Editing Arborist

{{Short description|Occupation concerning the care of perennial woody plants}}
{{globalize|date=January 2015}}

[[Image:Arborists-3,-Kallista,-VIC,-09.07.2008.jpg|250px|thumb|An arborist using a [[chainsaw]] to cut a [[eucalyptus]] tree in a public park]]
[[File:Tree Climbers.jpg|alt=Arborists in Ontario|thumb|Two arborists climbing and dismantling a Norway Maple in Ontario, Canada]]
An '''arborist''', or (less commonly) '''arboriculturist''', is a [[professional]] in the practice of [[arboriculture]], which is the [[Plant cultivation|cultivation]], management, and study of individual [[tree]]s, [[shrub]]s, [[vine]]s, and other [[perennial]] [[woody plant]]s in [[dendrology]] and [[horticulture]].{{cn|date=September 2024}}

Arborists generally focus on the health and safety of individual [[plant]]s and trees, rather than managing [[forest]]s or harvesting wood ([[silviculture]] or [[forestry]]).  An arborist's scope of work is therefore distinct from that of either a [[forester]] or a [[lumberjack|logger]].{{cn|date=September 2024}}

==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>

==Qualifications==

[[Image:Cranebucketcombo.jpg|200px|right|thumb|An arborist disassembling a tree using a crane and bucket]]
Arborists gain qualifications to practice arboriculture in a variety of ways and some arborists are more qualified than others.  Experience working safely and effectively in and around trees is essential.  Arborists tend to specialize in one or more disciplines of arboriculture, such as diagnosis and treatment of pests, diseases and nutritional deficiencies in trees, climbing and pruning, cabling and lightning protection, or consultation and report writing.  All these disciplines are related to one another and some arborists are very well experienced in all areas of tree work, however not all arborists have the training or experience to properly practice every discipline.{{cn|date=September 2024}}

Arborists choose to pursue formal certification, which is available in some countries and varies somewhat by location.  An arborist who holds certification in one or more disciplines may be expected to participate in rigorous continuing education requirements to ensure constant improvement of skills and techniques.{{cn|date=September 2024}}

In Australia, arboricultural education and training are streamlined countrywide through a multi-disciplinary vocational education, training, and qualification authority called the [[Australian Qualifications Framework]], which offers varying levels of professional qualification. Government institutions including [[Technical and further education|Technical and Further Education]] (TAFE) offer Certificate III or a diploma in [[arboriculture]] as well as some universities.<ref>{{Cite web |url= http://www.skills.vic.gov.au/victorianskillsgateway/Students/Pages/OccupationSearchDescription.aspx?type=occupation&searchid=794 |title= Becoming an Arborist |website= Victorian Skills Gateway |language= en |access-date= 2018-03-15 |archive-date= 2018-03-16 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180316152417/http://www.skills.vic.gov.au/victorianskillsgateway/Students/Pages/OccupationSearchDescription.aspx?type=occupation&searchid=794 |url-status= dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url= https://coursesearch.unimelb.edu.au/grad/1850-graduate-certificate-in-arboriculture |title= Graduate Certificate in Arboriculture |website= University of Melbourne |language=en|access-date=2018-03-15}}</ref>  There are also many private institutions covering similar educational framework in each state. Recognition of prior learning is also an option for practicing arborists with 10 or more years of experience with no prior formal training. It allows them to be assessed and fast track their certification.{{citation needed|date=November 2020}}

In France, a qualified arborist must hold a ''Management of Ornamental Trees'' certificate, and a qualified arborist climber must hold a ''Pruning and Care of Trees'' certificate; both delivered by the French Ministry of Agriculture.<ref>{{Cite web|url= http://www.copalme.org/?Les-formations-qualifiantes-des |title= Les formations qualifiantes des arboristes : certificat de spécialisation CS " taille et soin des arbres " |website= Copalme |language=fr |access-date=2018-03-15}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url= https://www.ladepeche.fr/article/2017/02/23/2522468-le-cfppa-a-l-action-sur-le-domaine-paul-riquet.html |title= Le CFPPA à l'action sur le domaine Paul-Riquet - Enseignement et formation - Un vrai chantier pour les lycéens |date= February 23, 2017 |website= La Dépêche |language=fr|access-date=2018-03-15}}</ref>

