Hiring an Arborist: 5 Signs You’ve Picked a Professional

1/12/2017

An arborist helps maintain your trees. Arborists treat diseases, contain the damaging effects of weather and guide proper growth.
You know you need to hire a tree expert to get answers to your questions about tree health, but you want to make sure you’re hiring the right person — after all, you care about your trees’ longevity.
What Is an Arborist?
The official definition of an arborist is “tree surgeon.” Just like medical surgeons, arborists are highly trained experts who must pass extensive testing to maintain their licenses.
Here are six signs of an arborist you can depend on:
1. They’re a Member of a Reputable Organization
Ask about their professional memberships. The most popular certification is through the International Society of Arboriculture. Depending on your location, it might be required by state law that arborists hold a professional license to practice, so don’t just ask for your own benefit — make sure they’re following the law.
2. They’re Licensed and Insured
Besides a professional license, they should also have a license and insurance for their business. You don’t want someone trimming branches on your property unless they can pay for the damage if something goes wrong.
They should carry personal and property coverage, and each worker on their team should be fully insured under their policy. Otherwise, you could be held liable if one of their employees is hurt on the job.
3. They Don’t Rush You to Make a Decision
Professional arborists will make educated, informed recommendations, but they’ll ultimately let you make the final decision on how to treat the problem. It’s your tree, and it’s your property. They won’t try to pressure you into a decision by offering a “one-day-only” rush sale on their services.
4. They’re Not Quick to Suggest Topping or Removal
Trees should only be topped or removed under dire circumstances. An “arborist” who seems overly excited to chop away at your tree or remove it is a red flag. Highly trained arborists know the value of preserving the tree whenever possible.
5. They Aren’t a One-Stop Shop
The best tree surgeons know all there is to know about their craft. That’s why they offer much more than one service. They won’t just trim your branches. They will offer fertilization, pest treatment, bracing, cabling and more.
At Rivendell Tree Experts, we’re committed to providing quality service at affordable prices for our clients throughout Utah. Hiring an arborist doesn’t have to be complicated -- call us today for more information and a free quote.

75 Comments

Abe's link

2/23/2017 02:40:31 pm

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New York Tree Removal link

3/21/2017 02:57:01 pm

Undoubtedly an amazing post. Thank you very much for this article. These signs described in the post seems to cheat you may be for their own benefits. Be aware of those people always.

John link

4/7/2017 02:10:54 am

I like that they don't rush me and that they have a way to save the tree.

precious leyva link

5/15/2017 01:52:55 pm

I like that you mentioned the importance of hiring an insured and licensed tree care service. Some jobs can be a bit daunting and can result in some accidents. Knowing that a tree service is insured and licensed would give me a lot of peace in mind.

Tree Lover link

7/23/2017 11:39:43 am

Sometimes you gotta make a few tries to find the right arborist but it's worth it!

Ridley Fitzgerald link

8/14/2017 04:22:08 pm

Thanks for the tips for hiring a good arborist. We need to find someone to come and prune our three trees, so this is great. I'll be sure to find someone with a great reputation, and who is licensed and insured!

Ernest London link

8/15/2017 10:53:42 am

Thanks for the information on hiring a tree service. I have some dangerous trees in my yard I need removed, and I am trying to find the best possible arborist to handle the job. I like that you mentioned to make sure the company you choose has adequate insurance. It makes sense you would want them to be able to handle the damages if there was an accident. I will be sure to ask about this.

Earnest Watkins link

1/12/2018 06:52:21 am

I'd like to have a professional handle the trimming of a couple of my trees that need it, so your article was very helpful to me. I especially appreciated the part how you mentioned that I should inquire about the memberships the arborist belongs to prior to hiring them. This is definitely something I'll be willing to do since it would definitely build some confidence for me in their ability to perform satisfactory tree trimming services.

Georgia B link

3/28/2018 03:55:09 pm

I'm glad you mentioned that a good arborist will ultimately leave the final decision on what to do with the tree up to you. It's good to know that they'll likely offer a few different options for treatment and trimming before having you decide, though. I don't know the first thing about tree care, so I would definitely need to have the options explained to me beforehand!

