Introduction
Do you have trees on your property or are looking to add trees to your property but need help figuring out where to start? Consider hiring an arborist. In New Zealand, arborists are professionals specialising in tree care and maintenance. They are skilled and qualified and understand everything about trees and how to care for them properly. But what exactly does an arborist do, and do you need one?
The Responsibilities of an Arborist
An arborist’s primary job is to diagnose and fix any problems with your trees, including everything from diagnosing and treating diseases and pests to pruning and shaping trees to promote healthy development.
An arborist can also assist with more challenging jobs like properly removing damaged or sick trees or planting new trees. They have been trained to perform these tasks safely, utilising the right skills and equipment to reduce the threat of injury or property damage.
Arborists also advise clients on proper tree care to ensure that their trees stay as healthy as possible, which includes assisting in the understanding of trees, such as:
- watering,
- fertilising,
- trimming.
The Types of Clients an Arborist Works With
Arborists work with clients of all sizes, from homeowners to businesses, councils, and other organisations.- Homeowners can hire an arborist to care for their trees for practical reasons (such as removing a damaged tree) or for aesthetic purposes (such as pruning and shaping trees for a more attractive appearance).
- Businesses, particularly those with large properties, may also hire arborists to care for their trees. This contributes to the property’s overall aesthetic while ensuring the safety of employees, customers and buildings.
- Councils and other organisations may hire arborists to look after trees in public spaces such as parks, roads, and other public areas.
Tree Climbing Techniques and Equipment Used by Arborists
Arborists climb trees securely using a range of techniques and equipment. The use of a climbing rope and harness is a frequent practice.
The most common way an arborist climbs a tree is where they connect one side of the rope to their harness and then send it over a branch which is then connected back to harness. They then use the rope and power to climb up and down the tree.
Another option is to use a ladder, either a standard ladder or a specialised tree ladder. This can be used to reach the tree’s lower branches but is only sometimes suitable for reaching higher branches.
Arborists may use specialised equipment, such as aerial lifts or bucket trucks, to access the higher sections of a tree in specific circumstances, which enables the arborist to work at considerable heights while keeping stable. Aerial lifts and bucket trucks are commonly utilised when removing dead trees.
Overall, the method chosen to climb a tree will be determined by the specific duties at hand, the location and condition of the tree, and the arborist’s preferences and expertise.
The Benefits of Trees
There are many reasons why trees are essential and why we need them. Some of the main benefits of trees include:
- Providing oxygen: Trees produce oxygen through photosynthesis, which is essential for human and animal life.
- Cleaning the air: Trees absorb pollutants such as carbon dioxide and other gases, helping to improve air quality.
- Cooling the environment: Trees provide shade and can help to cool the air, making them valuable in hot, urban environments.
- Providing habitat: Trees provide homes and shelter for many plants and animals, including many endangered or threatened species.
- Protecting against erosion: Trees help to stabilise the soil and prevent decay, especially on slopes and in areas prone to flooding.
- Aesthetic value: Trees add beauty and value to a landscape and can help to increase property values.
Conclusion
Hiring an arborist is a good idea if you have trees on your property that require expert care. Arborists are skilled and qualified specialists who can provide various services by protecting your trees. So, if you want assistance with tree pruning, disease diagnosis, or tree removal, please do not hesitate to call us. Our skilled arborists are ready to help keep your trees in good condition. Get in touch with us today to find out how we can keep you and your property safe and add natural beauty with trees that suit your requirements.
