Choosing an Arborist for Tree Care: Beyond Credentials and Trust

When considering the professional help of an arborist for your trees, it's essential to look beyond simply having the right credentials. Trust and strong credentials are indeed important, but so is understanding the quality of work and the experience behind those credentials. This article explores why merely relying on trust or credentials may not be the best approach when choosing an arborist for your tree care needs.

The Role of an Arborist

An arborist is a professional dedicated to the health and well-being of trees. Their primary goal is to manage green assets efficiently and safely, providing innovative solutions to tree care issues. Certified arborists possess extensive knowledge and experience in various tree care activities including cutting, trimming, stump removal, and the use of high-quality equipment. They play a pivotal role in ensuring the longevity and health of your trees.

Trust vs. Expectations in Tree Care

While trust is a crucial factor, it may not be the primary determining factor in whether an arborist is suitable for your needs. Expectations should guide your decision-making process. Trust can often be earned, but it shouldn’t be the only basis for selecting a professional. Here’s why:

A significant part of the journey to professionalism in tree care took place in Australia, where tree lopping and tree surgery evolved over the years. Initially, horticulturists and local colleges had little to no experience with tree surgeons or workers. The concept of proper tree pruning, where the majority of cuts were unobtrusive, didn't exist until the early 1960s. Tree care evolved from tree lopping (hacking) to what became known as tree surgery. This change was both a boon and a challenge.

The Evolution of Tree Care Practices

Changes in how trees were cared for began slowly and gained momentum over several decades. In 1968, tree care education started, leading to a handful of skilled professionals entering the field. This evolution was marked by improvements in techniques and a better understanding of tree health. However, classroom training alone is not enough. Practical experience plays a vital role.

One of the most critical insights that emerged was the concept of "No Harm Pruning," inspired by the Hippocratic principle of "Do No Harm." This philosophy underscores that tree care practices ought to focus on minimizing damage and promoting natural tree health effectively. It's not just about qualifications but also about the practical application of those qualifications.

The Role of Standards in Tree Care

While standards like those from the International Standards Organization (ISO) have promoted knowledge and the discipline of tree care, they can sometimes lead to harmful practices. Standardized methods can sometimes prioritize uniformity over the unique needs of individual trees. This often results in large wounds that can lead to significant wood decay, making trees hazardous over time.

Pruning involves wounding a tree, and the rate of wound closure can vary widely. Factors such as the size of the wound and the growth rate of the tree play a critical role. For example, a wound measuring 60 inches in diameter on an English oak will take approximately 150 years to close, assuming ideal conditions. In many cases, wounds may never fully close, leaving the tree vulnerable to decay and potential hazards.

Best Practices in Tree Care

The best outcomes for a tree occur when care is consistently applied from the time the tree is young. Over time, the cumulative damage from poor pruning can result in large diameter wood decay, which is often irreversible. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose an arborist who adheres to best practices, even if they might be more expensive or less convenient.

Tree care in Australia and other countries like the USA and the UK often mirrors harmful standards, leading to a spike in hazardous trees. Culturally, the industry has moved away from promoting "No Harm Pruning," which suggests a reluctance to adopt ethical practices. Instead, some practices like pollarding or topping have re-emerged, despite their potential risks.

Skilled arborists are ethically aware of the impact their pruning has on tree health and longevity. They focus on minimizing harm and promoting natural wound healing. This approach is essential for extending the safe and useful lifespan of trees and reducing the risk of hazards.

For tree care, trust and credentials are important, but it’s equally crucial to assess the quality of work and the ethical standards they uphold. An arborist who takes the time to explain their methods, shows examples of their work, and demonstrates a commitment to best practices is likely to provide superior care for your trees.

Conclusion

While trust and credentials are vital in choosing an arborist, they should not be the only factors. Understanding the quality of work and adherence to ethical best practices is equally important. By taking the time to research and carefully consider your options, you can ensure that your trees receive the care they need to thrive for years to come.