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Monday, May 13, 2024

What Is a Consulting Arborist?

A Certified Arborist is a professional who has extensive knowledge of tree biology, structure and health and is trained to perform a wide range of tasks that include tree removal, pruning, and stump grinding. Arborists are often called upon to provide expert advice on complex tree situations, write reports and specifications, perform hazard assessments and provide expert witness testimony. An Arborist who specializes in consulting is known as a Consulting Arborist.

Consulting Arborists work closely with landscape professionals, architects, and contractors to determine how proposed construction projects will impact the existing trees on a site. The process starts by conducting an objective evaluation of the existing trees. This determines which trees can and should be preserved. The Arborist then works with the design team and/or contractor to develop a plan to preserve those trees while accommodating the project.

The most common type of job performed by a Consulting Arborist is the preparation of a Tree Protection Plan for construction or development projects. This is an official report that the City of New York requires before any work can be done on a City tree. The report describes the location of the proposed work and the condition of the trees on the site. It also provides recommendations for protecting the trees during construction and gives an indication of which trees may be eligible for a tree removal permit.

Another major area of work for a Consulting Arborist is the inspection and appraisal of commercial or residential trees. This includes the identification of diseased and/or insect-infested trees and the recommendation of treatment protocols. This type of work can be very time consuming and requires the use of high-resolution photographs and detailed written reports.

Some consulting arborists offer both consulting and contracting services. This can create a conflict of interest and should be avoided. If a company is doing both types of work they should be separated into different divisions.

One of the most important roles of a Consulting Arborist is to advise their clientele on best management practices for their tree resources. This involves hazard tree assessment, consultation and expert witness testimony, as well as providing protective strategies for trees on construction sites and diagnosing disorders.

The American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA) has a designation called the Registered Consulting Arborist (RCA). An individual with this credential is an ASCA member who has completed the ASCA Consulting Academy, met certain education and experience requirements, submitted several consulting reports for technical review, and adheres to a code of ethics.

Growing Earth Tree & Landscaping uses highly qualified Consulting Arborists to provide advice on a wide range of arboricultural issues for our clients. We are proud to have some of the highest credentials in the industry and look forward to assisting you with your next project. Please contact us for more information.



source https://ontimetreelopping.wordpress.com/2024/05/14/what-is-a-consulting-arborist/

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