Why hire an arborist? Because to enhance and preserve the value and safety of trees, only professionals with specialized knowledge and training are properly equipped to provide appropriate care.  These individuals are collectively known as arborists.

What is an arborist? A professional who possesses the technical competence gained through experience and related training to provide for or supervise the management of trees and other woody plants in residential, commercial, and public landscapes. There are several areas of practice:

• Residential/Commercial arborists either own or work for businesses that provide tree care on a fee basis. They can be hired to do work for individuals or public agencies.
• Municipal arborists manage public-owned trees in cities and towns and are usually employed by cities, counties, or other public agencies.
• Utility arborists manage trees along utility rights-of-way. They can be employed by the utility or contracted to do tree clearance.
• Arboricultural consultants are technical experts who diagnose tree problems, perform tree appraisals, expert witness reports or testimony, and provide management programs for individuals, businesses, or public agencies.

Why Hire an Ohio Arborist? 
Proper tree care is an investment that can lead to substantial returns and increased personal enjoyment. Well-cared for trees in the Ohio landscape are attractive and can add considerable value to your property. Conversely, maintained trees can be a significant liability. Pruning or removing trees, especially large trees, can be dangerous work. Read more on Dangers of Do it Yourself and a Hiring Checklist.

Ohio Chapter ISA Arborists can provide a variety of services:

Pruning–The arborist can determine what type of pruning is necessary to maintain or improve the health, appearance, and safety of your trees.
Removal–Although tree removal is a last resort, there are circumstances when it is necessary. An arborist can help decide whether or not a tree should be removed.
Emergency Tree Care–Storms may cause limbs or entire trees to fail, often landing on homes, cars, other structures, or other trees. An arborist can assess the work to be undertaken.
Planting–Some arborists plant trees and most can recommend what types of trees are appropriate for a specific location.
Other Services–Many arborists can provide the following services:

• Practice Plant Health Care; a concept of preventative maintenance to keep trees in good health which will help the tree better defend itself against insects, disease and site problems.
• Tree fertilization.
• Cabling or bracing for added support to branches with weak attachment.
• Soil aeration to improve root growth.
• Installation of lightning protection systems.
• Spraying or injecting to control certain insect and disease problems.

How Do I Select an Arborist?
There are a variety of things to consider when selecting an arborist which includes:

• Look for membership in a professional organization such as the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), the Society of Commercial Arborists (SCA), or the American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA).
• Confirm their credentials and qualifications are current; don’t assume based on a logo used in their advertising.
• Ask for proof of insurance and then phone the insurance company if you are not satisfied.
• Ask for references to find out where the company has done work similar to what you are requesting.
• Unless you know and are comfortable with the arborist, get more than one estimate. Be wary of individuals who go door-to-door and offer bargains for performing tree work. Good arborists will only perform accepted practices. For example, practices such as topping a tree or using climbing spikes on live trees are not necessary.
• Don’t just accept the low bid. Compare all of the details in each bid.
  We can answer your questions about how to care for your trees, suggestions on species to plant; a list of local arborists, and listings of certified arborists. Just drop us a line at the Ohio Chapter International Society of Arboriculture.