News Release – 16 February 2009

You may not know it, but the trees you find shade under this summer could be waiting to put a big dent in your plans for the future. Over time, mature trees can become rotted, decayed or infested with pests. A large branch could fall on your house or car, leaving a giant hole in your wallet. So, what do you do to avoid this?

How does the old saying go? — The best offense is a good defense. Although this may apply to sports most of the time, it also applies to tree care. Often when a tree has become too sick, there is usually not much that can be done. That is why having an arborist assess your trees is so important.

When budgeting, set aside funds for an arborist. Doing this will save money and time in the long run and will keep your trees growing healthier, longer.

An arborist may find defects that are not visible to the untrained eye. He or she can identify potentially hazardous conditions and recommend ways to maintain safety on your property. For example, periodic pruning can improve the safety, appearance and structural integrity of trees.

When choosing an arborist, there are a variety of things to consider:

• Are they certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)?
• Are they a member of other professional organisations such as the Tree Care Industry Association or the American Society of Consulting Arborists?
• Do they have proof of insurance? A dependable arborist will have personal and property damage insurance as well as workers compensation insurance.
• Do they have a professional contract? A reputable arborist, like Bartlett tree Experts, will have their clients sign a contract and only perform accepted practices.

After selecting your arborist consider these tips:

• Landscape trees should be periodically inspected for defects and other potentially hazardous conditions. Trees growing in high traffic sites and those with known defects should be inspected often.
• Shade and ornamental trees succumb to root problems more often than any other. It takes a trained expert to anticipate or to detect, diagnose and treat root ills because symptoms often mimic signs of trunk and crown problems.
• Inspections should be documented in writing, whether the trees are considered defective or not. When assessing wood decay and root defects, your arborist should document all elements that may contribute to the hazard.

If you have any questions about where to find a reliable arborist to perform a structural tree assessment, contact Bartlett Tree Experts.