Trees add a lot of value to your property.
They provide shade and privacy and amazing greenery – not to mention oxygen to make it easier to breathe the fresh air and carbon sequestration to slow climate change’s impacts.
But to deliver these values, trees must remain healthy and strong. To keep them that way requires maintenance. After all, a large tree can’t provide perks if it is full of dead or overgrown branches or has insect or disease problems.
But tree care can be dangerous, especially on large trees.
Hiring a certified arborist to maintain and care for your trees can help you get the job done safely. Let’s learn more about the benefits of hiring a professional certified arborist in Needham, Concord, Danvers, and Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
What Is A Certified Arborist?
When you want to hire a tree care professional, you might notice the term “certified arborist” come up in your search. This might make you question what the difference is between a professional who has this designation and one who doesn’t.
A certified arborist earns this specific designation from a certified arboriculture association, such as the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) or Massachusetts Arborist Association (MAA), through work experience and accredited education. These type of accreditations not only provides arborists with certification credentials but also promote the professional practice of arboriculture and raise awareness of tree benefits.
To achieve certification, tree care professionals must go through an exam, as well as a rigorous application process that includes reference letters and multiple verifications.
Benefits Of Hiring A Certified Arborist
Why is a certified arborist an important designation to look for when you’re hiring a tree care professional
First of all, you know certified arborists have the knowledge and skills necessary to properly identify, maintain, troubleshoot, and care for your trees. And through continued education, they need to maintain certification, so you know they stay updated on tree care best practices. This focus on improving their professional knowledge shows their dedication to the tree care craft.
Certified arborists typically offer the following services:
- Tree trimming and pruning - Aesthetic and proper removal of unhealthy limbs using ANSI A300 standards. These standards apply to professionals who care for trees and shrubs, giving them guidance for optimal tree health.
- Shrub pruning - Properly caring for shrub shape and overall health.
- Plant health care - Preventive and therapeutic treatments for trees and shrubs.
- Insect and disease management - Identification and management of tree and shrub pest problems.
- Tree and shrub fertilization - Slow-release fertilization to replenish nutrients.
- Tree planting - Helping you choose and plant the right trees for your yard.
- Storm preparation and support systems for trees - Mitigating tree risks with storm damage prevention.
Questions To Ask Your Arborist
As you’re searching for a certified arborist, it’s important to ask some questions to find out their qualifications and the type of service they offer. Don’t leave these important questions off of your list:
- What services do you offer?
- Do you have insurance?
- Are you an ISA Certified Arborist®?
- What is your experience in tree and shrub care?
- How can I maintain my tree’s health?
- Can you explain how your services work?
- Can you provide some reviews of your work?
Warning Signs Of A Dangerous Arborist
It’s important to always ask whether you’re dealing with a licensed and bonded tree service. Why? If you hire a company or individual without these credentials, you can be held liable for any on-the-job injuries or damages that happen to your trees and property. A reliable certified arborist should have no problem providing you with license and insurance information before taking on a job.
Be wary if a tree care company you’re considering hiring can’t provide detailed descriptions of their services, use spikes to climb trees (these can leave damaging wounds), or recommend topping a tree to reduce its height.
At Hartney Greymont, we have both ISA and Massachusetts certified arborists located in Needham, Concord, Danvers, Cape Cod, and the surrounding areas who can assess your trees and shrubs, and help you prune safely.
Contact Hartney For Professional Tree Care Services In Massachusetts.
