There are a few sure signs that can give you an indication if the people you are about to hire are good arborists or just hackers.

1. Ask if they use spikes to climb trees. Good arborists will use ropes to climb when a bucket truck is not appropriate. Spikes damage trees including palm trees. Good arborists don't use spikes.

2. Ask if they top trees. If they do, then they can damage your trees permanently. Good arborists will try to talk you out of topping trees.

3. Ask to see their insurance policies -- liability and workman's compensation. Then call each company to see if the policies are still in force. If the arborist does not have the insurance policies in force, you, the contractor, will be liable for damage and any injuries that might be sustained by workers or others while working on your property.

4. Ask if anyone on the crew is a Certified Arborist? If no one is, ask them why not. If they aren't Certified, you will probably get a line about how many years of practical experience they have. See the third question below.

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Nothing is wrong with experience. Experience is great. But remember most of what we now know about tree health and tree physiology we have learned in the last 10 to 15 years. A dedicated arborist will continue his or her education by attending the numerous tree seminars put on by the ISA during the year. You wouldn't go to a doctor or a car mechanic who didn't keep up-to-date on the latest information. Experience plus continuing education is what you want in an arborist.

There are a variety of things to consider when selecting an arborist including:
(from ISA web site http://www.treesaregood.com/treecare/Hire_Arborist.asp)

Membership in professional organizations- such as the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), the Tree Care Industry Association, or the American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA)-demonstrates a willingness on the part of the arborist to stay up-to date on the latest techniques and information.

Check in the phone directory yellow pages for those arborists who advertise as ISA Certified Arborists or display the official logo of the ISA Certified Arborist. Certified arborists are experienced professionals who have passed an extensive examination covering all aspects of tree care.

Ask for proof of insurance and then phone the insurance company if you are not satisfied. A reputable arborist will have personal and property damage insurance as well as worker's compensation insurance. Many homeowners have had to pay out large amounts of money for damages caused by uninsured individuals claiming to be a tree experts. You could be held responsible for damages and injuries that occur as a result of the job.

Some governmental agencies require contractors to apply for permits and/or to apply for a license before they are able to work. Be sure they comply with any local ordinances that govern their work.

Ask for references to find out where the company has done work similar to the work you are requesting. Don't hesitate to check references or visit other worksites where the company or individual has done tree work. Remember, tree care is a substantial, long-lasting investment; you would not buy a car without a test drive!

Unless you know and are comfortable with the arborist, get more than one estimate. You may have to pay for the estimates, and it will take more time, but it will be worth the investment.

Be wary of individuals who go door-to-door and offer bargains for performing tree work. Most reputable companies are too occupied to solicit work in this manner. Improper tree care can take many years to correct itself, and in some cases, it can never be corrected. Are you willing to take that risk with your valuable investment?

Good arborists will only perform accepted practices. For example, practices such as topping a tree, removing an excessive amount of live wood, using climbing spikes on trees that are not being removed, and removing or disfiguring living trees without just cause are unnecessary.

Don't always accept the low bid. You should examine the credentials and the written specification of the firms that submitted bids and determine the best combination of price, work to be done, skill, and professionalism to protect your substantial investment.

Get it in writing. Most reputable arborists will have their clients sign a contract. Be sure to read the contract carefully. Don't be afraid to ask questions, such as:
- When will the work be started and completed?
- Who will be responsible for clean-up?
- Is this the total price?
- If I would like more to be done, what is your hourly rate?
 

Consulting arborists are considered the preeminent authorities on matters related to tree and plant life—ensuring through their expertise and objectivity the safety, preservation, functionality and beauty of our natural surroundings.

 When a problem occurs—if a tree causes damage, is damaged by others or becomes a public safety hazard—a source for advice and mediation is often needed. This is the role of the consulting arborist: to bring a comprehensive, objective viewpoint to the diagnosis, appraisal and evaluation of arboricultural issues.

To learn more about The American Society of Consulting Arborists, go to:
http://www.asca-consultants.org/

To find a consulting arborist in your area, go to:
http://www.asca-consultants.org/directory/index.cfm

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Q A tree fell on a holly. It broke in half. How should I handle it? The holly is two year’s old and has grown about 3 ft. last year.

A First try to make a clean cut that will callus over better than the ragged broken edge (wound) you now have. Make the cut below the break and just above and next to a side branch or bud. Don’t use pruning paint because research has shown that pruning paint does not help healing and may provide a moist dark environment where decay fungi can thrive. During the summer as the new growth emerges, you can do some structural pruning to maintain a single central leader with alternating side branches. 

Q. I have purchased a live oak tree. I was told by someone to cut the top outof the tree to make it bushy. Another person told me that was wrong. Whatshould I do?

A. Topping or cutting out the top growth of a tree is seldom justified and usually creates an unnatural growth form with many side branches coming out of the same area of the trunk. This type of pruning is still done even by self -taught experts but is considered by arborists and other people who deal with tree problems to be a very bad practice. Topping leads to weak branches and a hazardous tree when it is older. A hazardous tree is a large, mature tree that has narrow crotches and double or triple leaders (trunks) that will split and fall during storms.

Q My husband is pacing the floor with the pruning shears in his hand. He wants to go out and prune back the plants that died in the freeze. He says they look ugly. I tell him not to do it yet. Who is right?

A I love getting in the middle of these domestic disputes. You are correct. Hold off on the pruning until new growth comes out when warmer weather arrives. That way you will know exactly how far back to cut. Also, the dead, ugly material provides some protection from additional freezes that still may occur.

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