An arborist is a specialist in tree care. Proper tree care is an investment which leads to substantial returns to a homeowner association where trees and landscaping account for a significant amount of the member asset value. These living assets should be managed with the best expertise available. A Certified Arborist is someone trained in the art and science of planting, caring and maintaining trees.

The International Society of Arboriculture offers its ISA Arborist Certification to those seeking advanced training. It requires at least three years field experience and passing a comprehensive exam along with continuing education to maintain the certification.

Arborists offer very important services:

Pruning. There are four classes of detailed pruning outlined in the National Arborist Association Pruning Standard. In general, though, “maintenance” pruning keeps branches off buildings and away from streets and walkways. This kind of pruning is often covered under a landscape contractor’s agreement but it is very limited in its scope. Most landscape contractors limit pruning to no more than 12 feet off the ground. This leaves a lot of tree that needs attention.

“Corrective” pruning done by Arborists is more intensive and addresses issues related to a tree’s health, appearance and longevity. Besides dealing with branches that damage the building gutters, roof and siding, corrective pruning removes dead or diseased branches, improves the tree structure for appearance and can open up “view windows”.

Removal. There are a variety of reasons to remove trees:

1. Dead or dying. While removing a dead tree is a no brainer, removing a dying tree may prevent other species from contracting the same problem. Cut one so others may live.
2. Hazardous (leaning or destroying property). It’s not uncommon for trees to be planted by developers too close to buildings. It’s no big deal when the trees are 10 feet tall. When they get to be 30 feet and start damaging the building, sidewalks and foundation, it’s time to remove them.
3. Not suited for the location. Depending on size, trees can either overshadow the competition or be overshadowed. Either case creates problems for turf, bushes and flowers. Trees should lend shade and beauty but not turn the common area into a wooded gloom.
4. Overcrowding. This condition usually results from the developer stage when many small trees were planted for effect. Once mature, a thinning process is needed to reduce the crowding.
5. Blocking view. Small trees get tall and block cherished and valuable views. Rather than removal, creative pruning can open views while retaining the privacy that trees lend to neighbors in close proximity.

Planting. Arborists can recommend and plant trees suitable to your location and topography. Since trees last a long time, making the right choice up front is very important.

Planning & Design. Many Arborists are trained in landscape design and can provide a comprehensive tree plan for ease of maintenance, durability and improved aesthetics.

Tree Care. Arborists can lay out a maintenance plan for your trees to keep them healthy including:

• Fertilization
• Cabling or bracing for added branch support
• Aeration to improve root growth
• Spraying or injecting for insect and disease problems

Proper tree care is one of those things that should never be skimped on. HOAs using trained professionals like Arborists just makes tree-mendous sense. For more on HOA tree care and landscaping issues, see www.Regenesis.net

Published: November 6, 2002

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Richard Thompson owns Regenesis, a management consulting company that specializes in condominium and homeowner associations. He is a nationally recognized expert on HOA management issues. Regenesis publishes The Regenesis Report, a monthly newsletter for HOA boards, developers and managers. To subscribe, go to Regenesis.net. He can be contacted by email at .