If you’re looking into tree care services, you may have come across different terms for who you need assistance from. Two of the most common ways to describe those working in tree care are ‘arborists’ and ‘tree surgeons’. However, while both terms are used to describe tree experts, you’ll need to understand the difference to ensure you pick the right service for your requirements. Let’s take a look at tree surgeons vs arborists to help you decide.
What is an arborist?
Arborists are tree care professionals who focus on the health of trees and how they can be maintained or protected. They have knowledge and expertise in areas like tree root management, tree pests, tree disease, soil conditions, tree planting and suitable pruning styles. They’ll often have accreditations from organisations like NPTC/City & Guilds, following the best industry practices and tree preservation techniques.
The aim of an arborist is to ensure trees continue to grow healthily and thrive, playing a vital role in the preservation of the nation’s landscapes and green spaces. This means accurately identifying tree diseases and pests, educating others about tree maintenance, performing tree health assessments and expert pruning.
What does a tree surgeon do?
Tree surgeons specialise in the physical aspects of caring for trees, expertly trimming, cutting and removing them. They should have qualifications and safety training in areas like using chainsaws, aerial tree care and tree rigging techniques to remove branches safely. They also have extensive experience in handling hazardous trees and performing maintenance work.
Services offered by a tree surgeon may include deadwood removal, emergency tree work (e.g., after a storm), tree felling and removal, tree pollarding, stump grinding and removal, and managing overgrown trees. Their role is essential for protecting other structures and people while maintaining trees as best as possible.
Arborists vs tree surgeons – Is an arborist the same as a tree surgeon?
While there are some overlaps between arborists and tree surgeons, their roles serve different purposes. An arborist is more of a tree health specialist, whereas a tree surgeon performs labour-intensive tasks like cutting and removals.
In many cases, it works best when arborists and tree surgeons partner up to provide a comprehensive tree care service. Arborists will assess the condition of the tree and whether it can be saved, identify risks to your trees, advise on tree placement and provide solutions for environmental concerns. Tree surgeons carry out the tasks required, working on trees, stumps, hedges, shrubs, vines and woody plants with precision and professionalism. They can also clear sites of vegetation and trees.
What tree care service do I need?
Deciding between a tree surgeon and an arborist will depend on your tree care requirements. If your trees are showing signs of disease, pest issues or poor growth, it’s best to use the services of an arborist to formulate a robust treatment plan. However, if you want a tree removed, trimmed back or pruned, call a tree surgeon.
At DH Tree Services, we are both arborists and tree surgeons, so we cover all bases for our clients. This makes things easy for you with a simple all-in-one service.
Need an arborist or tree surgeon? Get in touch
At DH Tree Services, we offer a variety of tree solutions across Surrey, Sussex and Kent, coming out to Crowborough, Ewell and beyond. For a free tree care quote, contact us now.
