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Community Corner

Why Hire a Certified Arborist

As storm season approaches, expert preventive care and monitoring will help protect your trees

Now that he is retired, Desmond LaPlace enjoys the free time he has to walk his Lake Bluff property.  He most enjoys looking up into the trees for signs of wildlife, new growth and any changes or concerns.

 

“My wife and I have always been interested in trees.  I grew up surrounded by them and treat them as a part of my family,” said LaPlace. “But I know trees have a safety factor, so I care for them just like I would any other family member.”

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The LaPlaces made an investment in their trees long ago.  They consulted with a certified arborist from The Care of Trees who has maintained the trees on their property for more than 25 years.  Pruning, fertilizing and routine maintenance have kept the trees strong and healthy.

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Like many homeowners, LaPlace appreciates the value of trees. Maintained trees are attractive and increase property values by as much as 15%. Plus, trees reduce heating and cooling bills, naturally clean the air, add oxygen and control noise levels.

 

LaPlace has also witnessed first-hand the types of service non-licensed “cheap tree” companies offer and knows, poor tree care knowledge can result in irreversible harm, leaving trees susceptible to diseases and damaging them to the point of no return.

 

“To me, tree maintenance is less expensive than replacing a tree. But it isn’t just about the pricing. Tree companies are not all the same,” he said from experience.  “The Care of Trees arborists go above and beyond the call of duty and display professional and knowledgeable service.”

 

When hiring an arborist, tree care experts strongly recommend people do their homework:

 

  1. First, check that the arborists have certification by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and the company has accreditation by the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA).  This guarantees the company is equipped with industry knowledge and safety procedures.
  2. Make sure the arborist has proof of insurance.  Tree maintenance is a high-risk activity and many unqualified arborists do not carry their own insurance, making the homeowner liable for any accidents.
  3. Finally, ask for a list of references. Homeowners should be able to trust their arborists and have confidence in their experience and abilities.

Proper tree care is an investment that results in substantial returns. Maintained trees are attractive and add considerable value to properties while poorly maintained trees can be a significant liability. Pruning or removing trees, especially large trees, can be dangerous work and should be done only by those trained and equipped to work safely in trees.

 

After watching arborists disappear into the tops of his trees for years, LaPlace believes that working safely is important.  “Climbing a tree that tall scares the living daylights out of me,” he explains. “The Care of Trees arborists view safety as a priority, which is pretty important if you’re having people work on your property.”

The Care of Trees, a Davey company, provides a full range of tree care services and has offices throughout Illinois, New York, Connecticut and Washington, D.C.  The Care of Trees is proud to be accredited by the Tree Care Industry Association, and has International Society of Arboriculture certified arborists on staff.  For more information, please visitwww.thecareoftrees.com.

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