Tree Surgeon vs Arborist: What’s The Difference?

When it comes to the care and management of trees in your garden or property, the terms “tree surgeon” and “arborist” are often used interchangeably. However, there are distinct differences between these two professions that are important to understand when seeking professional help. This blog aims to clarify what sets tree surgeons apart from arborists and help you decide whom to call for your specific tree care needs.

Understanding the Roles

What is a Tree Surgeon?

A tree surgeon, also known as a tree arborist, specialises in the practical aspects of tree care. This includes tree removal, pruning, stump grinding, and emergency tree care. Tree surgeons are the professionals you see scaling trees, chainsaw in hand, expertly removing dangerous or unwanted branches. They are highly skilled in safely navigating the physical challenges of working with trees, particularly in complex or high-risk environments.

Tree surgeons are extensively trained in the use of specialised equipment and safety procedures to ensure that all tree work is conducted with the utmost care and precision, minimising risk to themselves, the public, and the surrounding property.

At Waterman Tree Co., our tree surgeon services include:

• Tree Removals
• Stump Services (including Removal & Grinding)
• Hedge Trimming
• Tree Pollarding
• Crown Services
  • Crown Lifting
  • Crown Thinning
  • Crown Reduction
• Dead Wood Pruning
• Emergency Tree Services

What is an Arborist?

An arborist, or arboriculturalist, takes a more scientific approach to tree care. Arborists have a deep understanding of tree biology, diseases, and growth patterns. They are trained to assess the health of a tree and provide recommendations for its care that align with its long-term health and vitality.

Arborists conduct detailed diagnostics to understand issues affecting a tree, from soil conditions to pest infestations, and develop management plans that enhance the landscape’s ecological balance. Their expertise is crucial when planning new plantings or managing the health of existing trees, especially in settings that require careful conservation of the natural environment.

Our arborist services include:

• Tree Surveys & Inspections
• Mortgage Tree Reports
• Tree & Hedge Planting
• Habitat Regeneration

Key Differences in Qualifications

While both professions require a strong foundation in tree care, the level of qualification and education between tree surgeons and arborists can differ significantly:

• Tree Surgeons typically hold certifications that qualify them to perform physical tree work safely and effectively.
• Arborists are often required to have advanced degrees in arboriculture, providing them with a detailed understanding of tree physiology and ecosystem dynamics.

When to Hire a Tree Surgeon vs an Arborist

Hiring a Tree Surgeon

Tree surgeons are the frontline professionals in the tree care industry, specialising in the physical aspects of tree management. Their expertise is essential when dealing with practical and often urgent tree care needs. Here’s a closer look at when and why you might need a tree surgeon:

Practical Tree Care

Tree surgeons are highly skilled in performing tasks that are both dangerous and complex. This includes:

• Tree Removals: Whether due to disease, death, or improper location, removing a tree can be a dangerous task. Tree surgeons use advanced techniques and safety equipment to carefully remove trees, ensuring there is no damage to surrounding property or harm to people nearby.
• Stump Removal: After a tree has been felled, the remaining stump can be an eyesore and a hazard. Stump removal involves the complete extraction of the stump and the major root ball, providing a clean slate for new landscaping. 
• Stump Grinding: This service involves the use of specialised machinery to grind the tree stump down below the surface of the ground, effectively removing its visibility and helping to prevent pest infestation.
• Hedge Trimming: This service helps maintain hedges and shrubbery, ensuring they look neat and tidy. Regular trimming helps prevent overgrowth, maintains desired shapes and sizes, and enhances the overall health of the hedge.
• Tree Pollarding: A method used to restrict the height and spread of trees by cutting back branches to the trunk to promote a dense head of foliage. This ancient practice is often used in urban settings to manage tree size and maintain clearances.
• Crown Lifting: Involves removing lower branches of a tree to increase clearance between the ground and the lower branches, often used to clear space for traffic, buildings, or to enhance views. 
• Crown Thinning: This technique removes select branches within the crown, which improves light penetration and air circulation throughout the tree, reducing the risk of damage in high winds and improving tree health. 
• Crown Reduction: Reducing the size and volume of a tree’s crown helps alleviate mechanical stress on individual branches or the whole tree, making the tree more suited to its urban environment and reducing the likelihood of damage during storms.
• Dead Wood Pruning: Involves the selective removal of dead, dying, or diseased wood from the tree. This practice helps improve plant health and aesthetics, while also reducing the risk of falling branches.
• Emergency Tree Services: These services are crucial when trees fall or pose imminent threats due to storms or other sudden events. Tree surgeons respond quickly to remove or secure trees, ensuring public safety and preventing further damage to property.

