Trees are beautiful home accessories. They provide shade when it’s hot but also beautify our homes. However, caring for a tree isn’t just about watering it and the basic do-it-yourself maintenance. Tree maintenance is more than that. And that’s where a qualified arborist comes in. In this article, we look at what an arborist does and the cost of hiring one. Read on to learn more.
What an Arborist Does
A skilled arborist is a trained professional in all matters of trees in terms of maintenance, care, diagnosis and treatment. They are tree doctors and work in commercial areas, residential homes, public parks and forests. Because they specialise in tree removal services, they use specific equipment and techniques to do their work.
Arborists’ work can be categorised into 3 depending on their skills:
- Climbing arborists
- Groundsman arborist assistant
- Running a tree service
Arborists’ responsibilities include the following:
- Tree trimming
- Tree planting
- Tree removal
- Stump removal
- Wood chipping
- Root management
- Tree inspection, report and consultation
- Tree cabling
- Tree injections
- Hedge trimming
The Cost of Hiring an Arborist
Tree care and maintenance can’t be handled like your regular DIY. It requires the specialised skills of an arborist. The average cost of hiring a local arborist ranges from $450 to $900.
This amount may look expensive, and you may wonder if hiring an arborist is necessary and worth it. There are essential factors that affect the cost of hiring an arborist and they are:
Tree Size
The cost per tree will vary depending on whether the tree is big or small.
Tree Condition
The cost of a healthy tree differs from that of a dead tree.
Location
Trees located away from buildings pose less risk and damage and cost less than trees surrounded by buildings.
Access
A tree in an open-access area will cost less than one with restrictions.
Hiring an arborist is probably more affordable, considering the skills required to care for trees, the specialised tools necessary to get the job done, and the safety concerns.
Average Cost Per Service
The average cost for the different tree services varies. Below are the average costs:
- Tree inspections cost between $30-$150
- Tree removal costs depend on various factors. But the average cost is between $350-$700
- Stump grinding costs between $100-$200
- Tree trimming costs average $400
- Arborist report costs $450
- Root removal costs $170
- Tree injections cost $130
Most arborists charge their services per hour and this cost will vary. However, the average hourly cost ranges between $75-$300.
With trees’ care and maintenance, you will be needing the services of a professional. Although many factors affect the cost of hiring tree pruning services, hiring one is worth the cost. Contact your local arborist for all your tree services, consultation, and inquiries. Our staff are qualified, experienced and have the specialised machinery to give your trees the perfect job.
