1. What is an arborist?

An arborist is:

• A specialist. A trained, knowledgeable, and certified professional who knows how to take care of the health and appearance of individual trees and shrubs in residential, urban, commercial or wooded landscapes.
• An advocate. One who deeply understands and appreciates the value of trees and shrubs and serves as a counselor to those who own and cherish them.
• A scientist. His/her work involves walking a property to inspecting trees and shrubs, identifying causes of plant problems.
• A technician. Arborists also plant trees and shrubs, treat to resolve or prevent insect or disease damage, prune or remove trees and shrubs, and operate tools including power equipment

The most competent arborists receive certification by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), an international professional organization which promotes the professional practice of arboriculture through research, technology, and education [Link to Society of Arboriculture to 6.0].

2. Don't landscaping companies provide tree care?

A one company that does all may be convenient although many times it is at the expense of quality, depth and scope of knowledge, reliability and professionalism. The same reason there are many specialist in medicine is the same reason you should choose a specialist in tree care. Realizing that everything that happens to a tree or shrub stays with that plant forever, arborist will properly treat all plants even when they are small or easily reachable from the ground.

Homeowners should select a professional arborist trained to observe subtleties in growing trees and shrubs, and nurture them in ways that landscapers are not prepared to do.

Arborists also understand a trees or shrubs total growing environment. Care based on growing environments keeps trees and shrubs healthy and reduces maintenance costs.

Arborists also observe trees' growing environments. A mature sugar maple in an open mulch bed may require very different care from a similar maple growing near a home or driveway. Care based on growing environments keeps both trees and homes looking beautiful.

3. Will Arborist Enterprises “top” my tree?

To maintain optimum tree health we do not practice tree topping. Topping is damaging to the health of the tree and can cause shock, decay, and disease damage. We recommend proper crown reduction to reduce height while maintaining health.

4. How often do I have to prune my tree?

On average we recommend pruning every three to five years but this can range from three to seven years depending on the health of the tree, species and location. If the tree is of a rapidly growing variety close to a house it may need to be done yearly. Proper pruning improves health, safety, aesthetics, and promotes proper branch structure.

5. “What type of tree can I plant that does not make a mess and needs no maintenance?”

Every tree requires maintenance. All trees produce and shed parts such as leaves and limbs. This is how a tree grows and survives. Some trees produce flower, seeds or both that could be considered extraordinarily messy. Some species are less messy or maintenance intensive so please call us for a free evaluation of your landscape and objectives.