Kyle Wayne link

4/5/2018 01:12:37 pm

I'm glad you talked about not rushing into something but to do your research. My dad is looking to hire tree services to get ready for the upcoming spring. I think I will talk to him about hiring a service after doing research.

Ashley Turns link

4/9/2018 04:56:42 pm

My husband and I are looking for the best arborist to help us trim our trees. So I like your tip to look for one that is fully licensed and insured so that you can be sure any damage will be covered. We will definitely have to start our search for a tree trimming arborist by focusing on those that are licensed and insured.

Monica Chavez link

4/12/2018 04:56:05 pm

My husband and I have this beautiful tree in our backyard that turns purple and red in the fall, and it's my favorite to watch throughout the change of the seasons. It recently started looking a little bit dead and discolored. I love how you mentioned that a good arborist with make educated, informed recommendations, but will ultimately leave the final decision up to you. I think it would be best if we had a professional come and take a look at it and give us a solid recommendation on what to do.

Amanda link

4/13/2018 06:27:40 pm

I sure agree with you when you said that it is a good thing to hire a professional arborist that is insured as that will guarantee me that in case damage was done on my property everything will be alright. Personally, insurance is very important to me when it comes to hiring someone because I want my property protected. I will be sure to get someone who fits the description once I start looking for a tree trimmer. Thank you.

Jordan link

4/16/2018 11:55:59 am

We've been wanting to get some tree trimming done, and I think that being able to get a professional would be ideal. I'm glad you mentioned that you want a licensed and insured tree trimming service. I'm going to have to look for a few good tree trimming companies and see what we can find!

Gary Puntman link

5/8/2018 10:17:34 am

I like that you mentioned choosing someone who is part of a reputable organization. I think this will be a huge way to find someone who will do the best job. It's good to know that the International Society of Aboriculture is the most popular certification as well.

Amanda Drew link

5/11/2018 12:52:59 pm

I have this big, old oak in my yard, and I'm getting worried because all of its bark is coming off, and it's having a problem growing leaves. So I like how you point out that you should try to find one who have a professional license and is certified. I'll have to find a tree service with an arborist like that to help me oak.

Silas Knight link

5/15/2018 11:30:03 am

It's good to know this finding the right arborist. I like how you said that they need to have property coverage, just in case something happens. We need someone to come and prune our trees, so I'll be sure to check for that.

Millie Hue link

5/18/2018 07:28:44 pm

My favorite part of this article is when you said that a professional arborist would tell you everything you need to know and will not push you to get their services fast just to avail the discounts. With that in mind, I will make sure that the company that I will hire has this characteristic first before I pick them. The tree in front of our house seems dangerous for me because it might hurt people or block the streets when it falls down due to extreme weather. So I plan to have it removed. Thanks for the tips!

Ashley Maxwell link

5/22/2018 04:34:42 pm

Thanks for your comment about how you should look for a tree service that is licensed and insured. I also like how you said that they should be well-known and highly-esteemed too. My grandma has some old trees in her front yard that she needs to be removed, so we are looking to hire her a tree service.

Derek Dewitt link

6/4/2018 07:15:57 am

My wife and I want to remove an old tree in our yard this summer, so we are looking for an arborist in town. I like your point about choosing a company that is licensed and insured. I don't want to be liable for any injuries or accidents, so I'll be sure to ask about this.

Jocelyn McDonald link

6/28/2018 07:05:03 am

We recently had a storm in our area, and our trees took a beating. We're looking to hire tree service that can help us trim the trees look nicer and hopefully keep them safe, and your article had some great tips for that. You mentioned to choose someone that's licensed and insured, and we'll keep this in mind choosing the arborist best for us.

Duncan Lance link

7/2/2018 01:28:43 pm

I love that your article recommends against choosing an arborist that rushes your decisions. After all, in order to properly take care of your trees you need a lot of thought and consideration. Because of that, you will want to make sure that the arborist can give you plenty of time to make the right decision for your trees.

Alexandria Martinez link

7/3/2018 02:49:57 pm

I was trying to look into getting a tree removal service for my new yard. It would be helpful to know more about these services so that I can clean up the property. Knowing that this is not a one-stop shop is good since it means there are other services that they provide.

