Trees 2020

Planting trees is not the only way to increase canopy cover in Providence: we need to care for our existing trees to help them grow and thrive. Even a large, healthy tree needs to be inspected and pruned occasionally so that it maintains good structure and remain safe. A trained arborist (a professional who performs tree work) can determine if your tree is developing problems – such as internal decay, insect or disease infestations, poor structure, nutrient deficiencies, etc. –that may lead to the decline of your tree. If you’ve never had an arborist inspect the trees on your property, it is probably time to consider hiring one.

For an excellent and thorough overview of the many different services that arborists provide, visit the ISA’s “Trees are Good” website.

Who should I hire?

Make sure you ask any potential arborist if they have a RI Arborist License. The State of RI requires that any person performing tree work for pay must have this credential. The license means that the arborist completed an exam that demonstrates the minimum knowledge and skills necessary to work on trees.

Better yet, ask any potential arborist if they are an “ISA Certified Arborist.” The International Society of Arboriculture is the premier professional society for tree work, with many chapters including the New England Chapter. The ISA offers a rigorous, standardized exam that is recognized across the country and around the world.

A number of arborists that service Providence have agreed to partner with Trees 2020. If referred by us, you can receive 10% off or more on the price of pruning your tree! You must be a first-time customer to receive the discount. Call us at 351-6440 x14, and we’ll send you a coupon that you must submit prior to hiring the arborist. Here is a list of participating arborists:

• Advanced Tree (508-336-4869)
  RI Licensed Arborist
• Sepe Tree Service (401-276-2828)
  RI Licensed Arborist
• Tom’s Tree Service (401-331-8527)
  RI Licensed Arborist, ISA Certified Arborist
• Warwick Tree Service (401-885-1330)
  RI Licensed Arborist
• Northeastern Tree Service (401-941-7204)
  RI Licensed Arborist, ISA Certified Arborist
• Schwarz Tree and Landscape (401-941-4440)
  RI Licensed Arborist, ISA Certified Arborist, ASCA member
  
• Stanley Tree Service (401-765-4677)
  RI Licensed Arborist
• Bartlett Tree Experts (1-877-Bartlett)
  RI Licensed Arborist, ISA Certified Arborist, Tree Care Industry Accredited

What is a consulting arborist?

A consulting arborist is someone who offers objective, professional advice on the preservation of trees (and many other services), usually based on many years of experience. He/she must also have a RI Arborist License, and may also be an ISA Certified Arborist. Most (but not all) are members of the American Society of Consulting Arborists, which requires extensive experience and professional development to become a member.

A consulting arborist often works independently from tree service companies in order to maintain objectivity when assessing the need for tree work, hazardous conditions, and other factors you need to know before hiring someone to actually perform tree work. With a consulting arborist, you are getting the best opinion out there, which can save you from paying for unnecessary work.

Tips

• It is very important to hire a reputable arborist with the proper training and credentials, or else you may be paying a lot of money for poor work or bad advice.
• Remember, your tree is very valuable and improves the value of your property, and it took many years to get to its current size. Pay a little more and hire the best – it may actually save you money (and your tree) in the long run.
• Be wary of a quick recommendation that your tree must removed, the most costly of tree maintenance work. Your arborist should give you a thorough explanation as to why the tree is a safety risk or cannot be saved. If you are unsure, get a second opinion.