What’s the difference between an arborist and a tree surgeon?
If your trees or hedges need some care and attention, using a professional is the only way to be certain of getting the best results, with no stress. But you might be wondering what the difference is between tree surgeons and arborists, and which one you should use for your garden.
The terms tree surgeon and arborist (or arboriculturalist) are often used interchangeably, but they are subtly different professions. A very simple way of describing the difference is that tree surgeons know where to cut a tree, whereas arborists know why. Arborists study trees at a biological level and know how to keep them safe and healthy. Good, qualified tree surgeons will still have extensive knowledge of how to treat trees, but tend to focus more on the specific work required.
The level of qualification is an important difference between arborists and tree surgeons. Tree surgery is complex and dangerous work, and as such all tree surgeons should be qualified, as all of our tree surgeons are. However, for someone to be called an arborist means that they must have qualifications in arboriculture, and could even be educated up to masters degree level. Watch out for those who misuse these job titles – always check the level of qualification your tree surgeon or arborist holds to be sure that you’re receiving a truly professional service.
When do you need a tree surgeon?
Qualified tree surgeons will be able to help you with any tree or hedge work required in your garden. They should be fully trained and qualified to undertake work safely, regardless of the height and location of the work required. They will be experienced in all aspects of tree work, such as crown reduction or thinning, crown raising, tree removal, and stump removal. They will have the right equipment and know how to use it safely.
When do you need an arborist?
Qualified arborists can help you fully understand the health of a tree and what works are required to keep it healthy, or bring a damaged tree back to full health. They will be able to fully assess trees and hedges, and even the soil they’re planted in, and recommend work to be undertaken.
Using a fully qualified arborist is also very important if you’re undertaking any commercial work. Some planning regulations will require that an arborist is used to assess trees in the vicinity of building or demolition works.
The real secret? You need both!
In reality, for any successful tree work to be undertaken, you need both arborists and tree surgeons working together. Arborists will understand the health of the tree and what work should be undertaken to maximise the health of the tree long-term. Tree surgeons will bring their deep expertise of conducting tree works to ensure that work on the tree is carried out safely and effectively. This combination of skills means that your garden will look great, and your trees and hedges will be healthy and happy for years to come.
At Climbers Way Tree Care, we have fully qualified arborists AND tree surgeons on our team. We think this is essential to give you the best possible service, and total peace of mind. We have decades of experience undertaking a huge range of tree works, backed up with qualifications and professional memberships, giving you total confidence in our abilities.
