If you are a landlord or homeowner looking for someone to manage your trees, shrubs, and hedges, then I don’t think it’s surprising that you might be confused as to who you should call for help and advice. This begs the question: What is the difference between an arborist, a surgeon and an arboriculturalist.
While most people are familiar with the term tree surgeon, there are many other terms that can be used in place of this one. Tree surgeons are not all the same thing. Some arborists use the term arborist while others call themselves tree surgeons. Some people use all three. What is the difference? Which one should you choose to care for your trees’ health, wellbeing, and pruning? You don’t want to pick the wrong one or get a sub-par job. Bark and Branch tree specialists are experts in vegetation management, from trees to invasive plants. All of our tree surgery tree removal, site clearance, vegetation and invasive weed control work is done with pride. We are dedicated to providing excellent customer service and professionalism, from the beginning to the end.
The Tree Surgeon
Tree surgeons are the people you will see working high up in trees with their chainsaw. They are experts in the mechanical aspects of the business. This includes pruning, crown reduction (where tops of trees must be cut back for a variety reasons), dead branch removal, stump or tree extraction and removal. It’s always a bigger job than you might think, as there is more to trees below the surface than it does above. A good tree surgeon will be a skilled operator of the equipment they use every day. They’ll know how to cut the wood so that it is as healthy and safe as possible.
The Arborist
An arborist is a different skill set than a tree surgeon. An arborist, whereas a tree surgeon has to manage trees, is the master of tree management. They must have the appropriate qualifications before they can call themselves an arborist. Their training and experience in the industry are focused on the overall health and well-being of your trees. They can identify potential problems and help you choose the best location for your tree. They will also be able to advise you on how to treat a sick tree or prevent them from becoming infected. They are, in essence, the masters of tree management.
The Arboriculturalist
It’s not a question at all, since an arboriculturalist is the same thing as an arborist.
You get the best of both worlds
The truth is that you will need both. It’s best to work with an arborist and tree surgeon who can collaborate to make sure your trees are well-managed and planted.
Don’t be fooled by those who abuse their titles
Tree care has low entry barriers. Although the basic equipment isn’t very expensive, not every tree surgeon will own the same professional-grade tools or equipment we do. Many will also misuse the titles we have mentioned. As a customer, it is difficult to distinguish the good from the evil, the ones who are best for your trees and those who will do more harm than good. Verify credentials and qualifications. An arborist will often have letters after their names and/or more than four years’ experience in the industry. An arborist would only be qualified to perform the work if they were able to show their ‘practical qualifications’ to an employer.