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Understanding the Difference Between a Tree Surgeon and an Arborist

05 MAR 2025

Understanding the Difference Between a Tree Surgeon and an Arborist

Do you need professional tree services? If so, there are two types of professionals: tree surgeons and arborists. While most people use these terms interchangeably, they are different. At Sesmas Tree Service, we provide pertinent information to help you choose the right tree service provider in Alpharetta, GA for your needs. The last thing you want is to hire a tree surgeon to handle the services arborists provide and vice versa. Let’s delve into the differences between both professions to help you make informed decisions.

Who is an Arborist?

When looking for a tree care company, knowing who and what an arborist does is crucial. Also known as tree doctors, they study the symptoms of diseases, diagnose the condition, and provide a suitable treatment plan. Since property owners rarely understand the ecology of trees and their relationship to the environment, certified arborists can provide pertinent information on tree planting, soil conditions, and other vital factors concerning the environment.

Some of the responsibilities arborists have include recommending trees for planting, assessing soil type and pH, diagnosing health issues, routine inspections, and tree removal among others. Another significant difference between arborists and tree surgeons is their qualifications. Arborists receive certification from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), setting the gold standard for tree service providers globally.

What Is an ISA Certified Arborist?

Arborists qualify for an ISA certification after completing an accredited arboriculture training program and three years of working experience. The exam covers all the crucial aspects, such as nutrition, tree biology, cabling and bracing systems, and risk assessment. While there are many tree service providers on the market, choosing an ISA-certified arborist goes a long way to ensure quality services without breaking the bank. After certification, arborists should complete three years of field training to ensure they are updated on the latest trends in tree care and maintenance.

What Is a Tree Surgeon?

After arborists diagnose trees and devise a wellness plan, tree surgeons carry out the treatment to restore health and vitality. A professional surgeon can perform complex tasks such as tree removal trimming, and pruning accurately and safely, giving you peace of mind throughout the process. Since many factors can go wrong, precision and extensive training are vital to ensure surgeons carry out their duties effectively.

Some of the responsibilities of tree surgeons include debris and tree removal after a storm, stump grinding, trimming and pruning, pest control, disease management, and soil improvements. If you need any of these services, consult a reputable tree surgeon.

Tree Surgeon Qualifications

Although tree surgeons don’t require a lot of credentials as arborists, not everyone can be a tree surgeon. Tree surgeons must know the different methods for different tree services, safety protocols, and equipment handling to tackle tree care effectively. It is advisable to hire seasoned tree surgeons with extensive training for peace of mind knowing your landscaping needs are handled professionally.

The Benefits of Hiring a Professional Arborist and Tree Surgeon

Hiring an arborist and tree surgeon is essential for maintaining the health, safety, and beauty of your trees. These professionals have specialized knowledge in tree care, ensuring that trees receive proper pruning, disease management, and maintenance to promote longevity. Without expert care, trees can become hazardous due to weakened branches, disease, or structural instability, posing risks to property and people.

Arborists and tree surgeons are trained to assess tree health and determine the best course of action, whether it’s pruning, pest control, or removal. They use specialized equipment and techniques to safely trim or remove trees, preventing potential damage from falling limbs. Additionally, they can diagnose and treat tree diseases, helping to preserve greenery and maintain ecological balance.

Another significant advantage of hiring an arborist is compliance with local regulations. Many municipalities have strict tree preservation laws, and an arborist ensures that tree work is done legally and sustainably.

Call a Tree Care Company

Whether you need the expertise of a tree surgeon or arborist, Sesmas Tree Service is the go-to service provider. We have a highly trained team ready to inspect, diagnose, and address underlying tree issues before things get out of hand.