Arborist Consultations

Basic Consultation

A basic consultation is performed while on the ground and it includes: visual inspection for obvious trunk damage, root damage, evidence of grade changes or any soil disturbance of the critical root zone (CRZ) of the tree.

Note: CRZ is defined as the area under the canopy surrounding the trunk of the tree.

Another part of the visual consultation is inspecting the crown for an  overview of the general health of the tree, i.e. lack of new growth shoots which may indicate stress.

Also includes looking for dead, decaying or dying limbs or branches and twigs.

Also check for crossing branches or any limbs that may be rubbing against one another, which can cause injury to the tree potentially leading to additional stress, disease or infection of the tree.

In summary, the on-ground visual inspection should include a close examination of the root system, the health and vitality of the crown of the tree, and should always include a full 360° walk-around (looking at the tree from all sides)

Advanced Consultation

An advanced consultation is an above ground inspection which actually involves climbing the tree. Again, this should always be performed without spikes. This will allow the Certified Arborist a greater opportunity to examine the crown of the tree for a more detailed analysis.

Often times, the extent of damage within the crown of the tree can only be observed while in the tree. This can also be performed with a bucket truck, i.e. a cherry picker. This type of consultation is often more expensive than your "on-ground walk-around" consultation. However, it's the only way to positively identify a potential problem with your tree.

A good tip that any homeowner can perform at little or no cost is a soil test. The first step in plant health care is knowing the pH and quality of your soil.

For example, pine trees love acidic soil, and your soil test results come back positive for alkaline then this is a starting point for understanding why your pine trees may be stressed.

Other good examples are River Birch or Weeping Willow trees. They grow best in wet moist soils.

Soil and water are primary factors to consider in the overall health of the tree.

To get a soil test kit ... contact your local county extension agent for detailed soil sample tests. Typically this is provided free of charge.

By definition ... treatment without diagnosis is malpractice.