In the UK, an arborist can gain qualifications up to and including a master's degree. College-based courses include further education qualifications, such as [[national certificate]], [[National Diploma (United Kingdom)|national diploma]], while higher education courses in arboriculture include [[foundation degree]], [[bachelor's degree]] and [[master's degree]].{{cn|date=September 2024}}

In the US, a Certified Arborist (CA) is a professional who has over three years of documented and verified experience and has passed a rigorous written test from the [[International Society of Arboriculture]]. Other designations include Municipal Specialist, Utility Specialist and Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA). The USA and Canada additionally have college-based training which, if passed, will give the certificate of Qualified Arborist.  The Qualified Arborist can then be used to offset partial experience towards the Certified Arborist.

Tree Risk Assessment Qualified credential (TRAQ), designed by the International Society of Arboriculture, was launched in 2013. At that time people holding the TRACE credential were transferred over to the TRAQ credential.{{cn|date=September 2024}}

In Canada, there are provincially governed apprenticeship programs that allow arborists' to work near power lines upon completion. These apprenticeship programs must meet the provincial reregulations (For example, in B.C. they must meet WorkSafeBC G19.30), and individuals must ensure they meet the requirements of the owner of the power system.{{cn|date=September 2024}}

==Cultural practices==
[[File:Arboriculture Unimog.jpg|thumb|Arborists may use specialised vehicles to gain access to trees, such as this [[Unimog]] equipped with a [[power take-off]] driven [[woodchipper]] ]]
Trees in urban landscape settings are often subject to disturbances, whether human or natural, both above and below ground. They may require care to improve their chances of survival following damage from either [[Biotic component|biotic]] or [[abiotic]] causes.  Arborists can provide appropriate solutions, such as [[pruning]] trees for health and good structure, for [[aesthetics|aesthetic]] reasons, and to permit people to walk under them (a technique often referred to as "crown raising"), or to keep them away from wires, fences and buildings (a technique referred to as "crown reduction").<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bartlett.com/resources/Pruning-Standard-to-Maintain-Landscape-Trees.cfm|title=Pruning Standards to Maintain Landscape Trees (3)|publisher=E. Thomas Smiley, Ph. D., Plant Pathologist and Bruce R. Fraedrich, Ph. D., Plant Pathologist; Bartlett Tree Research Laboratory}}</ref>   Timing and methods of treatment depend on the species of tree and the purpose of the work.  To determine the best practices, a thorough knowledge of local species and environments is essential.{{cn|date=September 2024}}

There can be a vast difference between the techniques and practices of professional arborists and those of inadequately trained tree workers.  Some commonly offered "services" are considered unacceptable by modern arboricultural standards and may seriously damage, disfigure, weaken, or even kill trees.  One such example is [[tree topping]], [[lopping]], or "hat-racking", where entire tops of trees or main stems are removed, generally by cross-cutting the main stem(s) or leaders, leaving large unsightly stubs.  Trees that manage to survive such treatment are left prone to a spectrum of detrimental effects, including vigorous but weakly attached regrowth, pest susceptibility, pathogen intrusion, and internal decay.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/earthkind/landscape/proper-pruning-techniques/|title=Follow Proper Pruning Techniques &#124; Earth-Kind® Landscaping|website=aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu}}</ref>

Pruning should only be done with a specific purpose in mind. Every cut is a wound, and every leaf lost is removal of [[photosynthesis|photosynthetic]] potential. Proper pruning can be helpful in many ways, but should always be done with the minimum amount of live tissue removed.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://treesaccess.com/|title=Access Trees Home|website=treesaccess.com|access-date=2022-03-30|archive-date=2022-03-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220322144724/https://www.treesaccess.com/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In recent years, research has proven that wound dressings such as paint, tar or other coverings are unnecessary and may harm trees. The coverings may encourage growth of decay-causing [[fungus|fungi]]. Proper pruning, by cutting through branches at the right location, can do more to limit decay than wound dressing <ref>https://joa.isa-arbor.com/request.asp?JournalID=1&ArticleID=1923&Type=2, Wound dressings results of studies over 13 years</ref>

