10 Practical Tips in Choosing a Qualified Arborist – Our Guide

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Taking good care of your surrounding trees is paramount to maintaining their health and extending their lifespan. When doing so, professional tree services are at times required because you may not be able to do it on your own.

Whether it’s tree watering, trimming, pruning, or even emergency tree removal, hiring an expert can make a significant difference in the growth and health of your trees. If you are thinking that your trees may need some work, it’s time to look into a qualified arborist.

The decision to look for an arborist shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you don’t do your research, you could end putting both your landscaping and the person performing the work at risk. An unqualified person may not have sufficient insurance or may not have the proper knowledge, skills, and training required to carry out the tree services required.

It’s best to work with a tree care company that is licensed, and insured. While you look for a registered and licensed firm that complies with the state requirements, you should also consider their guarantee of quality work and the additional services offered. 

That said, below are ten practical tips you can use for selecting a qualified arborist:

1. Check for ISA certified arborist credentials

Look for an arborist who has a membership with professional organizations, such as the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). This membership requires the arborists to demonstrate a commitment to quality and keep up with current best practices on trees and tree care. You can rest assured that ISA-certified arborists have passed the ISA’s extensive examination on all aspects of tree care and maintenance. 

2. Obtain valid references.

When you have several prospective arborists, make sure to get valid references from them. Once you have these references, make sure to validate them. You can contact the listed character references and inquire about their services and level of expertise. Because you want to hire an expert for the preventive care of your trees, you have to make the right decision to ensure the overall health of your trees. Also, don’t forget to check Yelp and Google My Business for reviews.

3. Get estimates from more than one tree care firm.

Apart from references, you should look to obtain estimates from your list of prospects. After examining the credentials of the firms and their staff, make sure to check the specifications of the submitted bids as well. When looking at the specs, determine which proposal has the best combination of cost, scope of work, skill, and professionalism. In the end, the investment in your trees lies in the hands of the tree service provider. This is why you should opt for a highly knowledgeable and reputable tree service company!

4. Never rush when promised with a discount.

Know that there are a wide range of discounts being offered by some service providers. Chances are, you will immediately take the plunge when provided with a discount. Keep in mind that you should never rush in making a decision to hire an arborist. First, make sure to understand the work that needs to be done, the cost of the services, and what the discount entails. Although you will want to take advantage of a discount, this shouldn’t come at the expense of the quality of their work.

5. Veer away from arborists doing excessive pruning.

It’s worth knowing that expert and knowledgeable arborists won’t recommend topping a tree or other drastic pruning practices. These practices might actually injure the trees or make them hazardous. If they offer excessive pruning, it is best that you do not hire them. Reputable arborists usually recommend various options appropriate for your tree conditions and situations.

6. Don’t allow arborists to climb your trees using spikes.

When looking for an arborist, make sure to avoid arborists who use spikes or spurs when tending to the tree. Know that tree-climbing spikes or spurs can actually wound the trees and open a pathway for diseases and insects. These can lead to the weakening of trees or, worse, their death. 

7. Be wary of door-knockers, flyers, or cold calls.

When looking for a tree service provider, you should hire an expert in the field or industry. Know exactly what you want and what kind of tree services you need and verify the firm’s area of specialization as well. In the end, choose a reputable tree service company that can ensure that your trees will get the care they need to remain safe and beautiful for a long time. In short, always check references and reviews.

8. Invest in an arborist with a fair market rate.

Proper tree work is not necessarily inexpensive, but it’s best to invest in a tree service company providing a fair market rate. Reputable arborists are licensed, insured, and maintain expensive, specialized equipment. This is why the standard cost is a fair rate. Beware, however, of exceptionally low estimates as you may not receive quality services. This is also why it is important to look at multiple bids, so you can get a feel for the market.

9. Check and get proof of insurance and license.

It’s best to check and obtain proof of insurance and licenses from the service provider you plan to work with. The license should indicate that it’s registered while in compliance with the state requirements. Furthermore, the certificate of insurance should detail worker’s compensation and general liability in the event of personal property damage. 

10. Never hire the cheapest estimate.

It’s a rule of thumb that you should not hire a service provider with the cheapest estimate. Extremely low estimates can be an indicator of poor professionalism, lack of credentials, such as insurance, and may even have hidden costs. Make sure that you do your best to stay away from such offerings!

There is a wide range of tree service companies available in the market. Before hiring a service provider, make sure to get detailed information about the company and consider the valuable tips outlined above. 

If you’re looking for a certified arborist in Orange County, get in touch with us today to see how we can help.

