For most people, tree care can be overwhelming. Seasonal changes, assessing tree health, and preparing for storms can add more stress to families’ and companies’ to-do lists. Whether you’re a single family with a few trees in your yard or a company with many trees on your property, a certified arborist can maximize your trees’ health and safety. Certified arborists put tree health and the safety of surrounding structures first. Today, there are tree experts and certified arborists across the state keeping Maryland green. If you’re unsure if you need a certified arborist in Maryland, keep reading.
Prestige Tree Experts certified arborists serve trees throughout Maryland. If your property needs arbor care, contact our Maryland certified arborist team by calling 240.219.5676 or visiting us online for a free consultation.
The Importance of Tree Care in Maryland
Recently, the Mid-Atlantic region has experienced a significant increase in the death of oak trees.1 While researchers and foresters work diligently to find solutions, the decline in these often old and grand trees is noticeable. Some forestry departments in Maryland and surrounding states have received so many calls about the die-off that many concerned citizens are tired of generic answers.
Unfortunately, arborists and other experts don’t have a single answer to why this is happening. Rather, a few things are significantly driving the event:
- Climate change – Extreme rain events, which are more frequent now than ever, cut off oxygen supplies to tree roots, which can cause a host of problems.
- Old age – Many of the trees in the region are reaching the end of their lifespan at the same time, which causes concern.
- Disease – Maryland’s cool, wet spring months are perfect for bacterial leaf scorch and oak anthracnose, leading to poor tree health.
If you have oak trees on your property, finding an arborist in Maryland can help you diagnose any diseases and provide services like air spading, which can promote oxygen flow to roots.
Why Look for a Pro?
While some property owners may be tempted to try and take care of their own trees, hiring a certified arborist is recommended for several reasons. First and foremost, arborists have the necessary training and knowledge to assess tree health properly and provide appropriate care. They also have the specialized equipment needed to perform tasks like bracing and cabling or tree removal safely.
Additionally, certified arborists are required to stay up-to-date on the latest techniques and information in the industry. This means they can provide the most current and effective care for your trees.
From tree healthcare issues to storm damage prevention, certified arborists can handle it all. They can also provide valuable advice on tree selection and placement to ensure the long-term health of your trees.
What Does a Certified Arborist Do?
Arborists specialize in tree care and health. Like doctors, they can spot signs of illness and disease. They can also diagnose a tree’s stability and hydration levels. They know which limbs to remove to keep trees and surrounding structures safe throughout the year. Common arborist services include:
- Selective trimming – Pruning damaged or unhealthy limbs can help promote tree growth and reduce the risk of falling branches.
- Disease diagnosis – If your trees are showing signs of illness, a certified arborist can determine the cause and provide appropriate treatment.
- Tree removal – When a tree is beyond saving, certified arborists have the skills and equipment to safely remove it from your property.
- Root air spading – This process involves using compressed air to remove soil from tree roots and improve oxygen flow, promoting overall tree health.
- Bracing and cabling – If a tree has structural weaknesses, arborists can use cables and braces to help support the tree and prevent it from falling.
Arborists are highly trained and educated. Certified arborists pass a series of exams from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). The ISA exams ensure comprehensive tree health and safety knowledge. These experts can recommend and execute tree removal, trimming, bracing, and other care. Certification requires at least three years of experience before testing. This ensures that each certified arborist has extensive experience in the field.
What Can a Certified Arborist Do for Me?
Certified arborists work on both emergency and non-emergency tree care. In the event of a storm or natural disaster, they can respond with preventative and recovery care. Before a storm, certified arborists can trim, brace, and tether trees to prevent damage. They can also handle clean-up after winter winds and rain.
An arborist can analyze the health of trees and recommend the best place to plant new trees on a property. They understand different varieties and can predict how a tree will grow and change over time. Many will recommend yearly maintenance to keep your trees in good health. Arbor care can help people avoid costly property damage, dead trees, and costly tree removal. Arborists can help you make hard decisions. They know which limbs are safest to remove and when it’s time to let a tree go. They can spot root rot and disease before problems get out of hand.
When to Look for a Certified Arborist
When to look for a certified arborist depends on the individual needs of the property and its trees. If a tree is showing signs of distress or damage, a certified arborist can help provide high-quality services to improve the health of the tree. Some signs your trees may need the help of a certified arborist include:
- Unusual discoloration of leaves – Yellow or brown leaves may be a sign of poor health, too much water, or a pest infestation.
- Blistering bark – Blisters, bumps, and lesions can be signs of a bacterial or fungal infection.
- Visible fungus or mushrooms around the base of a tree – Fungus can be a sign of rotting roots, dead wood, or root disease.
- Leaning trees – The direction of the lean could cause property damage if left unchecked.
- New sprouts at the base of a tree – This could be a sign of root disease.
- Falling limbs and branches – This may indicate poor health or instability of the tree.
If you’re planning to plant new trees, an arborist can help you select
Finding a Certified Arborist in Maryland
If you’re looking for a certified arborist, check potential companies for various certifications. The best arbor companies are certified by both the ISA and the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA). The Arbor Day Foundation can also provide resources to help you find reputable tree care today throughout Maryland. Always check a company’s certification status. Companies like the Better Business Bureau can also offer recommendations and support. Never trust a company without proper certifications. Non-certified professionals can cause liability problems and potentially damage the health of your trees.
Consult a Certified Arborist from Prestige Tree Experts in Maryland Today
Not everyone has a green thumb. If you have questions and concerns about trees on your property, don’t wait. Call Prestige Tree Experts today. Founded by two Jessup County arborists who began a landscape company in middle school, Prestige Tree Experts is dedicated to keeping Maryland green. We are certified by both the TCIA and ISA and backed by the Arbor Day Foundation. Our team of tree experts guarantees our work. We thrive on honesty, satisfaction, and dedication. Plus, we have an A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau. Take the guesswork out of tree care, and call us before storm season affects your trees and home. For a free consultation, reach out online or call us at 240.219.5676 today.
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