Chemicals can be applied to trees for insect or disease control through soil application, stem injections or spraying. Compacted or disturbed soils can be improved in various ways.{{Citation needed|date=June 2009}}

Arborists can also assess trees to determine the health, structure, safety or feasibility within a landscape and in proximity to humans. Modern arboriculture has progressed in technology and sophistication from practices of the past.  Many current practices are based on knowledge gained through recent research, including that of [[Alex Shigo]], considered one "father" of modern arboriculture.<ref>[http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/11/15/HOG8KMBUQT1.DTL ''Alex Shigo pioneered tree-friendly pruning''] by Ron Sullivan; San Francisco Chronicle November 15, 2006.</ref>

== Legal issues ==
Depending on the jurisdiction, there may be a number of legal issues surrounding the practices of arborists, including boundary issues, public safety issues, "heritage" trees of community value, and "neighbour" issues such as ownership, obstruction of views, impacts of roots crossing boundaries, nuisance problems, disease or insect [[quarantine]]s, and safety of nearby trees or plants that may be affected.{{cn|date=September 2024}}

Arborists are frequently consulted to establish the factual basis of disputes involving trees, or by private property owners seeking to avoid legal liability through the [[duty of care]].<ref>[http://joa.isa-arbor.com/request.asp?JournalID=1&ArticleID=2652&Type=2 Common Law Branches Off Into New Directions]; by Victor D. Merullo; Journal of Arboriculture 20(6): November 1994.</ref>  Arborists may be asked to assess the value of a tree<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20060830042621/http://www.ianrpubs.unl.edu/epublic/live/g1533/build/g1533.pdf Landscape Tree Appraisal] by David P. Mooter, et al.; University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension; March 2004.</ref> in the process of an insurance claim for trees damaged or destroyed,<ref>''Guide for Plant Appraisal'', 9th ed; by the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers; International Society of Arboriculture; 2000.</ref> or to recover damages resulting from [[Illegal logging|tree theft]] or [[vandalism]].<ref>See also specific legal provisions for "tree theft" such as, for example, the [http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=64.12.030 Revised Code of Washington title 64.12.030] for Washington (State, USA) or similar state, provincial, or local statutes.</ref>  In cities with [[tree preservation order]]s an arborist's evaluation of tree hazard may be required before a property owner may remove a tree, or to assure the protection of trees in development plans and during construction operations. Carrying out work on protected trees and hedges is illegal without express permission from local authorities,<ref>{{cite web|title=A Guide To The Laws Of Arboriculture & Tree Legislations|url=http://www.davefordtreecare.co.uk/tree-surgery-surrey-faqs/the-laws-of-arboriculture-tree-legislation|publisher=Surrey Tree Surgery|access-date=4 April 2014|archive-date=4 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140404192321/http://www.davefordtreecare.co.uk/tree-surgery-surrey-faqs/the-laws-of-arboriculture-tree-legislation|url-status=dead}}</ref> and can result in legal action including fines.<ref>{{cite news|title=Businessman fined £28,000 for felling protected yew tree|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/environment/10095375/Businessman-fined-28000-for-felling-protected-yew-tree.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130606103305/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/environment/10095375/Businessman-fined-28000-for-felling-protected-yew-tree.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 June 2013|access-date=4 April 2014 | location=London|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=3 June 2013}}</ref> Homeowners who have entered into contracts with a [[Homeowner's association]] (see also [[Restrictive covenant]]s) may need an arborists' professional opinion of a hazardous condition prior to removing a tree, or may be obligated to assure the protection of the views of neighboring properties prior to planting a tree or in the course of pruning.<ref>''Arboriculture and the Law in Canada'' by Julian Dunster and Susan Murray; International Society of Arboriculture; 1997.</ref>  Arborists may be consulted in [[forensic science|forensic investigations]] where the evidence of a crime can be determined within the [[dendrochronology|growth rings]] of a tree, for example.  Arborists may be engaged by one member of a dispute in order to identify factual information about trees useful to that member of the dispute, or they can be engaged as an [[expert witness]] providing unbiased scientific knowledge in a court case.  Homeowners associations seeking to write restrictive covenants, or legislative bodies seeking to write laws involving trees, may seek the counsel of arborists in order to avoid future difficulties.<ref>''Arboriculture and the Law'' by Victor D. Merrullo; International Society of Arboriculture; 1992.</ref>

