Certified Arborists vs. General Tree Cutting Service in Hoboken

Professional Credentials and Training Requirements

A certified arborist has gone through a very intensive program by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). The ISA’s program includes an exhaustive series of tests focusing on tree biology, the right way to properly prune trees, and all of the proper safety procedures. ISA certification is an ongoing process because it is important for certified arborists to remain knowledgeable of the latest advancements in arboriculture and urban forest management as they evolve.

When compared to general tree cutting service providers, many do not receive formal training in tree science; therefore, many rely upon basic cutting skills to get the job done rather than the tree health implications of those cuts. In New Jersey, this difference is very significant as licensed tree experts (LTE) must meet specific qualifications, whereas unlicensed individuals are permitted to provide a wide variety of services related to trees without having a comprehensive understanding of tree care.

Knowledge of Tree Physiology and Overall Tree Health

Arborists have a great deal of knowledge regarding the physiological aspects of tree growth and development. As a result, certified arborists can determine when to properly prune trees and make other types of tree management decisions based on their knowledge of the physiological aspects of the tree. Additionally, they are aware of how each type of cut impacts tree health and the response to wounds that will impact the long-term structural integrity of the tree. Due to the various environmental stresses that urban trees experience, these factors are particularly important in Hoboken.

In contrast, many general tree cutting service providers tend to focus primarily on the removal of trees or basic tree trimming without regard to the larger implications for tree health. Because of their narrow perspective, general tree cutting service providers often make improper cuts that compromise the structural integrity of the tree, which creates a greater likelihood for the tree to become infected with diseases or pests, or structurally fail and present a danger to property and people in and around the area.

Appropriate Cutting Methods and Standards

Certified arborists adhere to guidelines established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for the care of trees. By doing so, certified arborists can ensure that all cuts are made in areas of the tree that promote healthy closure of wounds and help maintain the structure of the tree. Certified arborists are also knowledgeable regarding the proper pruning methods for each tree species and the time of year to properly prune to promote the best possible health and aesthetics for the tree.

On the other hand, many general tree cutting service providers use improper methods such as tree topping, over-crown reduction, and climbing spikes to remove branches from trees during regular pruning operations. Such methods can cause permanent damage to trees, shorten the life expectancy of trees, and create safety concerns that necessitate costly repairs or the complete removal of the tree.

Liability Insurance and Workers Compensation Coverage

Certified arborist services carry liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage to protect homeowners financially in the event of an accident occurring while a tree is being worked on. The fact that certified arborist services carry such insurance demonstrates their commitment to adhering to professional standards and provides essential protection for property owners in Hoboken’s residential neighborhoods.

Unlike certified arborist services, most unlicensed tree cutting service providers do not carry adequate liability insurance coverage or workers’ compensation coverage. Therefore, homeowners who hire unlicensed tree cutting service providers are exposed to liability for any accidents, property damage, or injuries that occur during tree work. Such exposure can be significantly higher than the cost savings associated with hiring an unlicensed provider.

Equipment and OSHA Compliance

Certified arborists utilize equipment specifically designed for tree care and are compliant with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations for safe and efficient performance of tree care. Additionally, certified arborists maintain equipment in accordance with the industry standard to ensure the safety of their employees and minimize the risks of damage to surrounding property and bystander safety.

In comparison, many general tree cutting service providers utilize substandard equipment and/or are inadequately trained in safety protocols, thereby increasing the risk of accidents resulting in damage to property and/or injury to employees and bystanders. Poorly maintained equipment used by general tree cutting service providers also often leads to poor quality of work that harms trees and necessitates corrective action.

Disease Identification and Diagnosis of Pests and Structural Issues

Certified arborists are able to accurately diagnose diseases affecting trees, pests that infest trees, and structural problems that exist in trees and affect the safety of the public and the health of the tree. Based on this diagnosis, certified arborists are able to recommend comprehensive treatment options and determine when a tree can be saved versus when the tree should be removed for safety reasons.

