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Learn about what is an arborist in this month’s Blog post. I have been called many things throughout my working life. Some of which I will not repeat. Amongst the list of names used to describe me, are Arborist and tree lopper. I am much more comfortable being called one of those names than the latter. This Blog post will hopefully explain why.
Arboriculture (or tree work), has not always been considered a profession.
Arboriculture has grown and developed as the science and knowledge surrounding it has increased. What was once based on intuition and guess work has been studied and refined into accepted industry best practices.
Many of these developments have been in the arena of understanding what happens to trees when we prune them and their likely response. Thanks to people such as Dr Alex Shigo and Claus Mattheck, modern tree work methods of tree management have been devised.
Qualified arborists know how to exploit a trees’ natural ability so it can heal itself.
Reducing negative effects associated with cutting a tree and, therefore, breaching its defences. An Arborist is someone who has spent time studying Arboriculture science. Who accepted practices surrounding the management of trees in the urban environment. They are knowledgeable about a variety of arboricultural techniques and methods.
What is an Arborist… Really…
Any experienced arborist should know how and when to apply tree care to achieve the best results. An arborist understands the different processes a tree goes through in its entire life. Giving a good understanding how a tree can be best served during its lifetime.
An Arborist would have studied modern tree climbing techniques and will be well versed on rescue and health and safety. They will be able to work well in a team with a high degree of professionalism.
An experienced arborist will be able to undertake difficult or technically demanding work.
Utilising a wide variety of equipment to ensure the job is completed safely, efficiently and with minimal impact to the surround environment.
An Arborist will also have knowledge in other areas of tree management.
Such as planning, planting, hazard identification, and devising long term management plans for trees. They will be able to assess a site and advise which trees are worthy of retention, which should be removed and suggest suitable replacements. They may also be able to advise on how trees can be protected during construction projects and any legal implications regarding trees.
The term tree lopper harks back to the old days of tree work.
A tree lopper is likely to work haphazardly with a devil may care attitude. They may be quick, but this will come at the cost of your tree or anything that stands between it and the ground. Their equipment is likely to be basic and old (or nonexistent) and health and safety is a foreign term.
A tree lopper will have little consideration for the tree, past the point that they get paid. The tree work they do may achieve a short-term goal but is likely to lead to many more problems in the future.
What is an Arborist? To answer the question more simply:
An Arborist is someone that views them self as a professional and tree work as a profession; a tree lopper is someone that will cut a tree for you. It might seem a little nit picky and maybe even snobbish to get hung up on terms.
However, I believe it is important that the person you are getting to work on your trees is taking themselves and the tree work task seriously.
Tree work has the potential to be dangerous.
To both human life and property. It is worth ensuring that the professional you hire and trust with the safety of your family and home knows what they are doing. Blog post created by Rob Dawson, qualified and experienced arborist in New Zealand.
Did you know that we also have available a range of “How To Provide Tree Maintenance Series” instructional guides. Tree care guides are aimed for tree owners who are keen to get their hands dirty.
- How to plant a tree guide with plenty of helpful advice…
- How to prune a tree and manage the condition of your trees…
- How to mulch a tree and take care of your trees…
- How to care for your trees in the summer heat…
- How to trim a hedge the right way for the best results…
- How to stop tree leaves falling on your property…
- How to carry out smart tree attachments the right way…
- How to understand Arboricultural terminology…
- How to grow and prune an Avocado tree…
- How to prune fruit trees. Expert advice by our expert arborists…
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Rossy and the Team.