Question 1

What does a certified arborist do?

Accepted Answer

A certified arborist is a tree care professional who has passed comprehensive exams covering tree biology, diagnosis, maintenance practices, and safety standards. Our ISA-certified arborists provide expert guidance on all aspects of tree care including health assessments, disease diagnosis, treatment recommendations, risk evaluation, and preservation planning. They bring scientific knowledge and years of practical experience to solve complex tree problems.

Question 2

When should I consult an arborist?

Accepted Answer

Consult an arborist when you have concerns about tree health, notice signs of disease or decline, need risk assessment for potentially hazardous trees, are planning construction near trees, want to preserve valuable or historic trees, need expert guidance on tree selection and planting, or require documentation for tree-related insurance claims. An arborist consultation is valuable whenever you need professional expertise about tree care decisions.

Question 3

How much does an arborist consultation cost?

Accepted Answer

Basic arborist consultations typically cost $150-$400 depending on property size, number of trees, and complexity of issues. This includes a site visit, tree assessment, verbal recommendations, and basic documentation. Detailed written reports with photos, measurements, and comprehensive recommendations cost $300-$800+. Many arborist consultations can be credited toward tree services if you proceed with recommended work.

Question 4

What's the difference between an arborist and a tree service?

Accepted Answer

An arborist is a certified tree care professional with specialized education in tree biology, health, and management. While all arborists can perform tree services, not all tree service providers are certified arborists. Arborists focus on tree health, diagnostics, and long-term care planning, while general tree services may focus primarily on removal and trimming. At McDonald Tree Service, our team includes ISA-certified arborists who bring expertise to every project.

Question 5

What is ISA certification and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) certification demonstrates that an arborist has met rigorous standards of knowledge and professionalism. ISA-certified arborists must pass comprehensive exams covering tree biology, diagnosis, maintenance, and safety, maintain continuing education requirements, and adhere to professional ethics. This certification ensures you're working with a qualified professional who stays current with industry best practices.

Question 6

What happens during a tree health assessment?

Accepted Answer

During a tree health assessment, our certified arborist conducts a thorough visual inspection of the tree from roots to crown, looking for signs of disease, pest damage, structural issues, and environmental stress. We assess trunk condition, branch structure, foliage health, and root zone. The arborist may take soil samples, check for decay, and use specialized tools to detect internal problems. You'll receive a detailed explanation of findings and recommendations for treatment or care.

Question 7

Can an arborist save a diseased tree?

Accepted Answer

Many diseased trees can be saved with proper treatment if caught early. Our arborists diagnose the specific disease, assess the extent of damage, and develop treatment plans that may include pruning infected areas, applying fungicides or pesticides, improving soil conditions, adjusting watering, or other interventions. Success depends on the disease type, tree species, severity of infection, and overall tree health. We provide honest assessments of treatment success likelihood.

Question 8

Do you provide written arborist reports?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we provide detailed written arborist reports when requested. Reports include property and tree information, health assessments, risk evaluations, measurements, photographs, specific findings, treatment recommendations, and cost estimates. Written reports are valuable for insurance documentation, legal matters, construction planning, historic tree preservation, and making informed decisions about tree care investments. Report fees are typically $300-$800 depending on complexity.

Question 9

How do I know if my tree is dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Warning signs of dangerous trees include large dead branches, significant trunk lean (especially recent changes), root damage or decay, large cavities or hollow areas, cracks in trunk or major branches, fungal growth on trunk or roots, and extensive deadwood in the crown. However, many hazards aren't obvious to untrained eyes. Our certified arborists can perform professional risk assessments to identify potential hazards and recommend appropriate action.

Question 10

Can you help with tree preservation during construction?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Construction is a leading cause of tree damage and death. Our arborists provide pre-construction assessments, develop tree protection plans, establish protection zones, supervise critical construction phases, and provide post-construction care recommendations. We work with contractors, engineers, and property owners to balance development needs with tree preservation, helping you maintain valuable trees while completing your project successfully.

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