When to Call an Arborist: A Comprehensive Guide

What Does an Arborist Do?

The Role of an Arborist

Let’s talk arborists. What exactly do we do? You can think of an arborist like a doctor or even a natural health practioner, but for trees - we diagnose, treat, maintain, and handle the tough decision of tree removal. We also work to prevent issues before they become major problems, ensuring your trees stay healthy and safe. Arborists are trained to deeply understand tree biology, care, and safety, and most of the time, keeping trees alive is our passion. We’re not just out here chopping wood, we’re analyzing the health of your trees, figuring out the best ways to keep them thriving, all the while keeping your house and roof protected during the next big storm.

Arborists are the people you call when your tree’s not quite looking right, or when you’re not sure if that leaning branch is something to worry about. We assess what’s going on, whether it’s a pest problem, disease, or just the need for a good ol’ trim.

Why Hire a Certified Arborist?

Hiring an arborist can be similar to going to a trained mechanic versus your friend who watches a lot of car repair videos on YouTube. Certified arborists have put in hundreds of hours towards education and practice through schooling, exams, certification, and apprenticeship, all to know the right decisions for the right scenarios. We’re not just winging it.

When you hire a certified arborist, you’re getting someone who’s trained to understand what’s happening below the surface…literally. We know how roots work, what kind of soil your trees need, how trees grow and die, and how to spot trouble before it gets out of hand. Plus, professional arborists are insured, which is a big deal when it comes to liability. If something goes wrong (not that it usually does), you’re covered. We also follow industry standards for safety and tree care, so you’re not left with a lopsided tree or worse, a tree that’s been hacked apart and left vulnerable to disease. In the long run, working with an arborist could save you a lot of headaches, and potentially a lot of money.

Key Situations When You Should Call an Arborist

So, when should you actually pick up the phone and call an arborist? There are a few key situations where having a professional on-site is essential.

Visible Signs of Tree Damage

If your tree looks like it’s seen better days, it’s time to get an arborist involved. We’re talking about big cracks in the trunk, branches that are splitting, any fungus or unknown growth, or even a tree that’s suddenly leaning to one side. These are all signs that something has changed beneath the surface. A damaged tree can be dangerous, especially if it’s close to your house, a sidewalk, or anywhere people tend to walk. An arborist can assess the situation and figure out if the tree can be saved or if it’s time to consider removal.

Tree Health Concerns

Beyond physical damage, you should also be on the lookout for signs that your tree’s health is declining. Things like yellow or red leaves, bare branches when it’s not winter, or odd growths on the bark can all indicate a problem. Maybe it’s pests, maybe it’s a disease, or maybe the tree is just struggling with the environment it’s in. Either way, an arborist can diagnose the issue and recommend a treatment plan to get your tree gets back on track. The sooner you can catch these problems the better chance your tree has of recovering.

Post-Storm Assessment

After a big storm, it can be a good idea to have an arborist check out your trees. Even if they look fine to you, storms can cause hidden damage that might not show up until later—like weakened branches or roots that have been compromised. An arborist knows what to look for and can spot potential hazards before they become a problem. If a tree has been severely damaged, it can help you decide whether it’s salvageable or if it needs to come down.

Routine Tree Maintenance

Sometimes the best reason to call an arborist is simply for routine maintenance. Trees are living beings, and like anything alive, they need regular care to stay healthy. Whether it’s pruning to remove deadwood or overcrowded branches, or just a general health check, routine maintenance can prevent a lot of the issues that lead to bigger and more expensive problems later down the road. Well-maintained trees can also look beautiful and can add significant value to your property.

Understanding Tree Risk Assessment

What is a Tree Risk Assessment?

A Tree Risk Assessment is an arborist’s way of figuring out how likely it is that a tree could cause harm—whether that’s by falling over, dropping branches, or otherwise posing a risk to people or property. It’s not just about looking for visible damage but understanding the tree’s overall condition, its environment, and any factors that might increase its risk.

How We Conduct Risk Assessments

When an arborist conducts a risk assessment, they’re not just giving the tree a once-over. They’re checking everything from the roots to the crown, looking for signs of decay, structural weakness, and other issues that might possibly cause issues. We’ll also take into account factors such as the tree’s age, species, and how it’s positioned relative to buildings, power lines, and other structures. It’s a thorough process that gives you a clear picture of any risks your trees might pose.

The Benefits of Regular Tree Inspections

Preventing Major Issues Early

Regular tree inspections are one of the best ways to catch problems before they get out of hand or cause real damage. By identifying issues early—whether it’s disease, pests, or structural weaknesses—you can address them before they become serious…and expensive…problems. This proactive approach not only keeps your trees healthier but also saves you from the stress and cost of dealing with emergency tree removals or repairs.

Enhancing Property Value and Safety

Tree inspections can do a great deal of benefit for boosting your property’s value and safety. Healthy, well-maintained trees are a huge asset to any property, adding curb appeal and even increasing the market value. For example, a well-maintained hedge can do a lot for a site - they add privacy, help define property lines, and provide for certain ecological needs such as habitat and food productions, really pulling the whole landscape together. On the flip side, trees that are neglected can turn a site ugly and can also lead to costly damages if something goes wrong. Regular inspections and maintenance ensure your trees remain a positive element, not a liability.

How to Choose the Right Arborist

Check Credentials and Experience

Choosing the right arborist is important for ensuring the job is done right. If looking for an arborist, you can start by checking their credentials and experience to confirm that they are indeed certified and also the number of years they have been in business. Look for certifications from reputable organizations like the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), and ask to see if they have a history of working with trees similar to the trees on your site. It’s also important to verify their insurance coverage and whether their business is licensed.

Check Reviews

It never hurts to look up reviews and testimonials from previous clients to gauge the arborist’s reputation. Positive feedback and good ratings often reflect reliable service and can also shine a light on the arborist's time management and customer service skills.

Final Thoughts

If you’re unsure about hiring an arborist, you should just give us a call. We're here to help and answer questions, whether it's tree risk assessments, managing tree health, or performing needed maintenance to keep your trees healthy and happy!