Hiring an arborist to properly care for trees is an investment that can add considerable value to property.

A certified arborist is trained in planting, caring for and maintaining trees. Certified arborists have at least three years experience and have passed an exam developed by some of the nation's leading experts on tree care. Hiring an arborist is a decision that shouldn't be taken lightly. Poorly maintained trees can be a significant liability to homeowners. Pruning or removing trees, especially large trees, can be dangerous and should be handled by a professional.

An arborist can provide many services, such as pruning. Arborists can determine what type of pruning is necessary to maintain or improve the health, appearance and safety of trees. These techniques include eliminating branches that rub each other, removing dead or weak limbs that pose a hazard or may lead to decay and removing limbs that interfere with wires, building facades, gutters, roofs, chimneys or windows. Arborists also can train young trees and thin or remove unnecessary branches.

Although tree removal is a last resort, sometimes it's necessary. Arborists have the skills and equipment to safely and efficiently remove trees that are dead or dying, causing an obstruction that's impossible to correct through pruning or being removed to allow for new construction. Arborists also can replant trees and recommend what types are appropriate for a specific location. The wrong tree in the wrong location could lead to future problems due to limited growing space, insects or diseases.

Storms can cause limbs or entire trees to fall, often landing on houses, cars, other structures or other trees. The weight of storm-damaged trees is great and they can be very dangerous to remove or trim. An arborist should handle emergency tree care in a safe manner, while reducing further risk to property.

Other duties an arborist can provide are fertilization, cabling or bracing for added support to weak branches, spraying or injecting to control certain insect and disease problems, and aeration to improve root growth. Arborists also can install lightning protection systems.

When selecting an arborist, there are certain things to consider.

• Check the phone directory yellow pages for arborists who advertise as International Society of Arborists or Nebraska Arborist Association, certified arborists or display the official ISA or NAA logo.
• Ask for proof of insurance and then phone the insurance company if you aren't satisfied. A reputable arborist will have personal and property damage insurance as well as workers compensation insurance.
• Ask for references to find out where the company has done similar work.
• Get more than one estimate and don't always accept the lowest bid. Examine the submitted bids and determine the best combination of price, work to be done, skill and professionalism to protect substantial investments.