Arborists are commonly thought of those crazy tree guys (or girls) who climb trees and cut them down with chainsaws. Whilst tree removal is absolutely part of what they do, it’s only a small portion of what a qualified Arborist actually does.

Whether you’re a homeowner, property manager or business owner, understanding what an Arborist can do may help you make informed choices about the care and maintenance of the trees on your property.

What Is An Arborist?

Arborists are highly skilled, knowledgeable tree care professionals who aim to keep trees healthy, safe, structurally sound and thriving using proper care, maintenance and management techniques, often learned through years of study and on the ground experience.  Arborists differ from gardeners and landscapers in that in that they often hold formal, Arboricultural qualifications and certifications and they specialise specifically in the practice of tree care whereas gardeners offer a more generic, broad range of services for the maintenance and cultivation of plants, flowers and garden landscapes such as mowing or hedging.

Arborists use highly specialised pieces of equipment such as chainsaws, pole saws, stump grinders, cherry pickers, cranes and climbing gear to achieve highly precise, technical manoeuvres for tree removals and pruning.

What Services Can Arborists Provide?

1. Tree Pruning

Professional tree pruning is one of the most valuable, expert services an Arborist provides. Proper tree pruning, done using knowledge, skill and technique improves a tree’s health, structure and shape, increases airflow, encourages healthy growth, removes dead, damaged or diseased branches, prevents branches interfering with powerlines, buildings and neighbouring properties and reduces potential risk. Unlike tree lopping which does not use proper technique – professional pruning follows strict Australian standards and is designed to promote the long-term health and longevity of the tree.

2. Tree Removal

If a tree has become a dangerous hazard, it is diseased or structurally compromised and unable to be saved it may need to be removed. In these cases, an Arborist will need to safely remove the tree using specialised equipment and technique to ensure the safety of people and property. Qualified Arborists carefully dismantle the tree by cutting it into sections and lowering to the ground with rigging systems when in confined, backyard spaces, minimising the risk of damage to surrounding homes, structures and gardens.  Tree removal is highly dangerous and should only be carried out by suitably qualified and experienced professionals.

3. Tree Health Assessments

One of the primary responsibilities of an Arborist is to provide a tree health assessment, which, just as it sounds, provides an overall picture of a tree’s health. Just like us, trees can suffer from sickness and disease, as well as nutrient deficiencies, environmental stresses, pests and structural issues. The Arborist examines the tree in its entirety – checking the trunk, branches, leaves, bark, root system and surrounding soil to identify signs of sickness, infestation or structural issues. They can quickly see issues that may not be obvious to the untrained eye and recommend the best treatment or management plan before the problem gets more severe or dangerous. Early intervention by an Arborist is often the difference between a tree surviving and having to be removed.

4. Stump Grinding

When you have a tree removed, you are left with the remaining stump in the ground which can be an unsightly hazard that can attract unwanted pests. Arborists can remove stumps by using a piece of equipment called a stump grinder that does just that – grinds the stump into a fine wood chip down to below the ground surface, leaving the land clear for landscaping and planting.

5. Tree Risk Assessments

Trees can become hazardous due to a number of reasons. Severe storm damage, root failure, disease and decay and poor structural integrity are all common causes. Arborists can carry out a tree risk assessment to determine whether a tree poses an imminent or future risk to people and property by conducting a thorough inspection of the tree and its surroundings. They look for specific warning signs that others may miss that indicate the tree may be prone to failure. Following the inspection, they provide a report and recommendations on how to best move forward.

6. Expert Advice

Arborists can provide expert opinions and advice on all things trees. It’s a great idea to ask your trusted Arborist for their advice on choosing the right species of tree for your space. An Arborist will consider the size of the space available, the soil, the drainage, proximity to structures, maintenance requirements and lots of other things you wouldn’t even think about before recommending a tree that’s right for you. Invaluable information which could save you thousands of dollars in the long term!

7. Emergency Storm Damage Clean-Up

Arborists are called to deal with the aftermath of storm damage where there could be fallen trees, dangerous, hanging branches and broken limbs. Emergency tree work is highly dangerous and often requires specialised equipment and experience to be done safely.

8. Tree Reports

Many property developers, councils, insurance companies and other businesses require professional tree reports. These reports may be needed for construction projects, development applications, neighbour disputes, tree preservation orders or insurance claims. Tree reports can only be done by a qualified, Level 5 Arborist who provides an independent assessment, supported by considerable industry knowledge and professional recommendations.

When Should You Call An Arborist?

If you’re unsure or concerned about the condition of a tree on your property, arranging an inspection by a qualified arborist can provide peace of mind and help ensure your trees remain healthy, beautiful and safe for many years to come. Your Arborist will have all of the necessary tools and equipment, they will be fully insured, they can take care of the entire process end to end and it will save you money in the long run. Too easy!

Aussie Tree Solutions have been taking care of trees for over forty years. Let us take the hassle out of your tree care and maintenance. We provide a comprehensive range of services from tree pruning and tree removals to stump grinding and consulting Arborist services. Whatever your tree issue is, we’ll get to the root of it!