Tree Trimming vs Arborist: Which Tree Service Is Right For Your Tree?
Considering hiring a tree service for your tree care to improve its health? We compare tree trimming vs arborist here so you know which you need to hire.
As a property owner, if you have trees on your yard or property, the health and appearance of your trees shouldn’t be neglected.
Maintaining the health and appearance of your trees will demand careful and consistent care.
This is why you need to have the right professional, like O’Kennedy Tree Care (https://www.okennedytreecare.ie/), who can handle the needs of your trees.
These days, the conversation about which is right for you between tree trimming vs arborist is still what many property owners consider.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll understand the key difference between an arborist and a tree trimmer.
Then you can make an informed decision for your tree care needs.
The Role of Certified Arborist vs Tree Trimmer
Arborists, also known as tree surgeons, are highly trained experts.
Their primary focus is on the cultivation, management, and study of different trees, shrubs, vines, and other perennial woody plants.
They have a deep knowledge of tree biology, diseases, and how to properly care for them.
Certified arborists usually have certifications from recognized organizations like the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).
They always improve their skills so they can be current with the latest industry standards.
Now, for tree trimmers. They’re also referred to as tree pruners or landscapers.
They mainly focus on the aesthetic parts of tree maintenance.
All they basically do is to prune, trim, and shape trees to improve appearance or remove dangerous branches.
And of course, tree trimmers are skilled at what they do.
But it can’t be compared to the same level of scientific knowledge or expertise certified arborists have about tree health and long-term care.
Major Differences Between Arborists and Tree Trimmers
Now, let’s look at what makes arborists and tree trimmers different.
Education and Certification
Arborists are usually college graduates of arboriculture, horticulture, or related fields.
You mostly find them having certifications that need constant education to maintain.
Tree trimmers don’t necessarily need to have formal education or certifications. They acquire their skills through learning on the job.
Scope of Services
Beyond trimming, arborists also offer various services, like:
- Tree risk assessment
- Diagnosis and treatment of tree diseases
- Soil analysis and fertilization recommendations
- Tree planting and transplanting
- Emergency tree removal
But tree trimmer services include tree pruning, tree trimming, and basic tree removal services.
Long-term Tree Health
Arborists are always concerned about the long-term health and structural integrity of trees.
So, they often look for factors like growth patterns, species-specific needs, and possible environmental stressors.
Tree trimmers usually focus more on the instant beauty results without even considering long-term impacts.
Equipment and Techniques
Arborists are professionals. So, they use dedicated equipment and advanced methods to reduce damage to trees during pruning or removal.
They also use methods like cabling and bracing to preserve trees when possible.
Tree trimmers, of course, use more basic equipment since they’re not professionals. They are skilled in removing tree branches effectively.
Consultation and Planning
For a healthy tree and effective tree care, consult an arborist. They can also offer landscape planning and risk management.
Well, for tree trimmers, you mostly get limited advice focused on trimming and removal.
When is the Right Time to Hire an Arborist?
As a property owner, consider hiring a certified arborist when:
- You need a detailed tree risk check to spot safety issues.
- Your trees look sick or have pests.
- You want expert help choosing and placing new trees.
- You need special work like root pruning, soil improvement, or lightning protection.
- You want to keep mature or valuable trees healthy.
- You need urgent help after storm damage.
The Right Time to Call a Tree Trimmer
It’s appropriate to call a tree trimmer when you need the following:
- Regular pruning of smaller trees or shrubs.
- Basic shaping to make trees look better.
- Cutting off dead or broken branches.
- Simple tree removals that aren’t dangerous.
The Long-Term Benefits of Choosing an Arborist
Usually, when you think of hiring an arborist, you may consider their high price. That may make you want to change your mind about hiring them.
But the cost can’t be compared to the long-term benefits you’ll gain. Let’s get into it:
- Improved Tree Health: Arborists’ expertise can meaningfully increase the lifetime of your trees, saving you the trouble of constant removals and replacements.
- Increased Property Value: Your property value can increase if the trees are properly maintained and healthy.
- Risk Mitigation: Regular checks by arborists can detect and address possible dangers before they lead to a more serious problem.
- Environmental Benefits: Healthy trees give room for better air, help save energy, and provide a habitat for wildlife.
- Compliance with Local Regulations: Arborists have knowledge of local tree laws, ensuring your tree care practices don’t violate regulations.
How Much Does Tree Trimming Cost?
Expect to pay an average of $430 to $640 for professional tree trimming.
For smaller or closer trees, you can pay up to $78. But for larger trees of 60 ft tall, expect to pay $1,835.
Factors that affect the total cost of tree trimming include: the number of trees, the health of the tree, and the location of the tree.
Your specific location determines the costs for tree trimming. For instance, urban areas drive up costs because of the higher cost of living.
But it’s not so for rural areas and smaller towns. They generally have lower labor costs.
Also, tree size affects the cost of a tree trimming service.
A tree trimming company works with heavy-duty equipment for large trees, and this can increase the cost.
There’s a greater risk with trimming large trees compared to trimming small trees. The riskier the job, the more expensive.
Another factor influencing the cost is the type of tree. Smaller trees like crepe myrtle are usually small to manage, so they cost less to trim.
But larger and more robust species like oak trees, pine trees, cypress trees, and palm trees are usually more expensive.
These trees usually have towering heights, thicker and more sizable branches. That’s why they demand more effort, time, and in most cases, use specialized equipment to trim properly.
Conclusion
The differences between tree trimming vs arborist shared here can help you, as a property owner, to know which tree care services you might need when a need arises.
Arborists and tree trimmers both play important roles in tree care.
Choose a qualified arborist to ensure your trees get the best possible care.
