A big holiday like Christmas is coming, and this might be the best chance to transform your backyard by clearing those trees out of the way and pruning those branches to make your yard look cleaner. But when you try to do it yourself, it might feel too overwhelming and when you decide to hire someone, there’s a catch.

Sure, trees are essential to our environment, adding beauty and value to landscapes. But, they also require maintenance, care, or removal, which can be complex and often dangerous. For these tasks, hiring a professional is essential to ensure safety and effective work.

However, choosing between a tree surgeon and a certified arborist can be confusing. Here, we’ll explore the tasks each professional specializes in, helping you decide who to hire based on your tree care needs.

What’s the Difference Between Tree Surgeons and Certified Arborists?

Before diving into the specific tasks they perform, it’s essential to understand the distinction between tree surgeons and certified arborists:

1. Tree Surgeon:
   • A tree surgeon, also known as a tree pruner, focuses on the physical cutting, trimming, and removal of trees.
   • They handle equipment, from chainsaws to heavy machinery, to ensure trees are cut safely and efficiently.
   • Tree surgeons often deal with the aesthetics of a tree or property by performing tasks like crown thinning, trimming, and tree removal.
2. Certified Arborist:
   • Certified arborists possess extensive knowledge of tree biology, health, and maintenance.
   • They are trained to diagnose tree diseases, assess structural integrity, and provide comprehensive tree care advice.
   • To become certified, arborists must pass exams and, in most cases, obtain certification through a recognized body, such as the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).

Tasks That Require a Tree Surgeon

While there is some overlap between the roles, certain tasks are ideally suited for a tree surgeon due to their expertise in handling dangerous tree work and heavy machinery. Here are the specific tasks a tree surgeon typically performs:

1. Tree Removal:
   • Tree surgeons are equipped to remove trees that pose a risk to property or people. They handle large equipment and follow safety protocols to take down trees efficiently, whether the tree is diseased, damaged, or simply unwanted.
2. Tree Pruning and Trimming:
   • Pruning is essential for keeping trees healthy and attractive. Tree surgeons trim overgrown branches, thin out crowns, and manage branches that interfere with power lines or nearby structures.
3. Stump Grinding and Removal:
   • After a tree is cut down, the remaining stump can be an obstacle or an eyesore. Tree surgeons use specialized equipment to grind or remove stumps, leaving a clear space for replanting or other landscaping purposes.
4. Crown Lifting:
   • Crown lifting involves removing the lower branches of a tree, typically for better access or visibility. Tree surgeons handle this task safely to avoid damage to the tree’s structure.
5. Emergency Tree Work:
   • In cases of storm damage or fallen trees, tree surgeons are often the first responders, dealing with dangerous situations by cutting and clearing hazardous trees to prevent further damage.
6. Crown Reduction:
   • This involves reducing the size of the tree’s canopy, often to prevent interference with buildings or power lines. Tree surgeons are skilled in carefully reducing a tree’s canopy without compromising its structural integrity.
7. Pollarding:
   • Pollarding is a pruning method where the upper branches of a tree are removed to promote denser growth at the top. This technique is often used for urban trees to control size. Tree surgeons understand how to perform pollarding without harming the tree’s health.

Tasks That Require a Certified Arborist

Certified arborists are trained in the science and art of tree care, so they handle tasks that require a deeper understanding of tree biology and health. Here are the specific responsibilities suited to certified arborists:

1. Tree Health Assessment:
   • Certified arborists assess trees for signs of disease, pest infestations, or nutrient deficiencies. They can identify early signs of decline and recommend treatments or preventive measures.
2. Tree Disease Diagnosis and Treatment:
   • If a tree shows signs of illness, certified arborists can diagnose the problem, suggest treatments, and prevent the spread of disease. This may involve applying fungicides, pruning infected branches, or adjusting soil conditions.
3. Soil Management and Fertilization:
   • Arborists are knowledgeable about soil health and understand how to provide trees with the nutrients they need. They may test soil, recommend amendments, and apply fertilizers to ensure optimal tree growth.
4. Tree Risk Assessment:
   • Certified arborists conduct risk assessments to evaluate the structural integrity of trees. They can identify hazardous branches or weak spots and provide recommendations for pruning or, if necessary, removal.
5. Planting and Transplanting:
   • Arborists know which trees are suitable for specific climates and soil types, ensuring successful planting. They also handle transplanting mature trees, taking care to minimize shock and promote healthy root growth in the new location.
6. Conservation and Preservation:
   • For properties with historic or significant trees, certified arborists provide conservation plans to preserve these trees for the future. This includes adjusting the surrounding environment, pruning for longevity, and addressing any health concerns.
7. Creating a Tree Care Plan:
   • Certified arborists develop long-term care plans to ensure the health and beauty of trees over time. This includes pruning schedules, pest management, fertilization, and recommendations for future tree care.
8. Tree Root Management:
   • If roots are causing issues with sidewalks, foundations, or underground pipes, certified arborists provide solutions that balance tree health with property safety. They may recommend root barriers or pruning methods that don’t harm the tree’s stability.
9. Tree Preservation During Construction:
   • When construction occurs near trees, arborists ensure that trees aren’t damaged. They may create barriers to protect roots, recommend trimming to prevent breakage, and monitor the tree’s health throughout the process.

When to Hire Both Professional

There are certain scenarios where hiring both a tree surgeon and a certified arborist may be beneficial:

1. Large-Scale Tree Pruning or Trimming Projects:
   • For extensive pruning projects, an arborist can evaluate tree health and make recommendations, while a tree surgeon can handle the actual trimming and cutting safely.
2. Complex Tree Removal in Sensitive Areas:
   • When removing a tree near a historic building or in an environmentally sensitive area, an arborist can assess the best way to minimize impact, while a tree surgeon executes the removal safely.
3. Emergency Situations with Structural Damage:
   • In emergencies involving storm-damaged trees, an arborist can evaluate the tree’s structural integrity and recommend the best approach, while a tree surgeon can handle the removal of branches or trunks at risk of falling.

Choosing the Right Professional

When deciding between a tree surgeon and a certified arborist, consider the specific needs of your trees and property. Here are a few tips:

• For health-focused or diagnostic work (such as disease treatment, soil health, or risk assessment), hire a certified arborist at Lakeside Trees and Stumps.
• For tasks involving heavy equipment, cutting, or removal, a tree surgeon is your best choice.
• For projects involving both tree health and structural work, consider hiring both professionals for a comprehensive approach.

Final Thoughts

Tree care is a nuanced field, and understanding the roles of tree surgeons and certified arborists can help you make informed decisions. Whether you need a diagnosis for a sick tree or are planning a large removal project, choosing the right professional ensures that your trees receive the best care possible.

If you would like to know more about the various tree care services that we offer, or if you are seeking consultation about how to properly tend to your trees, please do not hesitate to Lakeside Trees and Stumps today.