When your pet is sick, you call the vet, not the groomer, right? So if your tree needs attention, don’t call a lawn specialist. Call a certified arborist, a kind of tree doctor or surgeon.
“A well-trained, credentialed arborist knows how to treat diseases or remove damaged limbs to maintain a tree for its health, not just for aesthetics,” said Brian Malatia, arborist at The Morton Arboretum.
Your tree took decades to grow, but a few minutes in the hands of an amateur can disfigure it. Or you may spend money treating the wrong problem.
“A good arborist can identify and treat diseases or pests, add bracing to large branches or add lightning protection to trees overhanging your home,” Malatia said. “He or she also can show you the proper way to mulch the tree and even protect the roots during an upcoming construction project, such as a room addition or new walkway.”
The arborist should have credentials from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) (isa-arbor.com) or its Illinois chapter (illinoisarborist.org). Credentialed arborists must take education courses to maintain their certifications.
According to Malatia, an arborist who climbs trees is the gold standard. “They are becoming rare. But it’s beneficial when the person doing the work can get up in the tree to see the problems up close,” he said.
If the arborist won’t do the work him or herself, ask who will and how much experience that person has. Check the company’s insurance to be sure it is covered in case of injury or accidental property damage.
Because tree care can be relatively expensive, “always get at least three estimates and compare apples to apples,” said Malatia.
If you’re confused by different diagnoses or treatment methods, use the Internet to double-check, or contact The Morton Arboretum Plant Clinic (630-719-2424 or plantclinic@mortonarb.org). For more advice on hiring an arborist, go to mortonarb.org/plantadvice. Laurie Casey is a staff writer at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle.
