Tree doctors or tree surgeons are terms commonly used to describe an arborist. In some countries like the UK, “tree surgeon” is the more common term. So, what is an arborist then? An arborist is a professional contractor who has received special training to plant, care for, maintain, diagnose, and remove trees of all kinds.
Arborists provide tree services to protect both the tree and surrounding area. An arborist can treat growth problems, pests, and dead or dying limbs and remove trees and stumps as needed. Whether you need help diagnosing an issue with your tree, trimming it to keep it healthy, or removing it when it poses a risk to the safety of your family and your neighbors, an arborist is your best bet for help.
Arborists can make decent money. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median wage for an arborist is nearly $47,000, but top earners in the field bring home more than $64,000. An arborist’s salary will also depend on location; like with any profession, arborists make more money in areas with a higher cost of living.
Consulting arborists are tree experts who can advise homeowners and business owners on the right trees to plant, how to care for existing trees, and what to do about trees that appear to be sick or pose a safety threat. A consulting arborist may work with local landscape architects, investment property owners, city governments, developers, and other arborists.
An arborist may be able to save a dying tree. If you notice that your tree suddenly appears to be sick or is exhibiting unusual behavior, contact an arborist immediately. They will thoroughly inspect the tree to determine what might be wrong with it—and will let you know if it’s possible to save the tree and how to do it.