Before undertaking works in the UK, arborists have a legal responsibility to survey trees for wildlife, especially bats, which are given particular legal protection.  In addition, any tree in the UK can be covered by a [[tree preservation order]] and it is illegal to conduct any work on a tree, including deadwooding or pruning, before permission has been sought from the local council.{{cn|date=September 2024}}

==Organizations==
*Australia Limited, a non-profit organisation, is a national organisation promoting and representing tree workers, arborists, professional tree management and urban forestry throughout Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://arboriculture.org.au/About-Us|title=About Us|website=arboriculture.org.au|access-date=2016-07-22|archive-date=2016-08-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808104042/http://arboriculture.org.au/About-Us|url-status=dead}}</ref> 
*The [[Tree Care Industry Association]] (formerly the National Arborist Association) is a public and professional non-profit organization for the arboriculture field. It has more than 2,000 member companies representing over a dozen countries. TCIA's Accreditation program certifies that tree care companies that have been inspected and accredited based on adherence to industry standards for performance and safety; maintenance of trained, professional staff; and dedication to ethics and quality in business practices.  In addition, they provide safety and educational programs, guidelines for tree service operations, [[ANSI A300]] tree pruning standards, and consumer resources.{{cn|date=September 2024}}
*The [[International Society of Arboriculture]], a non-profit organization, maintains a list of ISA [[Certified arborist|Certified Arborists]] who have passed a written exam and demonstrated a basic level of knowledge in arboriculture.<ref>{{cite web|title=Verify an ISA Certification / Find a Tree Care Service|url=http://www.isa-arbor.com/faca/findArborist.aspx|publisher=International Society of Arboriculture|access-date=4 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140327122651/http://www.isa-arbor.com/faca/findarborist.aspx|archive-date=27 March 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>  There are also additional classifications of certified arborists with Certified Arborist/Utility Specialist for those who work near power lines, and Certified Arborist/Municipal Specialist for those who deal mostly with community trees. Other certifications exist for Certified Tree Workers, and the highest level of certification, the Board Certified Master Arborist.{{cn|date=September 2024}}
*The American Society of Consulting Arborists is an organization whose membership is exclusive to those with a certain level of industry experience, plus higher educational experience or continuing education; some members may achieve a higher status by fulfilling the requirements to become a Registered Consulting Arborist.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.asca-consultants.org/join_rca.html |title=American Society of Consulting Arborists – Registered Consulting Arborist<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=2008-04-29 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20030228131644/http://www.asca-consultants.org/join_rca.html |archive-date=2003-02-28 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Consulting arborists generally specialize in the areas of ethics, law, land planning and development, and tree valuation, among others. Consulting arborists are often called on for legal testimony and report writing in various instances where a particular authority on trees is necessary for consequent actions.
*In the UK, the professional body representing the sector is the [[Institute of Chartered Foresters]]. The trade body representing arborists is the Arboricultural Association. The association maintains a register of consultants who have demonstrated a high level of technical arboricultural knowledge, and operate an Approved Contractor scheme. This scheme assesses both the technical competence and business practices of arboricultural contractors.
*The [[European Arboricultural Council]] is a European group of multiple arboriculture organizations from various countries.
* [[Plant Amnesty]] is a public education and advocacy group, based in Seattle, dedicated to promoting proper pruning methods. Founded in 1987, Plant Amnesty became an international resource for arborists and their clients in the mid-1990s.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/pacificnw/2002/0414/plant.html | work=The Seattle Times | title=The Seattle Times: Pacific Northwest Magazine}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.berkeleydaily.org/bakersfield-ca-local-online-stock-brokerage-firms/|title=Bakersfield CA Local Online Stock Brokerage Firms &#124; Berkeley Daily|first=Paul|last=Young|access-date=2019-11-08|archive-date=2020-08-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809062119/http://www.berkeleydaily.org/bakersfield-ca-local-online-stock-brokerage-firms/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==In literature==
The protagonist in [[Italo Calvino]]'s novel ''[[The Baron in the Trees]]'' lives life on the ground as a boy and spends the rest of his life swinging from tree to tree in the Italian countryside.  As a young man he helps the local fruit farmers by pruning their trees.{{cn|date=September 2024}}

