Why hire an "Arborist"?

Arborists, like Wood Acres Tree Specialists, are experts in the care of individual trees. Arborists are knowledgeable about the needs of trees and are trained and equipped to provide proper care. Hiring an arborist is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Proper tree care is an investment that can lead to substantial returns. Well-cared-for trees are attractive and can add considerable value to your property. Poorly maintained trees can be a significant liability. Pruning or removing trees, especially large trees, can be dangerous work. Tree work should be done only by those trained and equipped to work safely in trees.

Services That Wood Acres' Arborists Can Provide:

Pruning
Our arborists can determine the type of pruning necessary to maintain or improve the health, appearance, and safety of trees. These techniques include:
• eliminating branches that rub each other
• removing limbs that interfere with wires, building facades, gutters, roofs, chimneys, or windows, or that obstruct streets or sidewalks
• removing dead or weak limbs that pose a hazard or may lead to decay
• removing diseased or insect-infested limbs
• creating better structure to lessen wind resistance and reduce the potential for storm damage
• training young trees
• removing limbs damaged by adverse weather conditions
• removing branches, or thinning, to increase light penetration
• improving the shape or silhouette of the tree

Removal
Although tree removal is a last resort, there are circumstances when it is necessary. Our arborists can help decide whether a tree should be removed. Arborists have the skills and equipment to safely and efficiently remove trees. Removal is recommended when the tree:
• is dead or dying
• is considered irreparably hazardous
• is causing an obstruction that is impossible to correct through pruning
• is crowding and causing harm to other trees
• is to be replaced by a more suitable specimen
• is located in an area where new construction requires removal

Emergency Tree Care
Storms may cause limbs or entire trees to fall, often landing on other trees, homes and other structures, or cars. The weight of storm-damaged trees is great, and they can be dangerous to remove or trim. Wood Acres Arborists can assist in performing the job in a safe manner, while reducing further risk of damage to property.

Tree Recommendations
Wood Acres can recommend types of trees (& refer you to landscapers that can plant them) that are appropriate for a specific location. The wrong tree in the wrong location could lead to future problems as a result of limited growing space, insects, diseases, or poor growth.

Pruning
A Wood Acres arborist can determine the type of pruning necessary to maintain or improve the health, appearance, and safety of trees. These techniques include:
• eliminating branches that rub each other
• removing limbs that interfere with wires, building facades, gutters, roofs, chimneys, or windows, or that obstruct streets or sidewalks
• removing dead or weak limbs that pose a hazard or may lead to decay
• removing diseased or insect-infested limbs
• creating better structure to lessen wind resistance and reduce the potential for storm damage
• training young trees
• removing limbs damaged by adverse weather conditions
• removing branches, or thinning, to increase light penetration
• improving the shape or silhouette of the tree

Plant Health Care, a concept of preventive maintenance to keep trees in good health, which will help the tree better defend itself against insects, disease, and site problems
• fertilization
• cabling or bracing for added support to branches with weak attachment
• aeration to improve root growth
• installation of lightning protection systems
• spraying or injecting to control certain insect and disease problems

Why Wood Acres is the Right Arborist for the Job

Membership in professional organizations such as the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), or the Maryland Arborist Association (MAA). Such membership demonstrates a willingness on the part of Wood Acres to stay up to date on the latest techniques and information.
• ISA arborist certification. Certified Arborists are experienced professionals who have passed an extensive examination covering all aspects of tree care.

• Wood Acres Tree Specialists carry personal and property damage insurance as well as workers compensation insurance. Many home owners have had to pay out large amounts of money for damages caused by uninsured individuals claiming to be tree experts. You could be held responsible for damages and injuries that occur as a result of the job.

• Necessary permits and licenses. Some governmental agencies require contractors to apply for permits and/or to apply for a license before they are able to work. Wood Acres complies with any local, state, provincial, or national laws that govern their work.

• Wood Acres can provide references to validate where the company has done work similar to the work you are requesting. Remember, tree care is a substantial, long-lasting investment; you would not buy a car without a test drive!

Tips if you're interviewing arborists:

• Don’t always accept the low bid. You should examine the credentials and the written specifications of the firms that submitted bids and determine the best combination of price, work to be done, skill, and professionalism to protect your substantial investment. Wood Acres is the best value.

• Be wary of individuals who go door to door and offer bargains for performing tree work. Most reputable companies are too busy to solicit work in this manner. Improper tree care can take many years to correct itself and, in some cases, it can never be corrected. Are you willing to take that risk with your valuable investment?

• Keep in mind that good arborists will perform only accepted practices. For example, practices such as topping a tree, removing an excessive amount of live wood, using climbing spikes on trees that are not being removed, and removing or disfiguring living trees without just cause are unnecessary.

What Is a Certified Arborist?
An arborist by definition is an individual who is trained in the art and science of planting, caring for, and maintaining individual trees. ISA arborist certification is a nongovernmental, voluntary process by which individuals can document their base of knowledge. It operates without mandate of law and is an internal, self-regulating device administered by the International Society of Arboriculture. Certification provides a measurable assessment of an individual’s knowledge and competence required to provide proper tree care.

Certified Arborists are individuals who have achieved a level of knowledge in the art and science of tree care through experience and by passing a comprehensive examination developed by some of the nation’s leading experts on tree care. Certified Arborists must also continue their education to maintain their certification. Therefore, they are more likely to be up to date on the latest techniques in arboriculture.

Wood Acres Tree Specialists meet all the above requirements. Make Wood Acres your first choice for your tree and shrub care needs on your property. Licensed, Insured, and highly educated in the care and needs of your trees. Certified and Accredited.

Contact Wood Acres Tree Specialists

Excerpt from: International Society of Arboriculture.
UPDATED JULY 2005
Developed by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), a non-profit organization supporting tree care research around the world and is dedicated to the care and preservation of shade and ornamental trees. For further information, contact:
ISA, P.O. Box 3129, Champaign, IL 61826-3129, USA.
E-mail inquires: isa@isa-arbor.com
© 2007 International Society of Arboriculture.
UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2005

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