FAQ

Certified arborists are individuals who have achieved a level of knowledge in the art and science of tree care and have passed a comprehensive examination. They are also required to continue their education in order to maintain their certification, ensuring their knowledge is updated on the latest arboriculture techniques. Arborists are knowledgeable about the needs of trees and are trained and equipped to provide proper care. Hiring an arborist is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Proper tree care is an investment that can lead to substantial returns. Well-cared-for trees are attractive and can add considerable value to your property. Poorly maintained trees can be a significant liability. Pruning or removing trees, especially large trees, can be dangerous work. Tree work should be done only by those trained and equipped to work safely in trees.

Trees in the urban/suburban landscape have traditionally been valued for their aesthetic qualities and shade they produce. Trees enhance property values. Research shows that the value of your property could increase up to 25%, depending on the size, type, location and health of its trees. Mature trees are particularly valuable. Therefore, it makes sense to protect your tree investment with proper maintenance. Landscape trees can help you save money and live more comfortably. With properly placed trees around your house, you can reduce winter heating bills up to 15%. A mature shade tree can block up to 90% of solar radiation, which could translate to a significant reduction in your home cooling cost. Trees act as windbreaks and sunscreens. They reduce air pollution; reduce noise pollution by acting as barrier. They decrease stress, inspire minds and break emotional barriers.

The type and frequency of tree care depends on the species, age, location, climate, and other factors that affect the tree’s growth. It is imperative to understand that proper tree care is a life long process, and that planting and caring for a tree is a long-term commitment. An arborist is skilled in designing a program to protect and enhance your trees.

Pruning trees helps promote healthy trees with good branch structure. Trees growing in man-made conditions usually have much more space and less competition from other trees. They will spread out to form much broader trees than they would if located in the forest. The branch structure will often be inadequate if the tree is left to develop on its own. These trees can develop hazard limbs that eventually could fail, leading to an unattractive appearance, creating a hazard and even lead to an early tree death.

Trees are essential to our world, offering a wide range of benefits to our environment. However, trees become hazardous liabilities if they fall and injure people or damage property. Proper constant maintenance will help prevent and identify when a tree becomes dangerous. Evaluating the seriousness of a trees condition is best done by a professional Certified Arborist.

Chatham Tree Services carries both Liability Insurance and coverage under Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (W.S.I.B) for all its employees. All our work practices comply with the Ministry of Labour Occupational Health and Safety Act. As well as the Ontario Arborist Industry Safe Work Practices, which is a living document created and updated by industry leaders.

The most important thing is to have your site evaluated by a Certified Arborist before construction begins. Working with our arborists and our designers, we can formulate a tree preservation plan and help determine if any trees need to be removed. We are often called upon to provide help for trees, which have been injured during construction. Many times the arborist can be helpful, but all too often the call is made after the damage has been done and the trees are in a declining condition.