APPALACHIAN ARBORISTS
Tree and Forest Professionals
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Tree and Forest Professionals |
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TREE CARE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSTable of Contents
Why should I hire an arborist?An arborist is a specialist in the care of individual trees. Arborists are knowledgeable about the needs of trees, and are trained and equipped to provide proper care. Well cared for trees are attractive and can add considerable value to your property. Tree work should only be done by those trained and equipped to work safely in trees. Back to TopHow do I choose an arborist?Be an informed consumer! Membership in professional organizations such as the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), or the American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA) demonstrates a willingness on the part of the arborist to stay up-to-date on the latest techniques and information. See the ISA website to locate a certified arborist in your area. Ask for proof of insurance! A reputable arborist will have liability insurance as well as worker's compensation insurance. Be wary of individuals who go door-to-door and offer bargains for performing tree work. Most reputable companies are too occupied to solicit work in this manner. Good arborists will not perform unacceptable practices such as tree topping, removing an excessive amount of live wood, using climbing spikes on a tree which is not being removed, or removing living trees without just cause. Reference: Literature put forth by the International Society of Arboriculture, 2001. Back to TopWhat is a certified arborist?An arborist is an individual who is trained in the art and science of caring for and maintaining individual trees. Certified arborists are individuals who have achieved a level of knowledge in the art and science of tree care through at least three years of experience and have passed a comprehensive examination developed by some of the nation's leading experts on tree care. A certified arborist is a tree specialist who has met the guidelines set forth by the International Society of Arboriculture. to find out more information about the ISA's requirements, click here. Back to TopDo I need a tree service with insurance?Yes! We at Appalachian Arborists carry worker's compensation insurance as well as liability insurance. Worker's compensation insurance protects the homeowner from being liable in the event that there is an injury to one of our staff on his/her property. Liability insurance protects the homeowner in the event that we cause damage to the homeowner's property. We, of course, hope that this will not happen, but if it does, our insurance will cover the damage, not your homeowner's insurance! Please call the office if you would like official certificates of insurance mailed or faxed to you. Back to TopYes! If you are in the Asheville, Hendersonville, Weaverville, Waynesville, or Highlands areas estimates for tree work are free. If you would like for someone to walk your property to give you advice (where no work is intended) there is a consultation fee. Why shouldn't I top my trees?Topping is perhaps the most harmful tree "pruning" practice known. Topping is the indiscriminate cutting back of tree branches to stubs or lateral branches. The most common reason given for topping is to reduce the size of a tree. However, topping greatly stresses the tree by removing 50 to 100% of the leaf-bearing crown of a tree. This can temporarily "starve" a tree. A stressed tree is more vulnerable to insect and disease infestations. Cuts made by topping create wounds that the tree may not me able to close. The exposed wood tissues begin to decay. Few trees can defend the multiple severe wounds caused by topping. Unfortunately, when a tree is topped, it's survival mechanism causes it to produce multiple shoots below each topping cut. These branches can grow very quickly. These shoots are very prone to breaking, creating a much more hazardous tree than before it was topped. For more information, please visit www.treesaregood.com/treecare/topping.asp Back to TopWhat are the alternatives to topping?When a tree must be reduced in height or in spread, there are recommended techniques for doing this. If practical, branches should be removed back to their point of origin. If a branch must be shortened, it should be cut back to a lateral that is large enough to assume the terminal role. This method of branch reduction helps to preserve the natural form of the tree. More information on proper pruning practices is available in Tree Pruning Guidelines, prepared by the International Society of Arboriculture. Back to TopWhen is a good time of year to prune trees?Most routine pruning to remove weak, diseased or dead limbs can be accomplished at any time during the year with little effect on the tree. As a rule, growth is maximized and would closure is fastest if pruning takes place before the spring growth flush. How do I properly mulch my trees? Properly mulching your trees can maintain moisture and improve soil conditions. The most common mistake that homeowners make with mulching is creating "mulch volcanoes" in which the mulch is piled too deeply around the base of the tree, which can harm the tree. A good rule of thumb is to use two to four inches depth and to spread the mulch as wide as the branches of the tree. Remember to not pile the mulch too deeply around the tree's base! XXXAuthor information goes here.
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