Cascade Tree Works is ISA Certified
Serving Vancouver WA & Surrounding Areas
Why Hire an Arborist?
Arborists specialize in the care of individual trees. They 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.
Get a FREE Estimate
10% OFF for first time service for home owners or business and for Senior Citizens.
What Is a Certified Arborist?
An arborist by definition is an individual who is trained in the art and science of planting, caring for, and maintaining individual trees. ISA arborist certification is a nongovernmental, voluntary process by which individuals can document their base of knowledge. It operates without mandate of law and is an internal, self-regulating device administered by the International Society of Arboriculture. Certification provides a measurable assessment of an individual’s knowledge and competence required to provide proper tree care.
Be an Informed Consumer
One of the best methods to use in choosing an arborist is to educate yourself about some of the basic principles of tree care. ISA offers several other brochures in this series, which discuss many of the basic principles of tree care. Your local garden center, extension agent, or city arborists are also excellent sources of information if you should have further questions. They may also be able to refer you to an ISA Certified Arborist in your area
Tree Pruning
An arborist can determine the type of pruning necessary to maintain or improve the health, appearance, and safety of trees. Other pruning techniques are used to maintain proper structure in young trees, improve tree shape or form, and reduce the likelihood of future damage during storm events.
Pruning techniques include removing limbs that:
- Interfere with Utilities or Structures
- Obstruct Streets or Sidewalks
- Are Dead, Weak, or Decayed and Pose Unacceptable Risk
- Are Diseased or Insect-Infested
- Have Been Damaged by Storms
- Will Increase Light Penetration and Reduce Wind Resistance
Get a FREE Estimate
10% OFF for first time service for home owners or business and for Senior Citizens.
Tree Removal
Although tree removal is a last resort, there are circumstances when it is necessary. An arborist can help decide whether a tree should be removed.
Removal is recommended when the tree is:
- Dead or Dying
- Considered an Unacceptable Risk
- Causing an Obstruction that is Impossible to Correct Through Pruning
- Crowding and Causing Harm to Other, More Desirable Trees
- To be Replaced by a More Suitable Specimen
- Located in an Area Where New Construction Requires Removal
Emergency Tree Care
Storms may cause limbs or entire trees to fall, often landing on other trees, structures, or cars. The weight of storm-damaged trees is great, and they can be dangerous to remove or trim. An arborist can assist in performing the job in a safe manner, while reducing further risk of damage to property
Planting Trees
Some arborists plant trees, and most can recommend species that are appropriate for a particular location. The wrong tree in the wrong location will lead to future problems as a result of limited growing space, insects, diseases, or poor growth.
Other Services
Many arborists also provide a variety of other tree care services, including:
- Plant Health Care or preventive maintenance to keep trees in good health while reducing any insect, disease, or site problems
- Fertilization and soil modification for improved tree health
- Cabling or bracing for added support to branches with weak attachments
- Soil aeration to improve root growth
- Installation of lightning protection systems
- Applications to manage certain insect and disease problems
- Consulting and legal expert services relating to trees