As opposed to certified arborists, most general tree cutting service providers lack the ability to accurately diagnose diseases, pest problems, and structural issues that may exist in trees. As a result, general tree cutting service providers may miss serious tree health issues and/or recommend unnecessary removals of trees, resulting in the unnecessary loss of valuable trees that could have been preserved with proper care.

Regulatory Compliance in Hoboken

Certified arborists are knowledgeable regarding Hoboken’s tree protection ordinances, permits needed for tree removal or significant pruning on protected trees, and regulations governing the protection of certain tree species within Hoboken. As such, certified arborists are able to ensure that any work performed complies with applicable local laws and regulations, and can assist in obtaining permits that are required prior to the removal or significant pruning of protected trees throughout Hoboken.

Unlike certified arborists, many unlicensed tree cutting service providers may be unaware of the applicable local regulations and laws. Consequently, unlicensed providers may engage in work that is in violation of applicable city ordinances, placing property owners at risk of receiving fines or facing other forms of legal consequences. Failure to comply with applicable local regulations may also create unforeseen expenses beyond the original cost of the service.

Long-Term Planning for Tree Management

Certified arborists are able to create comprehensive tree management plans that address both the short-term needs of the tree and the long-term health objectives of the tree. When developing such plans, certified arborists take into account the factors of urban environment stresses, characteristics of the tree species, and property owner objectives to develop long-term, sustainable tree care plans.

Unlike certified arborists, general tree cutting service providers typically focus only on completing the immediate task(s) at hand, and generally ignore the long-term health of the tree and the ultimate property management objectives. As a result, the short-term focus of general tree cutting service providers often results in ongoing problems that require repeated interventions and ultimately, increased costs.

Emergency Response Capability

Certified arborist services are capable of providing professional emergency response services to property owners in Hoboken, including 24-hour emergency response capability during severe weather events, and the implementation of proper emergency response protocols for the safe removal of hazardous trees or branches that present a threat to structures and/or public safety.

As opposed to certified arborist services, many general tree cutting service providers are not adequately equipped to respond to emergencies such as severe weather events, and/or do they have the training or equipment to safely address hazardous situations that arise from storms or other events.

Accountability and Quality Control Measures

Certified arborist services provide homeowners with written estimates of the work to be performed, detailed specifications of the work to be completed, and quality guarantees that protect the homeowner and ensure satisfaction with the services provided. Certified arborist services are members of the ISA and participate in industry-wide certification programs that promote adherence to high-quality professional standards.

Unlike certified arborist services, most unlicensed tree cutting service providers do not have formal accountability measures, written agreements, or quality guarantees to provide assurance to property owners that the work performed will meet acceptable quality standards. The lack of formal accountability measures limits the rights of property owners to seek redress if the work performed by unlicensed service providers is of poor quality or does not meet expectations.

Cost Consideration and Value

Although certified arborists may charge higher initial fees than general tree cutting service providers, certified arborists often prevent costly errors that require subsequent corrective work. Proper tree care performed by certified arborists helps to preserve property value and reduce long-term maintenance costs by employing proper techniques and developing a comprehensive plan for managing trees.

Lower-priced general tree cutting services may appear to offer economy in the short term; however, they often result in higher overall costs due to poor quality of work, damaged trees that require repair, and/or liability issues. Any perceived economy is lost once property damage, insurance claims, and/or costly corrective work are considered.

Choosing the Right Service Provider for Your Property

Homeowners in Hoboken who wish to enjoy the benefits of hiring a certified arborist who understands both the science of tree care and the unique urban forestry challenges in Hoboken should seek out certified arborists who have demonstrated a level of professionalism through their certifications, insurance coverage, and past performance. Verifying the certifications, insurance coverage, and references of any service provider you are considering will enable you to select a qualified service provider who is committed to providing safe, high-quality, and long-term tree health care to your property. Protecting both your immediate and long-term property interests and contributing to Hoboken’s urban canopy preservation efforts are among the primary objectives of selecting the right service provider for your property.

To learn more about how Hoboken Tree Service Pros can exceed the expectations of general tree cutting services, please contact us today. We have ISA-certified professionals who specialize in tree care that is fully insured, and we have experience providing comprehensive tree care services to residential and commercial properties located in the unique urban environments of Hudson County.