Certified Arborists vs. Tree Loppers: Who’s Your Best Bet for Healthy Trees?

On the other hand, tree trimming focuses on enhancing the tree's aesthetics and safety by selectively removing dead, damaged, or overgrown branches to promote better growth and maintain a desirable shape. Unlike tree lopping, trimming is a more precise and controlled method.

What Does a Tree Arborist Do?

Tree arborists, sometimes also referred to as tree surgeons, are certified arborists and trained professionals who are specially trained to handle all types of tree care. They are certified, trained, and qualified in all aspects of tree care and maintenance, adhering to recommended pruning guidelines as outlined in the Australian standard AS 4373-2007. They have undergone rigorous training with in-depth knowledge about the biology and needs of trees.

This training covers tree biology, health diagnostics, and advanced safety procedures, including the use of ropes, harnesses, and specialised climbing and rigging equipment to safely manage trees near structures and power lines. Using their acquired knowledge, expertise, skills, and specialised tools, a professional arborist can perform a full range of tree care services including tree removals, trimming, and tree pruning, all carried out in a safe manner and in strict accordance with safety standards.

What an Arborist Provides

While their primary job revolves around tree pruning and tree removal, what an arborist provides extends well beyond just cutting. They offer a comprehensive range of services focused on the overall well-being and safety of trees. This may involve tree management, soil health management, pest control, stump grinding, and root investigation. Arborists are also trained to identify hidden hazards like diseased limbs or internal decay that may not be visible to the untrained eye. They can also advise on the suitability of different tree species for a given environment, helping property owners make informed long-term planting decisions.

Protective Measures & Reporting

Aside from diagnosing and treating tree diseases, they also implement protective measures, including techniques such as cabling and bracing to preserve and stabilise trees rather than simply removing them. In addition, arborists can provide official arborist reports required by local councils for development permits or insurance claims, and can be consulted for long-term tree maintenance needs and professional planting advice.



Certification Requirements

To become a qualified arborist, you must complete a Certificate III in Arboriculture. This certification program covers a wide range of topics, including tree maintenance and pruning, safe tree felling, tree climbing, cabling and bracing installation, as well as the preparation and application of chemicals.



Insurance & Liability

Reputable arborists also carry significant public liability insurance, typically up to $20 million, with cover for working at unlimited heights, protecting property owners from legal and financial risks throughout the duration of any work. Their ability to provide professional advice backed by formal qualifications and insurance sets them apart as the responsible choice for any tree-related work on your property.



What Do Tree Loppers Do?

On the other hand, tree loppers are not certified professionals but they still offer comprehensive tree services. While they may possess some experience in tree removal, they typically lack the formal training, specialised techniques, and knowledge required for various types of tree work.



The Risks of Hiring an Unqualified Tree Lopper

Tree lopping is dangerous work, and when performed by untrained individuals, the danger to both people and property increases significantly, particularly when safety reasons require work to be carried out at height or close to structures. Tree loppers also often lack adequate insurance coverage, meaning any accidents or property damage during the job may not be covered.



Impact on Tree Health and Structure

Tree loppers typically work on removing large trees by cutting them down to stubs, which can potentially harm both the tree's health and the surrounding environment. Poor pruning by tree loppers can leave trees structurally unstable, and new limbs that grow back after lopping are often poorly attached, which increases the risk of breakage during storms or high winds.

Trees that have been lopped are also more likely to re-shoot quickly, requiring more frequent maintenance than those that have been properly pruned by a qualified arborist. In terms of quality of work and safety, the services provided by tree loppers may not be up to the standards of those offered by an arborist. Not only can the job take longer but there may also be an increased risk of property damage. Improper lopping often results in trees that need more frequent maintenance or eventual full removal, which can make hiring an arborist from the outset the more cost-effective decision over time.



Limitations on Advice

Tree loppers have limitations when it comes to offering comprehensive advice, as they lack the formal training and experience of an arborist. While tree loppers may provide guidance based on their perspective, it may not always be entirely accurate or reliable.



Takeaway

Choosing between a tree arborist and a tree lopper is essential in ensuring the health and safety of your trees. While both can undertake tree work, each one offers different levels of service and capability. Hence, it is important to consider the risks associated with each type of service, as well as the quality of work being provided.

Which Is the Better Choice?

If you opt for a quick solution for your tree problems, then hiring a tree lopper may seem like the easier choice. But if you are looking for a more comprehensive service that is reliable and offers the best outcome for the health of your trees, then an arborist is clearly the better choice.

Hiring an arborist means professional care that prioritises long-term tree health and safety over quick fixes, and their adherence to Australian standards means you can trust the quality and sustainability of the work being done. Pruning and removing large trees can be hazardous as it deals with heavy structures, risky equipment, and working at elevated heights. To ensure the health, safety, and protection of your property, these tasks should only be carried out by qualified arborists.



Why Choose Bob & Ben The Tree Men

At Bob & Ben The Tree Men, our team consists of qualified tree experts who can provide the necessary advice and services that you need for your trees. Whether it's diagnosis, tree removal, pruning, or tree treatment, our highly experienced team of certified arborists have the skills and expertise to diagnose, manage, and maintain your tree's health in an efficient manner. We use state-of-the-art equipment and the latest techniques to guarantee safe and efficient results.