Hazel Owens link

7/18/2018 04:44:23 pm

Thanks for the tip that an arborist that is too excited to chop your tree or remove it is a warning sign. My front yard has this huge Oak and my kids really like it but it seems to be getting way to overgrown recently. I'll have to call around to find an arborist that can help me decide on what the best plan of action is, but I'll need to avoid an that insist of chopping the top or removing the tree.

Raymond Cooper link

7/31/2018 08:50:15 am

I have a large tree in my yard that needs to be taken down. I haven't ever worked with a tree removal company before, so I really appreciate the tips you gave. I'll definitely look and see if they are licensed and insured to perform tree removal services in the state where I live.

Easton Memmott link

8/6/2018 11:59:24 am

I liked the idea that was given that your arborist should not rush you into making a decision. I personally hate when I get pressured into making a quick decision at the convenience of the company I have hired. I do not currently need an arborist. When I do need an arborist, I will be sure to make sure that they will not try and rush me into making a decision that would be convenient for them. Rather, I will look to make a decision on my own time and my own mind.

Mark Murphy link

9/10/2018 10:42:51 am

I really appreciate your tip to try and hire a professional who is licensed so you don't have to pay for any damages. My wife and I recently moved into a new house that has a lot of big trees in the backyard. I will be sure to hire a professional who is licensed if we want to trim our trees!

Tammie Houston link

9/20/2018 07:49:57 pm

It sure was nice that you mentioned how a professional tree service company will provide the person enough time to decide what they want for their trees. My tree is pretty old, and I am not sure if it will still last another decade. But that doesn't mean I need to rush into deciding about getting it removed. It's not that easy. That's why I would appreciate it if the arborist I will hire is like this.

Hannah Neilson link

10/10/2018 05:31:13 pm

I agree that you want to find a tree service that has a license and insurance for their business. It would make sense to check their business insurance in order to know who is qualified. My husband and I are looking for a tree service, so we'll have to check their license first.

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11/9/2018 06:34:56 am

I agree that you should check online reviews before hiring a tree service. That can help you get an idea of their quality, like you said. That will be an easy way to do a quick check about them beforehand. You want to also make sure there aren’t too many complaints against them, like you also suggested.
Thanks.

David link

11/27/2018 11:18:57 pm

Great information! I live in Canada a few days back I was also looking for a professional arborist and shortlisted 5 arborists around my region. Like you mentioned they must be insured and should be members of reputed firms I chose to take services from <a href="https://www.truenorthtree.com/">Burlington arborist.</a> They gave me the best services.

Jocelyn McDonald link

11/29/2018 06:42:19 am

My husband and I just moved to a home with lots of large, unruly trees in the yard, and we're considering hiring someone to trim them a bit. Your article had some great tips for choosing a tree service that could help us with this, and I liked how you said to make sure the person we hire is licensed and insured, so we'll know they'll pay for any damages if something goes wrong. Thanks; we'll keep this in mind when choosing the tree service best for our needs.

Ellie Davis link

11/29/2018 07:07:36 pm

My husband and I are needing to hire a tree service to come and take down one of the trees in our yard. Thank you for pointing out that we should make sure they carry property insurance. I'll have to keep this in mind as I search for the best company for us.

Kit Hannigan link

12/14/2018 06:13:31 pm

I like what you said about working with arborists that have the right insurance policies so you can be protected should anything go wrong in the job. My mother is a bit short on cash, but she really wants to get rid of the dying tree that has been bothering her for a long time. I will be sure to advise her to look for tree companies that have insurance policies that can make her feel more confident about the job.

Bram link

12/18/2018 03:19:48 pm

You're right when you say you don't know what could go wrong. That's why it is so important to have an arborist with insurance, as you said. Being prepared should be taken as a sign of their professionalism.

Gary Puntman link

12/20/2018 10:49:55 am

There are a few trees in my yard that I will want removed next spring. I want to start searching for the right company to choose right now so that I'm prepared. I'll definitely want to find someone who is part of a reputable organization. It's good to know that they need to have the right state licensing too, like you said.

Hazel Owens link

1/11/2019 04:02:49 pm

That's good to know that n arborist will give you options and let you take your time deciding what to do with your tree. My grandma has a huge oak in her front yard that seems to be covering all the other trees so they don't get a lot of sunlight, so she's trying to figure out what to do to fix that. We'll have to find an arborist that can look at her tree and give her options so the rest of her trees can grow but also so she can still keep the oak.

