What Is Arborist Consulting?

Arborist Consulting is a broad field that encompasses the diagnosis and management of trees, as well as providing expert opinions on tree related matters. Whether it is for the benefit of litigation, property planning or protecting trees during construction projects, consulting arborists are the go-to experts in these areas.

The most common reason for a person to seek out the services of an arborist consultant is that they have an issue with a tree on their property. These may range from tree root damage to a specific species of tree becoming unhealthy or dying. The best way to get a clear picture of the situation is to have an arborist inspect the site. An arborist will then provide an honest and qualified opinion as to how to proceed.

Property Planning

Many properties are designed around the existing trees on a site, which is an art in and of itself. An arborist who has a keen eye for this can take a lot of the guesswork out of property layout and design, resulting in a more aesthetic and functional space. Consulting arborists with design qualifications (like New Leaf Arboriculture) can even suggest design solutions that will achieve these goals.

Expert Witness

An often overlooked role of the consulting arborist is that of expert witness. In fact, some of the most important work done by an arborist is in this capacity. An arborist who can provide expert testimony during litigation can make a huge difference in the outcome of a case. This is especially true when the issues at hand involve the health and safety of people, property or public rights.

Protecting Trees During Construction

In a city like New York, construction projects are always happening somewhere. It is therefore important to involve an independent consulting arborist early in the process of development and construction, to ensure the integrity of the tree canopy and the safety of the people on the site. This will also help to reduce the risk of cost overruns and delays.

A Consulting Arborist can also be helpful with any type of zoning requirement that involves work being done on or near existing trees. For example, if you are applying for a Department of Buildings permit, the zoning rules require that a certified arborist fill out an Arboricultural Impact Statement. This is a form that the consulting arborist provides and that depicts existing tree conditions and the effect that the proposed work will have on those conditions.

The most common thing that a consulting arborist will do is provide an appraisal of the value of a particular tree or group of trees. Often this is required when a person needs to prove that they are entitled to compensation in the event of a tree being damaged or killed, or even removed from their property altogether.

If you are in need of a consulting arborist, it is best to find one through a trusted agency like the American Society of Consulting Arborists. A good agency will have a database of certified and qualified professionals who adhere to the strict standards set by this organization. This way you can be sure that you are getting the best advice possible from someone who has been thoroughly trained and is fully qualified in this field.