Let’s answer a common question: what does an arboriculturist do?

An Arborwell arboriculturist, also known as an arborist, studies and manages the health of trees. Their focus differs from that of other tree professionals, such as foresters, who concentrate on the management of large areas of trees.

Arborists are essential to Arborwell’s mission of preserving trees in our service areas. Conditions in urban areas stress trees. Pollution, compacted soil, traffic collisions, and root restrictions because of building foundations, roadways and underground pipes all reduce the lifespan of a tree in the city.

An arborist helps a tree thrive despite these conditions. Experienced arborists are skilled at evaluating trees by inspecting growth rate, leaf color, peeling bark, signs of mildew, growths, and oozing fluid.

They then devise a plan to bring the tree back to robust health. Strong trees are important chiefly because of their environmental benefits, which include:

• Producing oxygen. An acre of trees produces enough oxygen for 18 people in a year.

• Absorbing pollution. Trees act as filters, removing odors, particulates, and gases such as nitrogen oxide from our air.

• Providing shade. The urban tree canopy shields us from ultraviolet rays while cooling our buildings and streets.

• Slowing runoff. When it rains, trees slow water runoff, preventing soil erosion and allowing moisture to seep into the ground.

• Creating homes for wildlife. Insects such as bees, squirrels, birds, possums, and other animals live in our trees and keep the ecology in balance.

Beyond the environment, trees also increase property values by adding beauty to city lots and streets and improve the attitudes of humans. Neighborhoods that are well-landscaped with trees have been shown to experience lower crime rates than barren neighborhoods.

Arborwell arborists also consider the conditions of the city in which they practice. An arborist in Sacramento, for example, looks for indications the tree is getting enough water in periods of drought. Our arborists in Seattle guard against tree diseases that exist in the northwest’s cool, moist climate.

How a Skilled Arborist Cares for Trees

Arborwell arborists in Oakland and the East Bay, San Diego, the San Francisco Peninsula, Seattle, Sacramento, and Seattle care for all types of tree species. They are experts in the areas of:

• Trimming a tree is a science and an art. Precision cutting of branches removes dead wood, promotes growth, and gives a tree an appealing shape. 

• A planting location must meet a tree’s soil, moisture, and sun needs, as well as provide enough space for roots and the canopy spread. 

• Providing adequate moisture, periodic fertilization, and immediate attention to any damage keeps a tree looking beautiful and helps fight off diseases. 

• As a last resort, removing a tree may be sometimes be necessary. An arborist knows how to take down a tree safely and quickly when branches or roots interfere with structures or lightning, wind, vehicle collisions, or disease cause irreparable damage.

Call Arborwell For Skilled Tree Care

We hope this blog post has answered the question, what does an arboriculturist do? Put our skilled arborists to work on your property. Call today to schedule a consultation.