An arborist is a tree doctor who diagnoses and treats sick trees and other plants before they die. They also prune and trim trees and advise on a wide variety of topics including planting, soil management and removal of dead branches and trees to maintain tree health.
An arborist is skilled at a number of aspects of tree management from planting new trees to the removal of dead ones and a number of other tasks in between. They typically have a background in botany, arboriculture or related field.
Let’s take a closer look at what arborists are trained to do, what tasks they are typically hired for and where you can find them for your tree and garden requirements. We’ll generally refer to trees but an arborist can typically help with shrubs, hedges, bushes and other woody plants (i.e. with hard stems), too.
What jobs can an arborist do?
Arborists are tree doctors who typically hold a Bachelor’s degree in botany, biology, arboriculture or horticulture and are trained to work with trees and woody plants. The tasks they do may involve planting, maintaining, pruning, growing and removing trees and other vegetation. Arborists are able to work for private customers as well as government organizations and landscaping businesses among others.
A typical arborist will perform the following functions as part of their job:
- Trimming and pruning trees – Trimming and pruning trees leads to healthier trees and ensures they don’t get too large that they impede other vegetation from growing or from damaging surrounding utility lines or structures.
- Removing and planting trees – Sometimes trees need to be relocated if they are overgrowing or impeding the growth of other plants. Sometimes a tree’s roots interfere with other vegetation or with underground pipes and need to be removed as a result. Arborists can conversely help you plant new trees and other vegetation.
- Applying pesticides – Most states require arborists to be licensed and insured to use pesticides. This typically involves passing an exam and perhaps having trained under another arborist before working on their own. Many of the best pesticides are government-controlled depending on where you live so you might need to hire an arborist who is allowed to use pesticides in certain situations i.e. when a tree’s life is in danger or even for cosmetic reasons.
- Maintaining soil conditions – Soil management is another important aspect of an arborist’s skillset. Any living thing growing in the ground requires good soil that allows water (and irrigation) and oxygen along with required nutrients. An arborist can check current soil conditions and help to improve them when necessary for proper root growth and the health of your trees.
- Identifying and treating diseases – One of the most important aspects of an arborist’s job is to help customers deal with and avoid diseases and infections that can ultimately kill trees and plants. Common problems include blight, infestations, fungal infections and rot.
- Consulting with clients and potential clients – This may include planning future and current gardens and also providing advice on planting, tree placement, removal and disposal. Arborists may also point you in the right direction of other resources you might require such as a tree removal service.
What skills do arborists require and exhibit?
In some jurisdictions, arborists might be required to be certified by an organization like the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA
) or are otherwise licensed to use pesticides.
Here are the main skills arborists provide to keep your trees healthy:
Tree trimming and pruning – Part of ensuring the health of trees and plants is properly trimming and pruning them but knowing when, how much and where to prune and trim them is equally important. Some plants and trees have specific rules regarding trimming and pruning that an arborist would know about to maintain their health. Arborists also remove excessive, dead or dying branches while also shaping trees and hedges for aesthetic reasons. In some cases arborists can also deal with trees that have fallen, are damaged or are simply unwanted.
Tree and plant anatomy – Part of the job of an arborist is to diagnose disease and other ailments in trees, shrubs, plants, and hedges. While the average tree owner may not be able to immediately diagnose a problem that could lead to the death of vegetation, it’s an area that an arborist has experience with. By understanding the anatomy of what’s in your garden, they can make a professional diagnosis to treat and potentially save your tree.
Soil management – As mentioned above, soil management is an important skill that arborists bring to the table. This includes soil remediation when required to help trees grow properly. When soil is compacted or otherwise imperfect, it can lead to roots dying, defoliation and weakening of trees due to disease or pest infestation. In severe cases this can lead to the death of the tree.
Planning and consulting – Arborists may be required to help customers nurse sick trees and plants back to health and help them avoid this situation in the future. Arborists may also need to plan garden and tree layouts and consult with potential customers regarding their gardens. Customers will need expert advice on where to plant certain plants and trees and in what amount. Some trees and shrubs need a certain amount of space between them and more so if they suck up a lot of water and will compete with each other for space and nourishment.
How much do arborists charge?
Based on online research, arborists charge a wide range of fees depending on their experience level, where you live and what work is required. The difficulty of the work is usually a major factor given that a large tree(s) can take significant work to prune, cut down and/or remove when required. Arborists generally charge by the job and not by the hour.
Here are some typical jobs that an arborist can perform and the average cost to expect.
| Arborist task | Average Cost |
| Tree removal | $900 |
| Tree trimming and pruning | $430 |
| Stump removal | $330 |
| Land clearing | $500 – $2000 per acre |
| Tree planting (including tree cost) | $225 |
| Wood chips in garden (mulch) | $110 |
| Deep root fertilization | $225 |
| Tree cabling (bracing a tree) | $300 |
| Lawn overseeding | $1,000 |
| Tree inspection | $125 |
| Arborist report | $400 – $500 |
You can find an arborist by checking out the database on the ISA website.