If you have trees on your property, they can experience problems over time. Individual trees may get sick due to not receiving enough water or getting infected by a disease. There’s also the possibility that your healthy tree may have grown even larger than you had originally anticipated and has become too large for its living space.

In these cases, you may have to call an arborist. But what does an arborist do? And why is it important that you hire one?

Boerne’s professional arborists at Rockoff Tree Solutions provide all the answers in this blog post.

What Is an Arborist?

An arborist is a professional who manages the health of trees and other woody plants. They are experts in tree science, biology, and horticulture and can help you care for your trees so they stay healthy.

So, what does an arborist do? An arborist typically works with clients to provide them with proper tree care advice. They perform some physical functions, including tree removal, pruning, fertilization, planting, and more. Some arborists treat specific kinds of trees, like fruit trees or palms, while others focus on larger industrial trees, such as those found in parks or commercial forests.

Homeowners or property managers may also call upon arborists to assess the condition of individual trees on their property or if they need a tree surgeon. This might involve tree surveys to determine which trees are safe to keep around and which ones you’ll need to remove.

How Does One Become an Arborist?

To become an arborist, you’ll need a degree in Arboriculture. While there are some on-the-job training opportunities, most employers require completing at least an Associate’s degree in Arboriculture to work as an arborist.

The curriculum will focus on the following topics:

  • Biology, botany, and horticulture
  • Tree identification and care
  • Tree measurement
  • Tree planting and transplanting
  • Tree pruning
  • Tree fertilization
  • Disease management for trees
  • Pest control for trees
  • Tree removal and stump grinding
  • Hazard assessment for trees

Do ISA-Certified Arborists Undergo Further Certification?

Part of the question of “What does an arborist do?” is the attainment of ISA certification. To become a certified arborist, you must enroll at an accredited university, where you will take several courses in biology and botany. A degree in horticulture or forestry is recommended but not a requirement.

After you’ve obtained your degree, you can begin taking the ISA exams. There are three different levels:

  • Certified Arborist (CA)
  • Certified Tree Risk Assessment Specialist (CTRAS)
  • Certified Tree Risk Assessment Supervisor (CTRS).

The ISA awards you these certifications after passing written exams and practical tests. After completing the CA exam, you can begin working as an arborist for a tree service company.

Do You Need a Certified Arborist in Boerne, TX? Contact Us Today!

If you live in Boerne, Texas, or the surrounding Texas Hill Country area and are looking for a certified arborist to help with your tree care needs, look no further than Rockoff Tree Solutions!

We’re an ISA-certified arborist serving Boerne and its surrounding communities, helping homeowners with long-term tree health assessment and providing the proper care for all your trees, shrubs, and plants. With years of experience under our belts and a reputation for excellence, we’ve got the knowledge, tools, and skills to help keep your trees looking their best year-round. And, if you’re still curious about “What does an arborist do?” we’re ready to give you all the answers.

Our certified arborists have years of experience working with trees in Texas, and we’re happy to apply that expertise as we work with you on your project. Contact us at 830-955-0304 to schedule your free assessment.