What Does an Arborist Do? A Complete Guide to Tree Care Professionals

What Is an Arborist and Why Does It Matter?

An arborist is a trained professional who specializes in the care and maintenance of trees. Also called tree surgeons, tree doctors, or tree care specialists, arborists are experts in the science and art of planting, caring for, and managing individual trees and shrubs. They understand tree biology, proper pruning techniques, disease diagnosis, risk assessment, and safe removal practices.

Not everyone who owns a chainsaw is an arborist. The distinction matters because improper tree work can damage trees, create safety hazards, and cost you more in the long run. Knowing what qualified arborists do — and how to find one — protects both your trees and your investment.

What Services Do Arborists Provide?

Professional arborists offer a wide range of services:

Tree health assessment and diagnosis - Evaluating overall tree condition and identifying diseases, pests, and nutritional problems - Using our tree health check can help you decide when professional evaluation is needed - Soil testing and root zone assessment

Pruning and trimming - Proper structural pruning to improve tree form and safety - Crown thinning, raising, and reduction following ANSI A300 standards - Deadwood removal and storm damage cleanup - See our pruning calendar for seasonal timing guidance

Tree risk assessment - Formal evaluation of a tree's likelihood of failure using ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) methods - Recommendations for mitigation (pruning, cabling, removal, or monitoring)

Plant health care - Insect and disease management programs - Fertilization and soil improvement - Preventive treatments for at-risk trees

Tree removal - Safe felling and dismantling of trees that are dead, hazardous, or unwanted - Stump grinding and site restoration

Tree planting - Species selection guidance for your site conditions - Proper planting techniques that set trees up for decades of healthy growth

ISA Certification: The Gold Standard

The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) offers the most widely recognized professional credential in tree care. An ISA Certified Arborist has:

• Passed a comprehensive examination covering all aspects of tree care
• Demonstrated at least three years of full-time experience in arboriculture (or equivalent education plus experience)
• Committed to ongoing continuing education to maintain certification
• Agreed to follow a professional code of ethics

Additional ISA credentials include:

• Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA) — the highest level of ISA certification
• Tree Risk Assessment Qualified (TRAQ) — specialized training in evaluating tree hazards
• ISA Certified Arborist Utility Specialist — focused on trees near power lines
• ISA Certified Arborist Municipal Specialist — focused on urban forestry management

How to Find a Qualified Arborist

Finding the right tree care professional takes some due diligence:

• Search the TreeIssues Arborist Directory to find verified professionals in your area
• Visit the ISA website and use their "Find an Arborist" search tool
• Check with your state's Department of Natural Resources or cooperative extension for referrals
• Ask neighbors, local garden centers, or your municipality's urban forester for recommendations

Browse our experts page for additional guidance on connecting with tree care professionals.

Red Flags to Watch For

Avoid tree companies that:

• Cannot show proof of insurance — both general liability and workers' compensation
• Propose topping trees — topping is a harmful, outdated practice that no qualified arborist would recommend
• Go door to door soliciting after storms — these "storm chasers" often do substandard work
• Cannot provide references or do not have verifiable credentials
• Ask for full payment upfront — reputable companies invoice upon completion

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much does it cost to hire an arborist? A: Consultation fees typically range from free to $150 for a basic property visit, depending on your area. Service costs vary widely based on the work needed — basic pruning might cost a few hundred dollars per tree, while complex removals can run several thousand. Always get written estimates from multiple certified arborists.

Q: When should I call an arborist instead of a regular tree service? A: Call a certified arborist whenever you need expert diagnosis, risk assessment, or complex pruning of valuable trees. For straightforward tasks like small tree removal or basic trimming, a reputable tree service may suffice, but verify they carry proper insurance.

Q: Can an arborist save a dying tree? A: It depends on the cause and severity of decline. Arborists can diagnose the problem and recommend treatment if one exists. Some conditions are treatable; others are not. Early intervention gives the best chance of success — do not wait until the tree is severely compromised.

Q: What is the difference between an arborist and a landscaper? A: Arborists specialize in tree care and have specific training in tree biology, health, and safety. Landscapers focus on broader garden and property design and maintenance. While there is overlap, tree work involving climbing, rigging, risk assessment, or disease diagnosis should be handled by a certified arborist.