Tree Service Pros in Pittsburgh, PA Explain the Difference Between an Arborist and a Landscaper
Many homeowners aren’t aware of the many benefits of hiring an arborist, or even exactly what one is and what they do. Ironically, arborists are incredibly important to maintaining the health of the trees around the home, which can also keep everyone in the home safer. Hiring one has many hidden benefits that all homeowners should strongly consider before attempting any tree or landscaping based projects.
What Exactly Is an Arborist?
Although sometimes referred to as a “tree doctor,” an arborist is so much more. In fact, arborists are like a pediatrician, physical therapist, emergency room physician, surgeon, and primary care doctor all rolled into one. They are incredibly multifaceted in all that they are able to do for trees, as well as other shrubs and woody plants.
Arborists are in charge of maintaining the health of the tree from seedling on. They plant the trees, tend to them, maintain them, and can diagnose them if they show signs of disease. They can also advise the homeowner on many different tree-related issues – insect control, drought mitigation, seasonal tree care, and fertilization.
An arborist also performs services like tree removal, tree trimming, pruning, and planting. They do all of these while looking at the health of the tree overall, instead of just focusing on one physical aspect.
The Benefits of Hiring an Arborist
There are many benefits to hiring an arborist, even though they tend to be more expensive initially. Over the lifespan of the home, these benefits can actually add value to the home and decrease the necessity to remove sick and diseased trees.
Arborists are well-educated to deal specifically with the health of the trees and other plants on the property. This means issues are diagnosed more quickly, treated appropriately, and can actually be prevented in the future. This is especially true for those who are ISA (International Arboriculture Association) certified, as they have additional skills and knowledge to maintain that health and well-being long term.
Another benefit of hiring an arborist that isn’t as frequently discussed is their ability to keep the home safe by significantly decreasing the risks associated with having a tree limb or even an entire tree fall on the home or on a person.
Arborist vs Landscaper – Which is Best?
To start, neither one is “better” than the other. They simply perform different jobs and hold different skill sets.
An arborist is the best choice for homeowners who may be dealing with unhealthy trees, or trying to plan their tree selection and design for the future. Arborists think long term, and take the health and well-being of the trees into account.
In contrast, a landscaper is more concerned with the physical part of the yard as a whole. While trees are part of this, they aren’t a landscapers only concern. They take care of a variety of physical projects, like weeding, mulching, irrigation, lawn maintenance, and the creation of artistic things like gardens and hardscapes like stone walkways.
Both arborists and landscapers have their own benefits, but should only be hired for specifically what they are trained to do.
About Greater Pitt Tree Service
With more than 25 years of experience in the tree service industry, Greater Pitt Tree Service provides professional tree and timber services to the Pittsburg, Pennsylvania community. They are licensed and insured and have ISA certified arborists on staff. They can be reached at (412) 867-9631, and perform tree-related services including tree risk assessment, removal, and trimming/pruning.