What is an arborist?
An arborist is a trained tree care professional who specializes in the health, safety, planting, pruning, diagnosis, and preservation of trees. Arborists understand tree biology and use industry standards to recommend the best course of action for each individual tree.
What’s the difference between an arborist and a tree service?
While many tree service companies focus primarily on pruning and tree removal, an arborist is trained to evaluate tree health, identify insects and diseases, assess risk, and recommend long-term management solutions. At Arboreal Solutions, our goal is to preserve healthy trees whenever possible—not simply remove them.
Why should I hire an ISA Certified Arborist?
ISA Certified Arborists have demonstrated their knowledge through comprehensive testing and ongoing continuing education. Certification by the International Society of Arboriculture means your arborist follows current industry standards and best management practices while providing professional, science-based recommendations.
What does a consulting arborist do?
A consulting arborist provides independent, professional advice regarding tree health, risk, preservation, and management. Consulting services include Tree Risk Assessments, tree inventories, construction tree protection plans, appraisals, long-term management plans, and expert guidance for residential, commercial, municipal, and institutional properties.
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes. Arboreal Solutions provides free estimates for tree care services. Consulting services requiring written reports, Tree Risk Assessments, inventories, appraisals, or specialized evaluations are quoted separately based on the scope of work.
How do I know if a tree is dangerous?
Signs of a potentially hazardous tree include large dead branches, trunk cracks, cavities, leaning, root damage, mushrooms growing near the base, or significant storm damage. However, many structural defects are not obvious without a professional inspection. A Tree Risk Assessment can determine the likelihood of failure and help prioritize maintenance or removal.
When should a tree be removed?
Tree removal should be considered when a tree presents an unacceptable level of risk, is dead or beyond recovery, has severe structural defects, or is no longer appropriate for its location. Whenever possible, preserving healthy trees is our preferred recommendation.
What should I do after a storm?
Stay away from trees with hanging branches, split trunks, or limbs contacting utility lines. Photograph any damage if necessary and have damaged trees inspected before beginning cleanup. Many storm-damaged trees can be safely preserved with proper pruning rather than removed.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree?
Permit requirements vary depending on the municipality and whether the property is located in a historic district, coastal zone, conservation area, or protected development. We can help determine whether permits or approvals are required before work begins.
How do I know if my tree is dying?
Common signs of decline include dead branches, thinning foliage, peeling bark, mushrooms growing at the base, cracks in the trunk, cavities, or excessive insect activity. Not all declining trees need to be removed—many can be treated if problems are identified early.
Can a sick tree be saved?
Often, yes. Many tree problems can be managed through proper pruning, insect and disease treatments, soil improvements, mulching, fertilization, or correcting environmental stress. Early diagnosis significantly improves the chances of recovery.
Why are my tree’s leaves turning brown or falling off early?
Premature leaf drop or browning may result from drought stress, insect damage, disease, root injury, poor soil conditions, or other environmental factors. Since many issues produce similar symptoms, a professional evaluation is often the best way to determine the underlying cause.
When is the best time to prune trees?
The ideal time depends on the tree species and your goals. Many shade trees benefit from pruning during dormancy in late fall through early spring, while flowering trees are often best pruned shortly after blooming. Dead, broken, or hazardous branches can generally be removed at any time.
How often should my trees be inspected?
Healthy mature trees should generally be inspected every three to five years. Trees located near homes, roads, driveways, playgrounds, or other frequently occupied areas should often be inspected more frequently. Trees should also be evaluated after major storms or whenever signs of decline appear.
Do newly planted trees need fertilizer?
Not always. During the first year, proper watering, mulch placement, and correct planting depth are typically more important than fertilization. A soil test can help determine whether additional nutrients are actually needed.
How much does tree work typically cost?
The cost of tree work depends on several factors, including the size and condition of the tree, accessibility, nearby structures, equipment requirements, and the type of work being performed. Because every property is unique, we provide free estimates tailored to your specific project.
Do you provide written Tree Risk Assessments?
Yes. Arboreal Solutions performs professional Tree Risk Assessments using industry-recognized methods. Written reports help homeowners, HOAs, municipalities, schools, businesses, and property managers make informed decisions regarding tree safety and long-term management.
Do you prepare tree inventories and management plans?
Yes. We develop comprehensive tree inventories and long-term management plans for municipalities, homeowner associations, commercial properties, schools, parks, and campuses to help prioritize maintenance, budgeting, and future planting.
Do you work with homeowners, HOAs, municipalities, and commercial properties?
Absolutely. We proudly serve homeowners, homeowner associations, municipalities, engineering firms, landscape architects, schools, commercial property managers, and institutional clients throughout Rhode Island and southeastern New England.
Can you oversee tree work performed by another contractor?
Yes. As an independent consulting arborist, we can monitor tree work, provide quality assurance, review contractor performance, and ensure work is completed according to ANSI standards and industry best practices.