The Art of the Arborist

So often I turn up to a property and the trees have been attacked by someone, with little to no knowledge of the needs of the tree. Unfortunately, this can severely decrease the life expectancy of the trees.

Tree pruning is both an art and a science. An arborist’s job is to assess trees on their individual merit and determine what approach is needed for each tree.

The art of pruning means an arborist can improve a tree’s aesthetics, whilst making the tree safe and manageable.When on a job, there are occasions where I do advocate that a tree needs removing, either because it has been pruned poorly in the past, or the tree would need severe pruning to reach the owners desired outcome.

The science behind tree pruning draws on knowledge, experience and expertise to ensure that tree health remains a top priority.

After 25 years in the industry, I know what trees need, how they grow and how to make proper ties feel more spacious and open by thinning out the trees.

We are specialists in difficult tree removal; tight places where you can’t take trucks or cranes. Fifty per cent of our arborist work is doing tricky removals and the rest is ornamental pruning of amenity trees and residential work, reducing trees and allowing light and shape into trees.

My favourite clients are the ones that ask me if it were my garden, what would I do to the trees. This gives me the freedom to immerse myself in the garden and get the best result for the client.

Consulting an arborist or tree surgeon and investing in your trees can add value to a property, not to mention enjoyment to the owner. Alternatively, trees that are poorly looked after could have the potential to become a liability for the owner.

Bryce Robb is Director/Head Arborist of Beaver Tree Service.