Arborists and Tree Surgeons

What does a tree surgeon do?

Basic tree surgery involves pruning trees that have overgrown; cutting down branches that are dangerous or growing too high, far or wide; or shaping the whole tree. However, many tree surgeons can carry out a number of other tree services, including tree planting, felling whole trees, trimming hedges or large plants, tree stump removal and even installing tree lights. Arborists will be more technically trained and can diagnose tree diseases as well as advising on how best to prune and maintain your trees.

Unfortunately, trees don’t grow overnight but instead need a bit of lasting care and attention. To make sure they get the best start, ask a tree surgeon if they will carry out tree planting for you and give you advice on how to look after your new saplings. Arborists should definitely be able to do this, and most tree surgeons will too, but not necessarily so it’s always best to check before on the exact tree services they offer. Arborists will also be able to advise you on where to plant your trees and whether you have the suitable ground soil for them.

When do you need a tree surgeon?

If you’re having a problem with a particular tree, perhaps it seems to be unhealthy or there is a crack in the trunk, then it would be advisable to call an arborist or specialist tree care professional. Tree surgeons and arborists can specialise in willow, holly, oak or beech tree services, for example, so you may want to find a tree surgeon that regularly deals with particular tree problems.

Whatever your tree care problem, you can find tree surgeons and more tree services on Houzz to help you. If you’re planning on landscaping your garden as well as adding some trees, then you should talk to gardening professionals at the same time as tree surgery specialists. Here are some related professionals and vendors to complement the work of tree services: Landscape Contractors, Landscape Architects & Garden Designers, Garden & Landscape Supplies.

Questions to ask prospective tree surgeons:

• How long have you been in the tree services business?
  
• Do you have any relevant qualifications? Do you belong to any tree surgeon or arborist associations, such as the ARB?
  
• Do you classify yourself as an arborist or a tree surgeon?
  
• What tree services do you offer?
  
• Will you advise me on how best to care for my trees or simply prune them for me?
  
• What projects like mine have you completed?
  
• Can you provide me with references?
  
• Will you be able to tell me if any of my trees are protected?
  
• Who will be working on the job?
  
• Can you give me a written estimate for the job?
  
• When will you be able to start working on my tree(s)?
  
• What will I need to provide?
  

Find tree service professionals on Houzz. Look in the Professionals section under tree services. You can look through arborists’ and tree surgeons’ portfolios and read reviews to see what past clients have to say.