activities to maintain safe distances between trees and power lines while preserving tree health.

What is the workplace of an Arborist like?

The workplace of an arborist is predominantly outdoors, where they spend the majority of their time working among trees and natural landscapes. Arborists may work in a variety of settings, including urban areas, suburban neighborhoods, parks, forests, and commercial properties. Depending on their specific role and responsibilities, arborists may also work in remote or rural areas with expansive forests or natural habitats.

Arborists often work in diverse weather conditions, ranging from hot and sunny days to cold and rainy weather. They must be prepared to work outdoors year-round, adapting to seasonal changes and weather fluctuations. The nature of their work requires physical stamina and endurance, as they may need to climb trees, operate heavy machinery, or perform manual labor for extended periods.

In addition to outdoor work, arborists may also spend time indoors conducting administrative tasks such as planning and scheduling work orders, preparing reports, and communicating with clients or colleagues. They may also attend meetings, training sessions, or safety seminars to stay updated on industry trends, best practices, and safety protocols.