What Is Arborist Consulting?

Arborist Consulting is the practice of assisting property owners, municipalities, developers and insurance professionals. Services include: assessing tree health and risk, writing reports and specifications, providing expert witness testimony, and conducting Tree Protection Plans during construction projects. Most arborist consultants are not a part of a tree service operation, so their skills set differs from a standard tree care professional. They must be able to write clearly, understand the development process and have many other non-tree related skills that are vital for successful consulting work.

A registered consulting arborist (RCA) is a credentialed member of the American Society of Consulting Arborists. To achieve this level, an arborist must have: a minimum of five years industry experience, a four-year degree in arboriculture or a related field, and 240 or more approved Continuing Education Units earned for degrees, course work, industry conference attendance and/or other professional credentials such as the ISA Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA).

As experts in their field, RCA’s are well equipped to assist with the management of large property landscapes, developing and implementing tree risk assessment programs, creating tree inventories and comprehensive management plans, and collaborating with designers and contractors during construction to ensure that existing mature trees survive project impact and remain healthy. RCA’s who also possess the Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) are equipped to identify those specific trees that pose a heightened risk on managed properties and to recommend mitigation measures that can be taken to help reduce that heightened risk.

In order to ensure that a project is completed safely, on time and within budget, an RCA must be involved in the project throughout its duration. Many unintended negative impacts arise during construction – backhoes hit a root or irrigation lines are accidentally shut off, a subcontractor cuts a branch or trunk, a design or means of execution changes on site – all of which can quickly undo years of careful Tree Preservation Plan recommendations. An RCA can monitor the construction process, keep the contractor and the City agency informed, recommend corrective action and be available for any questions.

Many cities require a Project Arborist on a daily basis during any excavation or construction that may affect existing trees. This can involve monitoring and directing contractor work, preparing daily reports for the construction office, submitting them to the City, and acting as liaison with NYC Parks on behalf of the developer. This is where having a consultant with good communication skills, and the ability to be flexible, really pays off. A reputable RCA can save thousands of dollars in costs through their guidance, oversight and coordination during a construction project. They can also provide a substantial value-add for the construction company by demonstrating their expertise in working with and around existing mature trees. This helps them stand out from the competition and build a more trusted and long-lasting relationship with their client.

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