What Is Arborist Consulting?

Arborist Consulting involves the independent and objective application of technical knowledge, analytical skills and professional judgment to trees in landscape settings. Consulting arborists provide observations, conclusions and recommendations to clients and stakeholders. They also act as expert witnesses when called upon for their advice in legal situations. Consulting arborists are a subset of arboricultural professionals that specialize in the field of arboriculture (the science and art of caring for trees, shrubs and other woody plants). A consulting arborist is different from a practicing arborist because they focus their time in a consulting role rather than working on trees as part of a landscaping business.

Whether you need assistance with planning and design, compliance with regulations, or tree removal, the services provided by an experienced consulting arborist can help ensure that your trees are maintained to a high standard while meeting all requirements. Arborists work with homeowners, municipalities, and development companies in order to meet compliance standards and ensure that projects do not have unintended consequences on existing trees.

Pre-construction recommendations are the most critical service that a consulting arborist can provide to developers and contractors. By becoming involved in the planning process and continuing to work with project teams during construction, they can ensure that all necessary precautions are taken to protect the health and safety of existing mature trees on a property. Unfortunately, even with the best pre-construction tree protection plans in place, many things can go wrong on a development site. A single miscalculation or oversight can quickly undo years of careful preservation. An experienced consulting arborist can prevent these unforeseen problems by regularly visiting the construction site.

Regulatory Compliance

For residential and commercial properties, decisions about tree additions, removals, and relocations can dramatically impact the landscape. An ISA Certified Arborist can assess the health and structure of your trees and recommend the appropriate maintenance activities to keep them healthy and safe. They can also help you navigate complex regulations and expedite the processing of tree work permits.

Tree Value Assessments

When a significant amount of money is invested in the care of a property’s trees, it makes sense to evaluate their value. An ISA Certified Arborist can conduct a detailed analysis of your trees and develop a comprehensive report that will guide your future investment decisions.

Heritage Tree Maintenance

Managing the care of heritage trees, often located near historic buildings and other sites with cultural significance, requires specialized knowledge that an ISA Certified Arborist can provide. This type of maintenance includes preventing damage to the roots and trunks, maintaining proper crown balance and pruning, and avoiding invasive root sprouts.

For developers, architects, engineers and general contractors working on new construction projects, a consulting arborist can save valuable time and resources by conducting an inventory of the trees on a site and developing an action plan that will allow them to be safely built around. This can be a costly aspect of any building or renovation project, but it is essential for maintaining a beautiful and functional urban landscape.

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