Trees are such an important part of our world, and honestly, for us to survive.
Trees are how we’re able to breathe clean air. Forests actually removed around 1/3 of fossil fuel emissions from 1990 to 2007! Without trees, our air would be highly polluted and difficult for us to breathe in.
While many of us know the importance of trees, few know who is responsible for caring for them. Well, wonder no more!
We’re going to talk about the professionals who are in charge of caring for our trees, AKA, arborists. To learn more about what an arborist is AKA “tree pros”, what they do, and the tools they use, keep reading!
What is an Arborist?
An arborist is a person who specializes in the care of trees.
This person is trained in the science and art that goes into caring for trees. These professionals must pass an exam and gain a certification to practice as an arborist.
Arborists are often known as, “tree pros” as well.
Why Are Tree Pros Necessary?
We may not realize it since our trees are a visual aspect of our homes, but they actually require quite a bit of care and maintenance.
From removal to pruning, it’s important to have professionals who know how to make trees look attractive. Aside from aesthetic reasons, having people who know the science behind trees is important for safety reasons.
If a tree is dead and on the verge of falling over, an arborist can make that discovery and then take the tree down. If an unhealthy tree is not removed, you face the risk of it falling on a home, a car, or even a person.
Having trees that are visually pleasing is also going to add to your property value as well. Overgrown, rotted, or just plain ugly trees aren’t going to attract buyers to your home should you choose to sell.
What Kind of Equipment Do Tree Pros Use?
There are a few different kinds of equipment that an arborist must have to do their job successfully.
Since a tree requires so many different factors for care, an arborist must be prepared with the necessary tools. Here are the kinds of equipment a tree pro will need…
Equipment for Rigging
Rigging equipment is essential for performing the job of an arborist.
When heavy trees must be taken down, it’s important to control where the tree is landing, as well as how quickly it is. Without rigging equipment for this, a tree may fall and damage a home or hurt someone.
Aside from controlling large trees, rigging equipment is essential for tree pros to hoist themselves into the trees. To trim and maintain the tree an arborist must be able to reach the branches and leaves. This is done with rigging equipment.
Examples of rigging equipment include…
- Friction plates
- Blocks and pulleys
- Light and heavy-duty slings
- Winches
- Power pullers
- Swivels
- Rope
- Cable hoists
Each piece of equipment serves a different purpose for an arborist, yet, they must have access to all of them in case the job calls for it.
Equipment for Cutting
A huge part of maintaining trees is having the ability to cut off branches and even the entire tree if necessary.
Since there are so many options for how and where you can cut a tree, tree pros need a variety of equipment. While an arborist will try to care for the tree in any way necessary before having to remove parts, sometimes cutting down the tree is necessary.
Here are some of the tools used for cutting…
- Pole saws
- Handsaws
- Tree loppers
- Pruners
- Hand pruners
- Many different axes and wedges
- Hatchets
- Hedge trimmers
- Wood chippers
- Chainsaw
While many of these tools may sound similar, they actually all serve a different purpose. An arborist could tell you the purpose that each different type of saw will serve!
Equipment for Trimming
Don’t confuse trimming equipment with cutting, as they are actually jobs that are very different.
Tree trimming is the ideal way for arborists to care for trees. Trimming is done in the tree crown reduction phase and it’s a great alternative to having to cut down the tree.
Trimming is very similar to pruning, which is when an arborist shapes the tree in a way that the owner would like. Trimming and pruning are essential tasks for maintaining the quality of the tree.
While trimming and cutting are two entirely different jobs, some of the equipment used does overlap.
Some types of trimming equipment that tree pros use are…
- Landscaping tools
- Saw scabbard
- Hatchet
- Various kinds of axes
- Pruners
- Hydraulic tools
All the tools listed above are vital for maintaining the beautiful look of trees and avoiding cutting down the entire tree.
Equipment for Climbing
Cutting down trees is actually not the most dangerous part of being an arborist, believe it or not!
The climbing is the riskiest part of the job. In fact, the number one reason for injury or death when caring for trees is fall-related. The fall may be from a ladder, tree, or a lift of some kind.
Because climbing into trees can be so dangerous, it’s important that tree pros have all the right tools for the job. A good arborist will think of safety first and then the care of the tree second, as it’s quite a hazardous job.
Here are the tools that an arborist will need for climbing…
- Helmets or a hardhat
- Saddle
- Gloves to help with gripping
- Protective goggles or glasses
- Clothing to protect from abrasions
- Straps
- Communication radios
- Spurs
- First-aid kit
- Pulleys
While tons of supplies are crucial for climbing in trees, it’s not for a lack of reason. Climbing trees is dangerous and each arborist who climbs must be prepared.
Tree Pros Are an Essential Part of Keeping Trees Healthy
Tree pros are people who work a very dangerous, but important job.
Without arborists, we may not be able to save as many trees as we do! So many trees would die and possibly fall in hazardous places.
Reach out to us today if you need any tree services done on your property!