Do I need an Arborist or a Landscaper?

What does each one do?

An arborist has a license and is able to prunes trees, diagnoses and treats diseases, removes trees, installs cable systems for support, is trained and safely apply pesticides. They also prune and trim shrubs.

Landscapers plant shrubs, trim shrubs, install new lawns, mow and maintain lawns, apply mulch, create new landscaping beds, aerate lawns, build walkways and patios. Some may have a license to apply pesticides to lawns and shrubs under 15 feet in height.

Where do they overlap?

Sometimes landscapers provide tree removal services and sometimes arborists plant trees.

How are they different?

With a licensed arborist you have the opportunity to work with a professional who has been trained and certified as an expert to handle all things tree related. They have a large amount of experience, education and theoretical knowledge to help manage trees. They are with out a doubt the best option for anytime you have a question about tree or shrub health, or need someone to perform physical work with any tree or shrub. Landscapers are great for maintaining existing landscaping and other projects such as new lawns and patio installations.

Who should trim this large hedge? Well we did. The arborvitaes are trees which under CT law require an arborist to prune them. The hedge was about 20 feet tall prior to reducing the top height. This requires special equipment and knowledge to complete safely. Landscapers often need to utilize ladders and do not have the proper equipment to do this the right way. Notice how the tops on the left are flat, not cut from the ground at an angle. Nobody fell 15 feet off a ladder to do this. Landscapers would be the choice to maintain the lawn, install the retaining wall, install the boarder along the trees and lay down the stone under the trees.

Your projects will go much smoother if you hire contractors to work according to their specialty.