These comprehensive services ensure the health, safety, and aesthetic appeal of trees and hedges in both residential and commercial settings. By understanding the different services offered by tree surgeons, property owners can make informed decisions about the care and maintenance of their green spaces.

Emergency Situations

In the aftermath of storms or other unexpected events, tree surgeons are indispensable for addressing immediate risks posed by trees. Here are the typical emergency situations where a tree surgeon’s expertise is critical:

• Storm Damage Recovery: High winds and heavy rains can weaken trees or break branches, creating hazards. Tree surgeons quickly assess the damage and remove dangerous branches or fallen trees to secure the area.
• Unstable Trees: Trees that are leaning dangerously or showing signs of root failure may pose imminent risks, especially to buildings, vehicles, and human safety. Tree surgeons can stabilise or remove such trees before they cause damage or injury.
• Obstruction Removal: Trees or large branches that fall and block roads or access routes need to be quickly and safely removed. Tree surgeons ensure that normal activities can resume with minimal disruption.

By hiring a tree surgeon, you ensure that all practical aspects of tree care are handled with professionalism and safety. Whether it’s routine maintenance or urgent damage control, tree surgeons are equipped to manage the situation effectively, minimising risk to both the environment and the people involved. For homeowners, municipalities, and property managers, understanding when to call a tree surgeon is key to maintaining both the beauty and the safety of landscapes.

Hiring an Arborist

You might need an arborist for:

• Tree Surveys & Inspections: A comprehensive assessment aimed at evaluating the health, structure, and safety of trees on a property. These surveys help identify potential issues such as diseases, infestations, or structural weaknesses. They are essential for effective tree management, ensuring compliance with local regulations and supporting conservation efforts.
• Mortgage Tree Report: A specialised report often required by mortgage lenders to assess the impact of trees on property structures. This report addresses potential risks like root intrusion or damage from falling limbs, helping lenders and homeowners make informed decisions about property value and safety.
• Tree & Hedge Planting: Strategic planting services designed to enhance landscape aesthetics and functionality. This service involves selecting the appropriate species and locations for planting trees and hedges, considering factors like soil type, climate, and the ecological impact. Proper planting supports biodiversity, enhances property value, and contributes to environmental health.
• Habitat Regeneration: This service focuses on restoring and enhancing natural habitats through careful planning and management of vegetation. It involves reintroducing native plant species, removing invasive species, and implementing sustainable management practices to promote biodiversity, improve ecosystem services, and increase resilience to environmental changes.

These services are vital for maintaining the health and sustainability of both managed and natural landscapes, offering long-term benefits for property owners and the environment alike.

Collaborative Care for Optimal Results

For the best care of your trees and hedges, employing both tree surgeons and arborists is often the most effective approach. While arborists can assess and plan for the tree’s health, tree surgeons implement the necessary physical work based on these plans. This collaborative approach ensures that your garden not only looks great but remains healthy and vibrant for years to come.

At Waterman Tree Co., we pride ourselves on having a team of both qualified arborists and skilled tree surgeons. This blend of expertise allows us to offer comprehensive tree care services that ensure the health and beauty of your trees. Check out our services page for more information or contact us directly for a free, no-obligation quote to see how we can assist with your tree care needs.

Understanding the specific roles, skills, and qualifications of tree surgeons and arborists can significantly enhance the decisions you make about caring for your trees, ensuring that they continue to thrive and enhance your property’s landscape.