Why Hire a Certified Arborist?

Tree Care Requires Knowledge and Skill

Why Hire a Certified Arborist?                By Van Hutchinson, Co-Owner, G & V Shalom Tree Care, Inc.

(Feature article in newsletter of the Broward Coalition, the county organization comprising Homeowner Associations (HOA) and community/civic groups.)

"I thought something was amiss when I saw how they took down that tree at the entrance to the Association," said Bill, head of the Greening Committee. "Sure, it was the lowest bid, but the guy shinnied up the tree with nothing but a t-shirt, sneakers, and a chainsaw. After the main trunk destroyed the wrought iron gate and the big limb took out two cars, I really knew we had made a mistake. Good thing he jumped clear before it fell on him!"

Of all the contracted work at an association or complex, tree work is a paradox. On one hand, it seems a lot like basic landscaping: simply trim some branches, make piles, and rake up debris. On the other hand, there's a lot more than meets the eye. Trees can stretch higher than tall buildings and uproot heavy structures, requiring expertise and specialized equipment.

Trees are inherently good and valuable. According to Kathleen Wolf, a researcher at the University of Washington in Seattle, trees add about 7% to a property's price. Other studies find landscaping contributes as high as 15 percent to a property's appraised value, noting that trees are the landscape's most significant feature.

Those who are entrusted with enhancing the value of a property are smart to take the long view: that the entire life-cycle from landscape design to establishment to shady, tree-lined walkways and streets is essential not only to the value of a property but also to its beauty, livability, and unique charm. In South Florida some tree species live a century or more, and caring for trees can determine whether these long-term assets add beauty and shade or become an eyesore-and a liability.

Certified arborists are dedicated tree professionals who receive certification only after meeting many eligibility requirements: three or more years in the arboriculture field, knowledge and skill testing, tree identification testing, and more. The leading certification body worldwide is the International Society of Arboriculture. (http://www.isa-arbor.org/). This website can also help you find a certified arborist in your area. Also, state and local governments such as Broward County require proof of general liability insurance and worker's compensation, in addition to proof of training and competency before issuing a tree trimmer's license.

Certified arborists see trees like a time-lapse photo sequence. Through arborists' eyes, today's twig is tomorrow's 400-pound branch hanging over the pool. Today's twin trunks vying for dominance are tomorrow's weak spot where the trunk could split east and west, crushing cars on either side of the parking island.

Whether you are an association president or head of the tree committee or an outspoken lover of the trees around you, hire a certified arborist to work with your trees. Arborists' training emphasizes the long-term health of trees, and arborists know how to check tree health from the roots to the leaves. Any arborist worth her or his salt will not over-trim or "hat-rack" trees, as they become weaker and can die in subsequent months and years. Their years of observing how and where different species do well (or don't) can help you decide the right spots for the right trees.

Failing to care adequately for trees is many times more expensive than maintaining these gentle green giants. Unkempt trees and palms mean lower sales or occupancy rates, but what is worse: over-trimming, can lead to dead trees. Unnecessary removals cost more than a decade's worth of proper trimming. And while the nearest able body may brag, "sure, I can run a chainsaw any old day," only certified arborists' training prepares them to know how to "see" obstacles, bystanders, dangerous angles, etc., and then take the measures to ensure safe tree work sites. And while South Florida has had three summers without direct hurricane winds, a future hurricane could leave your property nearly treeless. Smart tree planning and trimming can reduce the property damage after a major wind event.

Trees are good. Trees are life. They help define the character of your property and help shape the lifestyle you enjoy. Hire a certified arborist to work with your trees.

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