An arborist, by definition, is an individual trained in the art and science of planting, caring for, and maintaining individual trees. The question is; Do all “arborists” do the correct thing?

Certified Arborists are individuals who have achieved a level of knowledge in the art and science of tree care through experience and by passing a comprehensive examination developed by some of the nation’s leading experts on tree care. To maintain an arborist certification, one must keep up with continuing education units. Some Arborists actually study and want to really learn while others just go to the easy and fun Arborist seminars and confrences and collect CEU’s.AKA (continuing education units). These conferences are very educational- Don’t get me wrong, but I have seen some guys actually sign in, disappear, and then return later to sign out. THATS CHEATING!

Some tree services like to use arboriculture terms when they are really just hacking trees. For example, I was at a chevron gas station in Encinitas, and tree company from Los Angeles, just mutilating these poor Sycamore trees. I approached the guy in the man lift truck and asked, “what are you doing?” He said,

“Crown reduction”.

I said, “NO your not. Your just topping the trees!”

The trees were basically ruined.

Source: International Society of Arboriculture