What’s the Difference Between Landscapers and Arborists

On the surface, there are some commonalities to be had. Both are of the outdoorsman variety, and they work with plants for the good of your property. Do not let the apparent similarities between them cloud one’s judgment. The distinction is found in their credentials and training, in the tools they have on hand, and in their approach to safety.

Consider the case of lawn and garden upkeep. A landscaping firm will be on hand for your patios, retaining walls, mulch, and irrigation, as well as to see to the shrubs. An arborist is a different matter altogether. As a tree health specialist, he is concerned with risk assessment and what is best for the tree over the long term, even to the point of stump removal when called for.

A homeowner would do well to know where that line is drawn. Making an informed choice to bring in the right professional for the job precludes any unsafe methods that might come to harm the property or the trees.

The Landscaper’s Domain

A landscaper has his eye on the whole of the outdoor environment and is there to build, design, and maintain it. From hardscapes and drainage to fertilizer and routine upkeep of lawns, a good one will produce a landscape that is as attractive as it is functional for a home or business.

Their knowledge of horticulture and aesthetics means they can lay sod, put in some seasonal touches for curb appeal, or trim a hedge. You may see them do a little ground-level tree pruning on an ornamental, but major tree work is a different story. A misstep can weaken a tree, open it up to disease and pests, or simply cut its life short. Large trees or limbs in close proximity to a building are best left to someone with more expertise.

An Arborist by Nature

You do not get to be a certified arborist on the strength of a few weeks’ effort. It takes hundreds of hours of study and thousands more in the field to earn that title. The work is as much a vocation as a job, requiring one to have the soil, the insects, and every tree species committed to memory. Some call them tree surgeons for good reason; their work is done with an obvious precision, and they have an innate sense for how a tree will take to being wounded. Given a specimen, he can make a quick assessment and determine if it is worth the trouble to save or whether removal is the only sensible option.

Then there is the matter of safety. A landscaper may be content on the ground, but you will find an arborist in the canopy or working alongside a power line. They are well-versed in the handling of chainsaws, lifts, and rigging. One has to be careful; a misjudged cut close to a structure is costly. If a tree with dead wood or internal rot were to come down unexpectedly, the tree specialist is there to manage the risk and the emergency. Their liability insurance is also something to note, as it will answer for storm cleanup or the like in removing a large tree where a standard policy would fall short.

Making the Right Call for Tree Care

For your gardens and hardscape, or to put in a couple of saplings, hire a landscaper. But if the job is one of safety – a structural assessment is needed, or there is diseased tree removal and heavy limbs involved – then you want a certified arborist.

Here at Trufast Tree Service, we are about practical, safe tree care services. Our team is on hand to give you an expert opinion on ailing stock or to see to the grinding of a stump, ensuring you make the right choice for your property.