Palm and tree questions
When should you call an arborist instead of a tree service?
Call an arborist when you need to know what is wrong, not only to get work done: a declining palm, a tree that may be a risk, or a removal you want a second opinion on. A tree service trims and removes; an ISA Certified Arborist decides what should happen first, and why.
Reviewed by Jeff Kaulbars, ISA Certified Arborist FL-10118A, Ptolemy Inc.
Times an arborist pays for itself
A palm is yellowing, browning or dying and you do not know why. Several palm problems look alike, and some are fatal and spread. A lab test confirms which one it is.
Someone has recommended a removal. No palm or tree should come out until an arborist writes down why. A removal is the most expensive call on a property.
A tree or palm leans, has damage after a storm, or hangs over a roof or a walk. A risk call made by the ISA TRAQ method asks the same three questions every time: likelihood of failure, likelihood of impact, and consequences.
Is a visit free?
It depends on the visit. For communities, our master plan is free when the board puts it on the agenda and the plan is presented. A palm problem that needs a look now, such as a dying palm or suspected lethal bronzing, is a paid site visit, and it skips the queue.
How to check the credential
Ask for the arborist’s ISA certification number and look it up. Ours is Jeff Kaulbars, ISA Certified Arborist FL-10118A, Tree Risk Assessment Qualified.
Ask for proof of insurance too. Ptolemy carries general liability, workers’ compensation and auto.