Tree Trimming link

1/27/2019 11:21:54 pm

Such an informative article. Thanks for sharing your blog about, "Hiring an arborist." Very useful.

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2/20/2019 10:41:55 am

Besides a professional license, they should also have a license and insurance for their business. You don’t want someone trimming branches on your property unless they can pay for the damage if something goes wrong. They should carry personal and property coverage, and each worker on their team should be fully insured under their policy. Otherwise, you could be held liable if one of their employees is hurt on the job.
Thanks.

Larry Weaver link

3/1/2019 10:07:36 am

Thanks for the advice to ask about an arborist's professional memberships. My backyard has a tree that is well over 50 years old and has been struggling to stay alive. Branches are constantly falling off and it looks like it could die any day now, so I'll be sure to hire an arborist that is professionally licensed to take care of it.

Daphne Gilpin link

3/19/2019 10:14:52 am

Thanks for explaining that a professional arborist shouldn't rush you to make a decision. My husband and I want to find a good tree service to take care of our trees. The tips you shared should help us find high quality tree care!

Silas Knight link

3/20/2019 12:38:10 pm

You've got great tips for hiring a tree professional. I love how you said that they need to be licensed and insured. We want our trees trimmed, so I'll remember this.

Adrian Jones link

3/22/2019 09:48:53 pm

I like how you mentioned that when someone hires an arborist to take a look at the state of their tree, they're quick to suggest alternative options and that tree removal is the ultimate last resort--other viable options to save the tree would be pitched first and the tree examined to see if it can still be saved. Another thing to consider is that they offer more than just tree trimming services--they will offer much more than that like pest treatment, fertilization, as well as bracing and cabling (should it apply). While I have no need yet to call for an arborist, it's nice to know that they have quite a selection of services to avail of when the time comes.

Bernard Button link

3/28/2019 11:25:33 am

You've got great tips for hiring an arborist. I love how you said that it's good to make sure they're licensed and insured. We'll do that when we hire someone to trim our trees.

Taylor Bishop link

6/19/2019 11:53:51 am

Thanks for explaining what a good arborist professional is like. You mentioned that they should have a professional license for their business. I'm kind of interested to learn if that license would be dependent on the area of where the arborist works, or if a license allows them to work anywhere.

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8/16/2019 08:19:18 am

This is a great article that provides great tips on how to choose the right arborist! Thanks for posting!

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8/24/2019 12:27:16 pm

Totally agree. Arborists have a professional and technical eye and can correctly diagnose tree related issues. It's much more than merely sawing and pruning branches.

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8/24/2019 12:31:03 pm

Tree surgeon is right! This is an extremely specialized and technical craft when done correctly.

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8/24/2019 12:32:59 pm

Also, thanks for taking the time to put together this comprehensive article.

Fay link

9/3/2019 01:53:43 pm

My favorite part about this article is when you talked about how professionals will never make an uneducated decision or recommendation but will evaluate the problem and help you make the right choice. I appreciate that you mentioned this, and I feel like this should be a rule of thumb in every service anyone requests. Anyone looking for tree service should read this article and make sure they are talking to the correct professional.

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9/24/2019 02:15:52 am

They Don’t Rush You to Make a Decision
Professional arborists will make educated, informed recommendations, but they’ll ultimately let you make the final decision on how to treat the problem. It’s your tree, and it’s your property. They won’t try to pressure you into a decision by offering a “one-day-only” rush sale on their services.

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9/25/2019 06:55:02 am

Ask about their professional memberships. The most popular certification is through the International Society of Arboriculture. Depending on your location, it might be required by state law that arborists hold a professional license to practice, so don’t just ask for your own benefit — make sure they’re following the law.

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10/3/2019 07:36:11 am

Professional arborists will make educated, informed recommendations, but they’ll ultimately let you make the final decision on how to treat the problem. It’s your tree, and it’s your property. They won’t try to pressure you into a decision by offering a “one-day-only” rush sale on their services

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10/6/2019 09:42:25 am

Callum Palmer link

10/22/2019 05:41:39 pm

We need some help with our trees. It would be good to go with a professional. I'd for sure want them to be licensed and insured. That way, we can be sure that the work will get done properly.