==Notable arborists==
Some noteworthy arborists include: 
* [[Francis A. Bartlett]] – founded The Bartlett Tree Experts Co., the world's leading scientific tree and shrub care company in 1907.
* [[Johnny Appleseed|John Chapman]] – pioneering U.S. frontier nurseryman and orchardist, commonly known as ''Johnny Appleseed.''
* [[Treetop Cat Rescue|Canopy Cat Rescue]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://canopycatrescue.com/home.html|title=Cat stuck in a tree in Washington|website=Canopy Cat Rescue|access-date=2019-11-08|archive-date=2019-11-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191108021823/https://www.canopycatrescue.com/home.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> – rescues domestic cats from tall trees; appears on ''[[Treetop Cat Rescue]]''.
* [[Sebastian Junger]] – author of ''Perfect Storm'' and ''War.'' Previous to becoming a journalist, Sebastian was an arborist in Massachusetts.
* [[Chuck Leavell]] – two-time recipient of the Georgia Tree Farmer of the Year award, and author of the children's book, ''The Tree Farmer.'' In 2006 Leavell was appointed by Governor [[Sonny Perdue]] to the Georgia Land Conservation Council.  He is also an accomplished jazz pianist and keyboardist for ''[[the Rolling Stones]].''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.chuckleavell.com/trees.html|title=Chuck Leavell - Trees|work=chuckleavell.com|access-date=2007-07-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070703034849/http://www.chuckleavell.com/trees.html|archive-date=2007-07-03|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* [[Alex Shigo]] – considered the father of modern arboriculture.

== Gallery ==
<gallery>
File:Blockingout.jpg|An arborist blocking down a section in [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]], [[Australia]]
File:Tree transplanting in Australia.jpg|Large tree transplant in [[Townsville]], Australia
File:Spurlessclimber.jpg|An arborist spurless climbing to prune a tree Australia
File:M D Vaden Seminar.jpg|An Oregon arborist providing a slideshow presentation about tree care and pruning at a garden show in [[Portland, Oregon]]
File:Arborists-5,-Kallista,-VIC,-09.07.2008.jpg|A crew of arborists felling a tree in sections at [[Kallista, Victoria]]
File:Southeastern spreading Friendship Oak.JPG|Friendship Oak on the campus of [[Southeastern Louisiana University]] is hundreds of years old. Like other mature spreading oaks, Friendship Oak is maintained by arborists to prevent the limbs from growing into the ground.
File:Arborist pruning Statue of Liberty.jpg|An arborist pruning a tree near the [[Statue of Liberty]]
File:Tree Trimming.jpg|An [https://treeservicedenverllc.com/arborist-services-in-denver-co/ Arborist] Tree Trimming In Denver, Colorado 
</gallery>

==See also==
{{Portal|Trees}}
* [[Chainsaw safety clothing]]
* [[Lumberjack]]
* [[Master arborist]]
* [[Tree shaping]]

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{wiktionary|arborist|arboricide}}

{{Forestry}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Arborists| 01]]
[[Category:Botanists by field of research]]
[[Category:Dendrologists|.]]
[[Category:Forestry occupations]]
[[Category:Forest management]]
[[Category:Trees]]