Trees are an important part of a property’s landscape. They add aesthetic value, serve as windbreaks and buffers from noise and temperature extremes, and provide an array of other benefits. While many homeowners are able to perform simple maintenance on their trees, when a project requires more complex work or removal, it is essential to have the help of an arborist consultant. Arborists are trained in the care and management of trees and shrubs, making them uniquely qualified to assess a tree’s health and safety, and offer advice on how best to proceed with a project.
An arborist’s consulting services typically include hazard assessment, risk assessments and valuation appraisals. They also conduct problem diagnosis and provide recommendations based on their findings. They can also act as expert witnesses in legal situations involving tree damage or failures. A Consulting Arborist may or may not be a Certified Arborist, but all are members of the American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA) and must meet minimum requirements including five years in the industry, a four-year degree in arboriculture or related field, and 240 approved Continuing Education Units earned through courses, seminar attendance and conference participation.
One of the most common assignments that Consulting Arborists take on is a Tree Protection Plan for a development project. During this process, the arborist visits the site during the planning phase before a final design has been drawn up and completes a thorough tree inventory. This will determine which trees may be protected by local ordinance and what mitigation measures should be taken during the construction process.
Whether it is a single tree or an entire urban forest, an arborist’s expert guidance can make the difference between success and failure of a project. Working closely with municipality lead agencies, arboricultural consultants help to streamline the environmental review process and ensure that the project’s natural resources and its needs are both successfully met.
In cases involving the need for tree removal, an arborist consultant will often work with excavation contractors to help mitigate risks of injury or damage during construction activities. This includes preparing Tree Protection Plans and creating Tree Work Permit applications on behalf of the developer. It also includes daily monitoring and inspections of excavation work within 50 feet of city owned trees, submitting bi weekly reports to the lead agency, assessing any tree damage during construction, and helping to arbitrate disputes between contractor and the city agency over work performed on or near a city-owned tree.
In addition to evaluating the condition of existing trees, an arborist can provide a variety of planting and transplanting services. They can advise on what types of trees to plant, how to properly site and prepare the ground for a new tree installation, and recommend the appropriate planting method to guarantee successful establishment. They can also help to create a site planting plan for a development project, working with the landscape architect and contractors to prepare a plan that will maximize the site’s potential for success.
source https://petestreeworxwa2.wordpress.com/2025/03/08/the-importance-of-arborist-consulting/
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