The Boots on the Ground Approach by Tree Care Professionals
Landscaping is a multi-billion-dollar industry within horticulture. Trees are one of the most valuable amenities in a landscape. These assets need to be adequately cared for to maintain safe and functional green spaces. Whether you have trees at your home, place of business, or if you’re responsible for a master-planned development, trees are a significant consideration on real estate value.
If you have considered purchasing real estate, especially in a neighborhood, the landscape is one of the first things that you see. If your first impression is unmaintained landscape with dead, or dying trees, it can be a real turnoff.
It’s our responsibility as homeowners, managers, and developers to contract professionals to take care of landscapes and trees. An industry as large as horticulture, there are many contractors for hire. When considering any engagement, there should be a standard of education, training, and performance.
The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) has built a certification program, for individuals to complete, to be certified as a tree care professional. A credentialed arborist should be an ISA Certified Arborist or an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist. Additional certifications and licensing is added-value and speaks mainly on their behalf. It is essential to contact a Certified Arborist to manage your trees.
Here is a link on “Why Hire a Certified Arborist”:
https://www.treesaregood.org/portals/0/docs/treecare/hire_arborist.pdf
After 20 years of managing trees and landscapes, I have found that time and continuity is the best value that I have provided my clients. I call this, “The Boots on the Ground Approach.” It requires many essential aspects:
- An in-person meeting to discuss goals and objectives.
- A thorough inspection of trees and landscape surroundings, to include potential hazards associated with recommended services.
- Photo documentation and note-taking.
- Follow up
- Clearly written objectives in the form of a report or an estimate.
- An email or phone call.
- Services
- Proper planning
- Job briefings
- Well executed performance
- A service overview referred to as a debrief.
The Boots on the Ground Approach is like the old saying, “the best fertilizer is the farmer’s footsteps.”
Throughout my career, I have noticed one thing; clients are incredibly loyal. A good arborist listens to your needs and makes reasonable recommendations.
What should you be looking for in hiring a Certified Arborist?
- They must be certified through the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).
- I would ask about their experience. A good arborist has gone through the appropriate training and may still be in training, under the supervision of an experienced arborist.
- It’s beneficial for them to have advanced education in horticulture, agronomy, or forestry.
- A good arborist has a good knowledge of other plants and how to care for them.
- They should follow industry standard of arboriculture (ANSI A300 and ANSI Z133.1)
- The company should maintain commercial liability insurance.
- Ask for client references.
At Fannin Tree Farm we have a great team of knowledgeable professionals that are ready to help you maintain safe and sustainable trees. If you are interested in meeting with one of our arborists, contact us at 972-747-9233.
