What is a tree specialist called? Whether you have an unruly specimen that requires expert trimming or one affected by a mysterious illness, knowing who to turn to can make all the difference in landscape care. As the go-to tree service in Biloxi, MS, our crew at Professional Tree Service is here to shed some light on the subject.
You’re Probably Looking for an Arborist
A fancy word for a tree doctor, an arborist is a professional in the practice of arboriculture, which is the study and management of individual trees, shrubs, vines, and other perennial woody plants.
Now, becoming one isn’t a walk in the park. It requires formal education in fields like biology, botany, or related disciplines, alongside practical tree-care experience. You also need to:
- Pass an examination from the International Society of Arboriculture
- Demonstrate extensive experience in caring for trees
- Earn a certain amount of continuing education credits every three years
- Learn special skills like tree climbing
Just like in medicine, where doctors may specialize in certain body parts or types of disease, arborists also often have areas of expertise. In our state, for example, we have a Tree Surgery License that focuses specifically on procedures like pruning and removal.
Other areas like Texas have created the Oak Wilt Qualification, a certification designed to equip arborists with the knowledge to identify and manage one of the region’s most prevalent issues.
What Can a Certified Arborist Do?
Knowing what is a tree specialist called is one thing; understanding their role is another. Arborists can handle various tree care tasks that might extend beyond the average gardener’s green thumb, including the following.
Tree Removal
Arborists deftly remove trees that pose a risk to properties or obstruct views, ensuring safety all around. It’s a blend of meticulous planning, precision, and a solid understanding of the specimen’s overall health and stability.
Pruning
Pruning, an art and science in itself, is an arborist’s bread and butter. This intricate task involves removing back branches to improve tree health, enhance growth, and reduce risks due to storm damage.
Diagnosis
Arborists play detective, sleuthing out the cause of a tree’s distress. They identify the species and examine its symptoms, consider environmental factors, and sometimes run lab tests. Once they’ve cracked the case, they prescribe a course of action — perhaps a pest control treatment, improved watering methods, or a nutrient boost.
Planting
Do you plan to introduce some new leafy members to your landscape? Arborists can lend a hand with tree selection and planting. They can guide you towards species that will flourish in your yard’s unique conditions, taking into account factors like sunlight exposure, soil type, and local climate.
Know When To Call a Tree Health Expert
Beyond obvious situations — like when a tree threatens to take a nosedive on your roof — you should also consult an arborist when things seem less dire but still peculiar. Regularly inspect your trees and watch out for symptoms like:
- Unusual leaf discoloration or wilting
- Cankers or fungal bodies
- Compromised bark
- Desiccated branches
- Tree suddenly tilts to one side
Remember, neglecting early warning signs could lead to irreversible damage or even the loss of your specimen. The next time you’re on the fence about whether to call in some tree preservation pros, remember: better safe than sorry!
Your Trusted Tree Service in Mississippi
You don’t have to care for your yard alone. Let our specialists at Professional Tree Service lend a helping hand. Dial (228) 669-9388 today!
Beyond answering questions like, “What is a tree specialist called?” our blog also offers many horticultural insights like how to care for newly planted trees. Browse through our archives and enrich your arboreal knowledge.