What Is an Arborist?

If you’ve ever had concerns about a tree on your property, you may have heard the term “arborist.” But what exactly does an arborist do, and how are they different from a regular tree service?

Let’s break it down.

What Is an Arborist?

An arborist is a trained professional who specializes in the care, maintenance, and health of trees. Sometimes called a “tree surgeon,” an arborist understands how trees grow, how diseases affect them, and how to properly prune, remove, or preserve them safely.

Arborists focus on the long-term health and structural integrity of trees, not just cutting them down.

What Does an Arborist Do?

An arborist may provide services such as:

• Tree pruning and trimming

• Tree removal

• Diagnosing tree diseases

• Pest management

• Tree planting recommendations

• Cabling and bracing weak limbs

• Emergency storm damage response

• Risk and safety assessments

Their goal is to ensure trees are safe, healthy, and properly maintained.

Why Hire a Certified Arborist?

Trees can become hazardous if they are:

• Diseased or dying

• Structurally weak

• Damaged by storms

• Growing too close to structures or power lines

A certified arborist has the training and equipment to handle these situations safely and correctly. Improper pruning or removal can permanently damage a tree or create safety risks.

Certified arborists also follow industry standards and safety guidelines to protect your property and surrounding landscape.

Arborist vs. Tree Trimmer: What’s the Difference?

While many companies offer tree trimming services, not all are trained arborists.

A tree trimmer may focus primarily on cutting branches for appearance or clearance. An arborist, on the other hand, considers:

• Tree biology

• Proper pruning techniques

• Long-term health

• Structural stability

• Disease prevention

If the health of your tree matters, hiring an arborist is the better choice.

When Should You Call an Arborist?

You may want to contact an arborist if:

• A tree looks unhealthy or is losing leaves unexpectedly

• You notice cracks in large branches

• A tree is leaning or has root damage

• You’re building or landscaping near mature trees

• A storm has caused visible damage

Early evaluation can prevent larger problems later.

Protecting Your Trees

Healthy, well-maintained trees increase property value, improve curb appeal, and provide shade and environmental benefits. An arborist helps protect that investment.

If you’re unsure about the condition of a tree on your property, consulting with a qualified arborist is the safest first step.