If your environment requires a professional eye to examine the state of trees and vegetation in a native landscape, then a certified arborist report is likely to be called upon.
This service is in place to give solutions to common problems where branches are broken and decay is spreading, offering comprehensive strategies to combat these continual challenges.
As a client from a residential or business background, you will have some queries about the provider to question whether or not they are best placed to solve the issues at hand.
In this regard, it is valuable to run a check on their expertise by ticking some essential boxes that all arborists should pass with flying colours.
Using The Right Equipment
Modern equipment that is suitable for a variety of tasks and conditions allows a certified arborist report to be completed within the right timeframe and budget. Analytical tools need to be utilised in this setting to include sitemaps, vertical measuring tapes, photography, weighing outlets and more to judge the health and viability of particular trees and vegetation. It is through this assessment that the arborist can introduce wood chippers, harnesses, slings, pulleys, chainsaws and other components to complete the project.
Noticing The Warning Signs
There are general tipping points that will be discovered for clients who decide that a certified arborist report can no longer be ignored. This will include decaying trees, the break off of large branches, or the emergence of fungi or disease that is beginning the expand out of control. Rather than allow these situations to fester, it is vital that a professional can diagnose the issue at the core of the problem and offer solutions. Do not let these problems spiral when you begin to notice signs of decay or disintegration, as it is advised that you take pictures and document what is occurring before an arborist makes a sound judgment.
Working Within Budget
Whether you are a domestic resident seeking some clarification or a business that requires a certified arborist report fit industry standards and regulations, there will be a pricing structure that will be acceptable or one that won’t be according to your budget. In 2018 the average for a report can range around the $100 mark, but will vary according to the types of trees and quantity of them.
There are additional costs involved for council submissions and archiving, so ensure that you receive a comprehensive quote prior to the project taking place when thinking of the financial investment. In this instance, it is advised for domestic and commercial clients to obtain more than one quote to cross reference and compare for their benefit.
Obtaining The Right Information
A certified arborist report should provide the client with a detailed analysis of the profile of the trees in question, their status and potential recommendations of action that might be necessary. There will be a scientific study of the diameter, height and name of the vegetation in question.
Arguments can be made about the action that should be exercised by professional arborists, horticulturalists or landscapers. The document will be correctly dated and include any relevant information that is necessary for the environment to be operating at full capacity, seeing tree removal or restoration standing front and center of the paper.
Adhering To Laws, Safety Procedures and Council Approval
A level 5 (cert 5) certified arborist report will be delivered by a professional that has undertaken the right qualifications and will operate under a particular model that is in accordance with current laws, safety procedures and council attitudes. Dead wood and dead trees require zero council intervention, but other species and items might not be so fortunate. Depending on their positioning to power lines, roads, fences or vehicles, or poses a fire hazard, then safety precautions and council inclusion will likely be necessary. Ensure that any arborist operates in accordance with local government and not in isolation.
Operating In or Out of Season
In an ideal world, a client will seek out a certified arborist report when it is out of season for heat and growth of vegetation. For Australians, that will mean the autumn (March to May) and winter (June to August) are perfect windows to obtaining an analysis on the property. Prices for these projects can be scaled down during this minimal periods for horticultural experts as they are in high demand during the spring and summer months of the year.
The need to cut back on branches and plantation in the spring makes for a more comprehensive exercise, extending the labour time and costs that are involved in this practice. From the perspective of the client, it is valuable to source an analysis when there is minimal growth.
Summary
There are additional concerns that should be focused on when looking for a certified arborist report, including insurance cover for workers compensation and public liability, correct disposal of waste and client references. Speak with peers, colleagues and neighbours about their experience with local providers and see if they can cater to your needs.