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The Importance of Hiring a Qualified Arborist for Tree Services

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Trees are a vital part of our ecosystem. Not only do they provide us with oxygen to breathe, but they add beauty and elegance to any outdoor space. Investing in the care of trees for your property can provide substantial returns for your community. 

Maintaining beautiful and healthy trees brings forth ecological benefits. On the other hand, leaving them unkempt can turn them into a liability and a potential hazard. 

Caring for trees can be quite different than caring for shrubbery or flowers. Trees—whether you are pruning or removing—require back-breaking effort and can be dangerous for untrained individuals. 

It takes special equipment as well as industry knowledge to properly care for trees. A lack of skill and experience can endanger the person performing the work. For that reason, hiring an arborist is essential to keep up the visual appeal, health, and structural soundness of the trees in your community. 

Tree

What Arborists Can Do for You

By definition, an arborist is a certified individual who is trained in the science and art of caring for, maintaining, and planting individual trees. When looking for a certified arborist, be sure to look for one accredited by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) (like us here at Monarch) or a member of the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA). To that end, here are some services that arborists can offer:

1. Tree Pruning 

A certified arborist will know how and when to prune trees. It may seem like a simple task, but incorrect procedures will only compromise the health of the tree. Additionally, an arborist has the knowledge to identify the type of pruning method necessary to enhance the appearance, overall health, and safety of the trees.

Professional pruning entails the following: 

  • Training young trees to help them develop a strong structure
  • Pruning the limbs to make way for light penetration and to increase airflow through the canopy 
  • Removing damaged branches and limbs 
  • Removing limbs that may obstruct other structures and potentially wound the tree
  • Removing dead, diseased, or weak limbs
  • Creating a better structure to boost the robustness of the tree against harsh winds or storms
  • Removing excessive weight at the ends of the branches
  • Creating a better shape in a damaged tree

2. Tree Health Care 

The state of your tree is vital, as poor health can turn it into a potential hazard for your surroundings or passers-by. Arborists have the expertise, tools, and experience to conduct preventive care and regular maintenance. A health care plan involves checking on the tree’s structure and overall health. 

With that in mind, arborists aim to maintain the tree’s structure and overall health to keep it strong against insects, diseases, and environmental conditions. 

It should be noted that urban settings can be more stressful to trees, so regular check-ups are in order. To that end, health care for trees involves the following: 

  • A preventive health and safety assessment of the tree
  • A spray or injection program to control certain insects or diseases
  • Proper aeration to improve root growth 
  • Supporting weak branches through cabling or bracing
  • Corrective pruning
  • Fertilization
  • Seasonal irrigation
Tree by a fence

3. Tree Removal 

Removing trees should always be a last resort. When it is necessary, however, investing in an arborist is a must. These professionals hold a Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ). This makes their professional opinion reliable as they have the knowledge and expertise to provide proper mitigation measures, which includes the removal of trees. 

Here are a few situations where tree removal may be necessary:

  • The tree has been deemed irreparably hazardous by a qualified arborist
  • The tree is being replaced by a different tree
  • The tree is crowding or harming other trees
  • The tree is dead or dying
  • The tree is located improperly in a construction or development site 

4. Tree Planting 

The task of planting trees isn’t as straightforward as it seems. It takes a professional and trained eye to determine the right soil and specific location for optimal growth, and fortunately, arborists are trained to do just that. 

Attempting to plant trees without proper analysis of the type of seed as well as the place can lead to disastrous results in the future. For instance, trees can struggle to grow from limited space, which can damage surrounding property or items as it continues to stretch. 

Additionally, planting large trees demands industry equipment and skills, making it all the more essential to seek the help of an ISA certified arborist for proper tree planting.

5. Emergency Tree Services

There are environmental factors that can compromise the health of your trees—natural disasters like storms, tornadoes, earthquakes, and more. These unfortunate events can break the limbs of the tree, and in some cases, strike it down entirely. 

Once the tree breaks, it can be a hazard to people as it can impact passers-by, buildings, cars, powerlines, and other trees. Once the tree is down, you will need an arborist to move it for you as doing it your own may be dangerous.

6. Other Tree Services

Beyond pruning, planting, health care, emergency services, and removal, an arborist can also provide the following services: 

  • Assess the value of a tree
  • Assess the hazard potential of a tree depending on its site conditions
  • Implement lightning protection systems in particular regions
  • Develop protection plans regarding trees on development and construction sites
  • Grind or remove stumps
  • Perform cabling 
  • Brace weak-limbed trees

Arborists can also offer services such as relocation of your trees, along with health consultations and health plans to prevent the development of diseases or damages. 