Tree service Wichita link

11/5/2019 06:12:11 pm

Perfect tips, but when I choose an arborist is must be comparative shop for reputable company and also talk to & meet with arborist companies of interest to make sure your consumer needs will be met.

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11/7/2019 06:07:27 am

Justin Beckett link

11/25/2019 11:08:03 pm

This entire post absolutely ROCKS! Thank you for all the hard work you put into it. It really shows.

naughteegirl link

11/30/2019 05:10:30 am

Trees should only be topped or removed under dire circumstances. An “arborist” who seems overly excited to chop away at your tree or remove it is a red flag. Highly trained arborists know the value of preserving the tree whenever possible.

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12/6/2019 04:19:07 am

The best tree surgeons know all there is to know about their craft. That’s why they offer much more than one service. They won’t just trim your branches. They will offer fertilization, pest treatment, bracing, cabling and more.
At Rivendell Tree Experts, we’re committed to providing quality service at affordable prices for our clients throughout Utah. Hiring an arborist doesn’t have to be complicated -- call us today for more information and a free quote.

buyadream link

12/6/2019 04:50:18 am

Finding a tree contractor when you need them the most should be easy. But do people really save a tree expert’s number on their phone to quickly call them for urgent concerns? We guess not. But you must know that the need for emergency tree services come during the most unexpected times.

Skyler Williams link

12/6/2019 11:56:47 am

I had no idea that you could be liable for a worker getting hurt on your property if the tree removal company you hire isn't insured. There is an old, oak tree in my backyard that is starting to lean, and I want to get it fixed before it falls on our house. I'll be sure to find an arborist that has all the proper licenses and insurance.

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12/7/2019 07:48:52 am

Grinding A Tree Stump is made simple with our professional team. Simply choose the stump or stumps you need out of the way, and tell our professionals what you're looking for. They'll book a no-obligation appointment with you at a time and place that works for you. Then, if you decide we've earned your business, feel free to give us a call back at your leisure and schedule a Grinding A Tree Stump appointment.

Brad Erwin link

12/9/2019 01:08:46 pm

It's good to know that a professional arborist will inform you of the best way to treat a tree and let you make a decision on how to proceed. My brother has a few trees in his backyard that look like they need some pruning very soon. I will be sure to recommend that he research to find a professional that understands the proper techniques and procedures for dealing with trees so that he can ensure a healthy-looking tree.

David Johnson link

12/12/2019 10:14:06 am

Thanks for the tip to ask about their memberships to see that they are part of a good organization and to see if they're licensed to practice. My trees are giving me a lot of trouble, especially because I personally don't have much time off of work to care for them. I'll have to look at hiring an arborist.

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12/15/2019 10:22:22 am

Frank Delaware link

12/30/2019 11:35:33 am

Thank you for all this great information about choosing an arborist! One thing that I really like is that you say that if they don't rush you to make a decision. I know that I would want to take my time in the end.

kate hansen link

1/14/2020 01:49:57 pm

It's good to know that a professional will be licensed and insured. My husband and I are wanting to get a tree in our yard removed because it has recently started leaning one way, and we don't want to risk it falling and causing damage. We'll make sure to keep these tips in mind as we search for an arborist to remove our tree.

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3/28/2020 02:14:50 pm

I use a folding handsaw for pruning out low hanging branches that get in my way! I generally use them to cut limbs an inch or two in diameter but some saws can cut through 4 inches.And then there are pole saws (too unwieldy for me) and chainsaws (they frighten me)! If you use these tools I suggest you have protective gear on and know what you’re doing OR call someone that does! That’s what I do.
Thanks

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Sabrina Addams link

4/6/2020 10:00:37 am

My neighbor two houses down has a beautiful, oak tree in his backyard. He thinks it may be dying, so he is looking for a tree removal service to come by his house. I'll tell him that he should make sure to hire one that carries personal and property coverage, as well as lets him make the final decisions.

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6/24/2020 06:16:34 pm

Thanks a lot for this read! Our team and I learned a lot from your insight and will begin to incorporate some of this material into our practices. Feel free to visit us, we offer great <a href="https://www.treeservicesslc.com/">tree service Salt Lake City</a>

Hiring an Arborist: 5 Signs You’ve Picked a Professional

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