Trees are responsible for producing oxygen, supplying food and also providing shade. They are also aesthetically pleasing to our eyes since they help in beautifying our streets, keep them cooler and prevent soil erosion. There’s just no simpler way of putting it—we enjoy being surrounded by trees. But, they do require proper care to remain happy and healthy.

The person responsible for this task is known as an arborist or tree surgeon. Arboriculture is the study of the cultivation, administration, and pruning of trees. In general, arborists perform nearly all tasks pertaining to plants and trees.

So, who is an arborist?

Arborists are professionals who specialise in the art and science of planting, caring for, maintaining, and assessing trees, shrubs, and other green life. They are experts who have spent years honing their skills in order to, properly and effectively, manage tree growth and development.

The job of an arborist in Canterbury

Arborists (also known as tree doctors or tree surgeons) are frequently recruited across Canterbury to assess the health of trees, diagnose potential diseases, and offer suggestions on how to properly care for and maintain the plants.

A professional arborist can also provide specific services such as:

• Tree pruning and trimming
• Hedge trimming
• Tree felling
• Stump removal
• Drought mitigation,
• Fertilizer application,
• Insect and disease control, and
• Assisting in the planning of seasonal tree care prior to the arrival of the spring season.

So, basically, arborists are protectors of your trees

They understand the importance of these marvellous beings and their implications on the environment and your personal property.

Did you know that simply planting a tree on your property can increase its resale value significantly? As long as it’s planted correctly, is in the proper location, and is properly maintained and cared for. And who better than a well-trained certified arborist to do all of those things for you?

Who can be called a certified arborist?

A certified arborist is an expert in the art and science of arboriculture who has received extensive training, experience, and knowledge in handling botanical life. These professionals must also pass a comprehensive examination in order to become certified arborists in Canterbury.

Even after receiving their certification, certified arborists must continue to hone their skills if they want to keep their certification. It is also crucial that they should keep up with the latest technologies and techniques in the field of arboriculture.

Therefore, if you’re considering hiring a tree expert to care for and maintain your trees, a certified arborist in Canterbury is the best option for you. Pruning can be done by anyone with a chainsaw who chops up tree branches and limbs. It’s the knowledge and expertise in how to prune, trim, and remove trees properly that makes all the difference.

What services do arborists provide?

The truth is that if you don’t have any trees on your property, you may not need to hire an arborist. However, if you want to improve the aesthetics and value of your property, hiring an arborist to assist you in deciding which trees to plant, and what plants to remove—isn’t a bad idea.

If, on the other hand, you already have old and semi-broken trees on your property and want someone to assess them, you should definitely contact a certified arborist in your area.

Here are some of the common services that an arborist can cover for you:

Planting of Trees

Planting trees correctly necessitates a great deal of knowledge and experience. You must consider the best location to plant it (considering its size when fully grown), the best tree species to plant that is appropriate for your region, and the care and maintenance it will require, particularly during its early stages of development.

Pruning trees

Proper tree pruning necessitates the use of specific techniques and methods. Furthermore, there are a variety of reasons why a tree needs to be pruned, including disease, storm damage, safety, and aesthetics. A certified arborist in Canterbury can assess the tree’s health and determine whether it needs to be pruned.

Tree Maintenance and Care

Trees require regular care and maintenance, particularly for preventative purposes prior to winter and for assessment purposes after the cold, harsh season, in order to check for potential damage and aid the tree’s recovery.

Taking Down Trees

It seems that most people assume that tree removal in Canterbury is a piece of cake, but the reality is far from it. Sure, it can be done by a tree service professional (at any level). But here’s the thing: most tree professionals agree that when it comes to trees that have been damaged, tree removal is usually the best option.

Tree removal is viewed as a last resort by arborists. The first thought that comes to mind is how they can save the tree. 

Soft skills required to be an arborist in Canterbury

Arborists are individuals with distinct personalities. They’re realistic people, which means they’re persistent, genuine, practical, and financially savvy. Tactile, physical, athletic, or mechanical tasks appeal to them. They’re also enterprising, which means they’re bold, ambitious, assertive, extroverted, energetic, enthusiastic, confident, and upbeat.

Other skills of a professional arborist:

Being an arborist means serious business! To know if your arborist is good for you (and your trees) they should possess certain technical skills as well. They are stated as follows:

• Your arborist must get a bachelor’s degree in biology, botany, or horticulture to work in this field.
• They should have a proven track record of success.
• They have expertise in the biology and anatomy of trees.
• They have an understanding of soil biology and how fertilisers work.
• They have knowledge of climbing equipment and how to use them.
• They have the ability to use handsaws and other mechanical tools.
• They can work in all weather conditions and at heights.
• They possess good physical fitness and the ability to lift weights.
• They possess good communication skills.

If you want to have a first-hand experience with a true professional in Canterbury, get in touch with us today. Otherwise, we always recommend that you do your research before hiring an arborist.

Your Trusted Arborists 

ProArb Canterbury certified tree specialists and professional arborists offer a full range of tree services in Canterbury including; Tree Removal & Tree Felling, Tree Trimming, Pruning & Topping, Stump Grinding & Removal and other services such as Wood Chipping and Shelterbelt Trimming.

Through the services that we offer, we aim to prevent damage or injury to people and property that may be caused by an unhealthy or displaced tree (or hedge), ultimately helping to maintain a safe and well-maintained neighbourhood or environment.

Our team of tree specialists provide arborist services in Christchurch, Rangiora, Kaiapoi, Waimakariri District and North Canterbury are here to serve you.