Editing Arborist (section)

==Scope of work==
[[Image:ISA Certified Municipal Arborist, James Kinder.jpg|250px|right|thumb|An [[International Society of Arboriculture|ISA]] Certified municipal arborist examining a Japanese Hemlock at [[Hoyt Arboretum]] in [[Portland, Oregon]]]]
In order for arborists to work near power wires, either additional training is required or they need to be certified as a Qualified Line Clearance Arborist or Utility Arborist (there may be different terminology for various countries). There is a variety of minimum distances that must be kept from power wires depending on voltage, however the common distance for low voltage lines in urban settings is 10 feet (about 3 metres).<ref>[[American National Standards Institute]] Z.133- and [[International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers]].</ref>

Arborists who climb (as not all do) can use a variety of techniques to ascend into the tree. The least invasive, and most popular technique used is to ascend on rope. There are two common methods of climbing, [[Single Rope System]] (SRS) and Moving Rope System (MRS). When personal safety is an issue, or the tree is being removed, arborists may use 'spikes', (also known as 'gaffs' or 'spurs') attached to their chainsaw boots with straps to ascend and work. Spikes wound the tree, leaving small holes where each step has been.{{cn|date=September 2024}}

An arborist's work may involve very large and complex trees, or [[Biocoenosis|ecological communities]] and their [[abiotic components]] in the context of the [[landscape ecology|landscape ecosystem]].  These may require monitoring and treatment to ensure they are healthy, safe, and suitable to property owners or community standards. This work may include some or all of the following: planting; transplanting; pruning; structural support; preventing, or diagnosing and treating [[phytopathology]] or [[parasitism]]; preventing or interrupting [[grazing]] or [[predation]]; installing [[Lightning safety|lightning protection]]; and removing vegetation deemed as [[hazardous]], an [[invasive species]], a [[disease vector]], or a [[weed]].{{cn|date=September 2024}}

Arborists may also plan, consult, write reports and give legal testimony. While some aspects of this work are done on the ground or in an office, much of it is done by arborists who perform tree services and who climb the trees with ropes, harnesses and other equipment. Lifts and cranes may be used too. The work of all arborists is not the same. Some may just provide a consulting service; others may perform climbing, pruning and planting: whilst others may provide a combination of all of these services.<ref>Harris, Richard W., James R. Clark, and Nelda P. Matheny:  Arboriculture Integrated Management of Landscape Trees, Shrubs, and Vines, third edition; Prentice-Hall, Inc. 1999.</ref>