Even if you take pride in having a green thumb, caring for trees takes gardening to a whole different level as it involves complex techniques and tools.

If you’re are looking for a certified arborist in Orange County, get in touch with us to see how we can help.

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Plant Health Care – When Does It Make Sense?

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If the plants in your community aren’t looking their best, it may be time for some serious plant health care.

Whether it’s trees, shrubs, or flowers, healthy plant life can make a home or neighborhood look much more welcoming and inviting. It also makes the area appear more well-kept which can entice future residents to move in and current residents to stay.

Read on to learn more about plant health care, what it is, and when it makes sense for you to start using it for your property.

The Definition of Plant Health Care

When you hear the term “healthcare,” you probably think of humans first. Plants actually need to be monitored and cared for just like every other living thing on the planet.

The term plant health care means that your plant life is provided with things like vital nutrients they need to thrive and grow. It also involves things like insect and disease control to keep the plants healthy and safe.

The threat of plant-related diseases is much more common than you might think. Pests like Japanese beetles, bagworms, spider mites, and aphids are just a few examples of the potentially damaging pests that can wreak total havoc on your beautiful plants. With regular plant health care practices, your trees and shrubs will bloom, look greener, and be much more attractive.

In order to ensure that your plant life is thriving, you should consider bringing in an expert for a plant health care service. This service will help to select the best plants for your property, develop an efficient maintenance plan for those plants, and come up with a plan to defend against potential threats, thereby protecting your investment (aka your plants) from damage and disease.

Keeping plants healthy all year round will ensure that they grow and look beautiful for many years to come.

Quality care ensures that your plants stay fresh, healthy-looking, and attractive through the changing seasons.

Being proactive ensures that the plants you use will remain in great shape as time goes on.

What Are the Benefits?

When you enlist the help of a professional plant health care provider, you’ll reap a variety of benefits. These plant pros know exactly what your specific plant life needs to thrive and stay healthy.

They’ll work to improve your water usage to not only save you money but also to ensure that your plants are receiving the correct amount of water they need. Soil tests will be performed to ensure that the soil around your property is healthy and compacted properly.

If any threat is found, the plant health care professionals will work to eliminate it in a responsible manner. This tactic is usually done in an eco-friendly way so as not to cause harm to your landscaping or the environment. With early treatment, problems can be eliminated before they get out of hand.

With regular care, your plants will look incredible. They’ll grow and blossom, creating an attractive look around your neighborhood, association, condominium complex, and home. 

Landscape consultants will assess your plants and determine what needs to be added or removed. When you work side-by-side with these professionals, you’ll see just how much time and effort goes into maintaining plant life. As time goes on, your property will look much more attractive to potential buyers or tenants.

Why Would You Use Plant Health Care?

If you’re a manager of an HOA or other property community you already have a full plate and may not have the time to consider a holistic approach when it comes to the health of your landscaping. You have to think about the selection of plants you have, practice proper planting techniques, and the maintenance of those plants. You also need to consider pest control and what companion plants to choose. It can quickly become overwhelming!

There’s an intricate process involved in plant health care designed to ensure your property looks its best. Some of the things that a plant health care professional will do include:

  • Selecting the right plants for aesthetic and other purposes like noise barriers
  • Planting for shade where it’s needed to provide residents with a pleasant landscape
  • Making site considerations such as soil type and condition, climate, drainage, and available planting space
  • Determining the proper methods for pest resistance to keep plants healthy
  • Devising a plan to ensure that all plants are healthy and well-maintained

A plant health care professional will give you advice on what you can do to be proactive to keep your plants healthy and happy. They may also inspect the surrounding areas for signs of pest damage in other places in order to assess the threat to your plants.

You can also change your current landscaping layout and include a new selection of plant life that’s native to your area. Experienced arborists will asses your trees to make sure they’re all healthy and in good condition.

When you opt to focus on your plants, the entire community will flourish and appreciate the beauty of the landscaping. It’s also a smart way to increase property values. Healthy landscaping entices renters and current residents to stay or to move into your community.

Leave Plant Health to the Pros

If you manage an HOA or other residential community, it’s easy to see how plant health care can benefit your community. With some proper planting and planning, your landscaping will look aesthetically pleasing and your plants will thrive.

Choose a professional company that understands the needs of residential landscaping so you can enjoy your plants without the fear of pests or disease. We want to see your plants stay healthy and grow, so be sure to contact us today for more information on how you can get started taking care of the plants on your property.

Contact Us Today!
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