Difference Between an Arborist and a Tree Service

Many people use the terms arborist and tree service interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. In fact, there are quite a few notable differences between the two – and choosing the right one will give you confidence that you will have thriving trees full of health and longevity. 

Don’t compromise the well-being of your trees – know the difference between an arborist and a tree service before you hire someone to care for them.

Arborist vs. Tree Company: What is Tree Care? 

First, let’s talk about the blanket term, tree company. Generally speaking, a tree company provides services like trimming and removal. Some even offer fertilization, tree planting, and pest bird control. Many property owners find that tree companies can keep their landscape looking beautiful. The question is how healthy is it? Is tree care just a matter of making it look good and keeping bugs at bay on the surface? 

Any tree company can offer tree care, but it does not mean they have the education and experience in tree health to provide an honest level of proper tree care. 

When you hire a Certified Arborist that is accredited by the ISA, you are hiring someone to care for your trees that has: 

• At least 3 years of full-time, practical work experience with trees. 
• Passed a rigorous exam for certification.
• Participated in continuing education to maintain their certification in arboriculture.

The phrase “Certified Arborist” holds value. You know that you are hiring someone who is both educated and experienced in not only the art of tree care but the science behind it. So when you need a dead tree properly removed from your property, a tree service may be a good one to call. But when it comes to maintaining the health and life of a tree on your property, you call an Arborist. 

A Certified Arborist is a Specialist in Tree Care

Tree services typically offer things like trimming and removal of trees, not always having the best interest of your trees at heart. Arborists have training in evaluating the health of your trees and experience knowing when a tree can be saved – rather than just removing it. What’s more, an Arborist will offer tree care that includes treatments for pests and diseases that impact trees by getting to the root cause. 

Believe it or not, even tree trimming is best handled by a specialist. The reason for this is because tree services may recommend cutting off top branches from your tree, commonly referred to as “topping.” But this leaves your tree distressed and vulnerable to diseases and health issues. A specialist will prune the trees, nurturing their health and well-being. 

It is important to note that when branches appear dead – it could signal that the tree is dealing with a disease. A tree service may cut and remove them without further action whereas a Certified Arborist can easily identify and treat them. 

A Certified Arborist Provides Preventative Treatment

To maintain our health, we regularly visit the doctor and dentist for checkups and care. Trees need the same kind of attention, too. It is what keeps them in their best shape. With an annual tree inspection, you can have a Certified Arborist walk your entire property, inspecting and examining all of your trees and bushes. They will determine if there is a lack of nutrients, a sign of pests, and any indication of disease. If so, addressing issues early gives them the best chance to thrive. And, it could save you money in the long run, too. 

Rick’s Plant Healthcare offers tree care services from a Certified Arborist. Learn more at www.RicksPlantHealthcare.com.