Warning: Hire a Trained Arborist

An arborist is an individual trained in the art of planting, caring for, and maintaining individual trees

Arborists are also trained in the science behind the needs of trees and are extremely knowledgeable in their field. Here at Agility Trees, our qualified staff are educated and passionate about all things trees! It is very important to know what to look for when hiring an arborist. Hiring the right arborist is not a decision to be taken lightly. There are a lot of questions to consider when looking for the right tree removal specialist.

What questions should people be asking of tree removalists when looking to book a a job?

You want to make sure you’re asking the right questions of your arborist. You want to know the qualifications, education, and types of insurance or compensation they are linked to. This is very similar to hiring a plumber, you want to make sure they are professionally qualified to get the job done the right way. The arborist industry is currently an unregulated trade, which means that there are many people out there claiming to be arborists  who are not. In reality, these people are uneducated, and won’t get the job done properly. When looking for an arborist, key differences include: long term health of the trees and professional advice. In some cases, the tree does not even need to be removed. A properly trained and qualified arborist will know this. Last but not least, working with the right arborist can be more cost effective.

What about land clearing?

Land clearing is again, one of those things you need to hire a professional for. There is a world of difference between an excavator and a trained arborist. It is extremely important to know the difference for health and safety reasons. Often times land clearing requires approval, reports on the land, and may involved tree species that are protected. It is very important for land clearing that you hire a professional with knowledge. Especially if you are dealing with protected trees or protected species.

What are some things to watch out for when looking for the cheapest quote?

There are a few red flags when it comes to hiring an arborist. One of the biggest things, is you may hire someone who is unknowledgeable, or lacking professional training. If the client offers you a quote that is considerably lower than anything else you’ve been offered, this may be a red flag. An extremely cheap offer may be the indication of a business that cuts corners, or rushes the job. They may also be unknowledgeable as to what they are cutting down. This can be very dangerous for health and safety reasons.

What is the benefit of hiring an arborist over another type of qualified person?

A certified arborist specialises in the care and knowledge of individual trees. They are trained to provide proper care for trees. While another person may have some qualifications, a trained arborist is your best bet. Pruning or removing trees is dangerous work, and a poorly maintained tree can be a significant liability. You want your professional to be knowledgeable for the best results for both you and the trees.

How can someone know they are hiring a trained arborist?

Hiring a non-certified arborist is extremely dangerous. Many untrained, unskilled labourers have cashed in on tree removal projects and left trees damaged or violated health and safety standards. A professional arborist will carry insurance of property damage, and personal liability. A professional arborist should also carry a License and be knowledgeable on the task that is at hand.

What about bad experiences in the Newcastle area?

There are companies in the Newcastle area that will knock on doors in order to acquire business. Agility Trees strongly recommends that you do not hire anyone who does this. Often times these businesses are not necessarily more affordable, rather looking to scam you out of your hard earned money. These companies do NOT do the job properly. At Agility Trees, we have had to clean up jobs that are not done properly. Often times these are invasive procedures, or the wrong tree has been cut down. To avoid scam artists, it is imperative that you do your homework prior to hiring an arborist.