Purdue News

July 17, 1998 Arborist can help homeowners save money, expert says WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Before you begin hacking and sawing at the trees in your yard, Rita McKenzie, an urban forester at Purdue University, suggests that you consider hiring a tree specialist, known as an arborist. Why? Because it may very well save you money in the long run -- not to mention that it will save you a lot of work in the short run. McKenzie says many people don't know what such tree specialists do. "An arborist is a specialist in the care of individual trees," she says. "Arborists are knowledgeable about the needs of trees, and are trained and equipped to provide proper care." According to McKenzie, hiring an arborist is a good long-term investment in your property. "Proper tree care is an investment that can lead to substantial returns," McKenzie says. "Well cared for trees are attractive and can add considerable value to your property. Poorly maintained trees can be a significant liability." Services that arborists can provide include: Proper pruning to maintain or improve tree health, appearance and safety. Eliminating rubbing branches that will weaken the tree structure. Removal of limbs interfering with wires, gutters, roofs, or obstructing streets or sidewalks. Removal of dead or weak limbs that pose a hazard or can lead to disease in the entire tree. Removal of limbs that have fallen because of storms. "Storms may cause limbs or entire trees to fail, often landing on homes, cars, other structures or trees," McKenzie says. "Storm-damaged trees can weigh quite a bit, and they can be very dangerous to remove or trim." Create better tree structure to lessen wind resistance and reduce potential for storm damage, or to improve the appearance of the tree. Assist with the planting and training of young trees. "An arborist will select the proper species based on the site," McKenzie says. "The wrong tree in the wrong location could lead to future problems, such as limited growing space, insect and disease infestations, poor growth or interference with utility wires." McKenzie says that as a last resort, a homeowner may need to remove a tree, and that an arborist is the best person to handle this job, too. "Arborists have the skills and equipment to safely and efficiently remove trees," she says. "An arborist can assist in performing the job in a safe manner, while reducing further risk of damage to your property." According to McKenzie, homeowners should consider removing a tree if it is dead or dying, is irreparably hazardous, is causing an obstruction that cannot be corrected through pruning, or is crowding and causing harm to other trees. When selecting an arborist, homeowners should avoid making impulse decisions, especially if someone is standing on the stoop claiming that they were driving by and noticed that tree work needed to be done on your property. "Homeowners should be wary of door-to-door solicitations," she says. Instead, homeowners should seek out established professionals. "A good, professional certified arborist will perform accepted tree-care practices. They will not perform practices that will harm your trees, such as topping trees, removing too much good wood, or using climbing spurs on live trees." McKenzie recommends that homeowners ask an arborist for proof of insurance and for references. She also suggests getting more than one estimate. One of the things to look for when selecting an arborist is certification by the International Society of Arboriculture, or ISA. "Membership in professional organizations demonstrates a willingness to stay current with the latest techniques and information," McKenzie says. ISA certified arborists must have at least three years experience and must pass a comprehensive examination developed by some of the nation's leading tree-care experts. They also must continue their education to maintain their certification. Other professional organizations for arborists are the National Arborist Association (NAA), the American Society of Consulting Arborist (ASCA), and the Indiana Arborist Association (IAA). Source: Rita McKenzie, (765) 494-3625; e-mail, ritam@fnr.purdue.edu Writer: Steve Tally, (765) 494-9809; tally@purdue.edu; https://www.agcom.purdue.edu/AgCom/homepages/tally/ Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu To the Purdue News and Photos Page