What does an arborist do?

Enter the arborist — a skilled professional trained in the art and science of tree care. 

Below, we’ll explore their job responsibilities, the path to becoming an arborist, and the cost associated with their expertise.

Overview

• What is an arborist?
• How to become an arborist
• Arborist services
• How much does an arborist cost?
• Arborist tools

What is an Arborist?

Arborist jobs are diverse and can range from working in public parks to serving private homeowners. These professionals have the responsibility of maintaining the health and aesthetics of trees, as well as ensuring the safety of surrounding areas. Arborists may be involved in planting, pruning, trimming, and removing trees. They also assess tree health, diagnose diseases or pest infestations, and provide appropriate treatments.

How to Become an Arborist

To become an arborist, you must acquire a specific set of skills and knowledge. While there are no strict educational requirements, most employers prefer candidates with a degree in arboriculture, forestry, or a related field. 

Additionally, hands-on experience and certifications play a vital role in establishing your credibility in the field. Arborist training programs are available through various educational institutions and industry organisations. These programs cover a wide range of topics, including tree biology, tree risk assessment, tree maintenance techniques, and safety procedures.

Arborist Services

Arborist tree service companies provide a wide array of services to meet the needs of residential and commercial clients. These can include:

• Tree removal: Involves the safe and efficient removal of trees that are diseased, dead, structurally compromised, or causing obstruction. Arborists use specialised equipment and techniques to carefully dismantle and remove trees, ensuring the safety of surrounding structures and minimising damage to the landscape.
• Tree pruning: A meticulous process that involves selectively removing specific branches to enhance the tree's health, appearance, and safety. Arborists employ their expertise to identify and remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches, as well as those that may pose a risk to nearby structures or interfere with power lines. Pruning also promotes proper growth, improves airflow, and enhances the tree's overall shape.
• Stump grinding: Removing the remnants of a tree stump from the ground after a tree has been felled. Arborists use specialised grinding machines to chip away the stump, grinding it down to below ground level. This process eliminates tripping hazards, allows for the planting of new trees or landscaping, and helps prevent the growth of new shoots from the stump.
• Tree planting: An essential service offered by arborists to promote the growth and sustainability of urban and natural landscapes. They will assess the site conditions, select appropriate tree species, and ensure proper planting techniques are followed. They’ll also consider factors such as soil composition, sunlight exposure, and space availability to maximise the tree's chances of healthy growth and long-term vitality.
• Emergency tree care: Addressing urgent situations where trees pose immediate risks to people or property. This can include trees that have been damaged during storms, are at risk of falling, or have already fallen and are obstructing roadways or structures. Arborists respond quickly to assess the situation, implement necessary measures for public safety, and perform emergency tree removal or necessary tree support systems to mitigate further damage.

Arborists can also provide consultations and expert advice on tree selection, placement, and overall landscape management. By hiring a professional arborist, property owners can ensure that their trees receive proper care and attention, leading to healthier and more attractive landscapes.

How much does an arborist cost?

When it comes to the cost of arborist services, several factors come into play. The size and condition of the trees, the complexity of the job, and the geographic location can all influence the overall cost. 

For routine tree maintenance tasks such as pruning or trimming, the cost can range from $150 to $1,000 per tree. Tree removal, on the other hand, can be more expensive, with costs varying from $500 to several thousand dollars depending on the size and location of the tree. It is important to obtain multiple quotes and compare the services offered by different arborists to ensure a fair price.

Arborist Tools

Arborists rely on a variety of tools and equipment to carry out their work effectively and safely. These tools include pruning shears, hand saws, chainsaws, pole pruners, climbing gear, wood chippers, and stump grinders. Each tool serves a specific purpose in the arborist's toolkit, allowing them to navigate tree canopies, remove unwanted branches, and process tree debris. Safety equipment such as helmets, gloves, and harnesses are also crucial to protect arborists from potential hazards.

Arborists play a vital role in maintaining the health and beauty of our urban and natural landscapes. Their expertise and training enable them to care for trees, diagnose diseases, and provide essential services to property owners. Whether it's pruning a backyard tree or managing a large-scale tree removal project, arborists bring their knowledge and specialised tools to ensure the job is done safely and effectively. 

If you need help with your tree removal, planting, or maintenance, get in touch with local arborists today.

Arborist Near Me

Further Reading

• How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Gardener? | Cost Guide
• Facts about Tree Trimming
• How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Landscaper? | Cost Guide