6 Tips for Working With an Arborist

Arborists use their expertise to craft plans that improve tree health and enhance the value of a landscape. Understanding how an arborist will support your goals allows you to choose the best provider for your needs. Here are a few tips for working with an arborist:

1. Explore Pruning Techniques

Species-specific pruning removes weak branches and shapes canopies for improved stability. Enquire from a tree doctor about methods used for different tree types to enhance health, structure, and longevity. Determine what tools they use to access high branches on large species. This helps mitigate the risks of excessive pruning that can damage tree health. The right pruning techniques cater to your trees’ unique growth habits.

2. Request Tree Assessments

Request a detailed evaluation of all trees on your property to get an informed care plan. Health inspections should identify signs of infestation, disease, or pest activity. Structural assessments identify vulnerabilities that need support before storms cause stress to your branches. Risk assessments identify trees at risk of failure due to decay or root issues, and an assessment establishes a baseline for monitoring tree health and stability over time. This allows for early detection of issues that could impact the performance and lifespan of your trees.

3. Obtain Treatment Plans

Different tree species, like oak, pine, and maple, each have unique health and nutritional needs. An arborist can help you develop treatment plans for the trees on your property. The experts will educate you on the variations in fertilization, watering, and protection needed for oak, pine, and other trees. Ask how your trees may benefit from root feeding, nutrient treatments, soil amendments, or pest control. Expert care enables trees to thrive better in your landscape environment.

4. Schedule Regular Pruning

Discuss pruning schedules for each tree species in your yard. Certain trees benefit from pruning in winter when they are dormant. Flowering trees like dogwoods and azaleas may require post-bloom pruning. Oaks and elms need pruning before their active growing season begins in spring. Timing enhances pruning effectiveness, as trees pruned on the wrong schedule could become stressed and vulnerable to disease. Determine which times of year your trees should be pruned for optimal results.

5. Manage Pest Infestations

Besides providing shade and beauty, trees can offer an attractive food source for pests. Insects like mites, aphids, and beetles can damage and destroy tree species. Arborists use integrated pest management programs to guard against such threats. They may apply targeted insecticide treatments, perform tree injections, and monitor pest activity. They investigate signs of infestation, such as holes in leaves and branches, and check for brown or yellow spots. Staying on top of pest treatments will prevent long-term damage to your trees and plants.

6. Provide Root Care

Healthy roots drive tree growth. Ask about soil decompaction methods experts implement to aerate the root zones of compacted trees. They can also recommend watering schedules to supply adequate water to roots during droughts. Mulching, fertilization, and treatments feed roots with the adequate nutrients they need to thrive. Proper root care strategies help encourage strong, deep roots throughout your yard.

Consult Arborists To Elevate Your Tree Care

Trees contribute to the beauty and value of your landscape. Arborists develop maintenance plans tailored to the species, size, location, and health needs of your trees and other plants. Their expertise protects your investment and helps contribute to an aesthetically pleasing outdoor space. Certain providers will also offer basic maintenance services, such as mowing and seasonal cleanup, to keep your grass neat and clean. Partner with knowledgeable professionals today to help improve the appearance of your trees and lawn.