- Location
- Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Perhaps the knowledgable, qualified, consulting-only, non-climbing Arborist should be known as an Arboriculturist.
What is an arborist?
- Thread starter Eric_E
- Start date
- Location
- MKE, WI
[quote
If you've stayed on the ground your whole career you have more in common with a landscaper or a horticulturist than an arborist, that's all I'm saying. Trees grow above the ground as much as they do in the ground and to see the whole picture, you have to climb... and dig.
[/ QUOTE ]
Arboriculture is a niche of horticulture. I'll agree that it climbing helps to be well rounded in the profession, but I do not see it as a litmus test. I think Gilman and Coder have the right to call themselves Arborist. If you want to parse it as research arborist, so be it.
I am happy to have as many intelligent and thoughtful people take up the cause as possible. I encourage college kids in the conservation program I am in to look into the cert.
Tom, I think you have traveled enough to be called a tree bum
If you've stayed on the ground your whole career you have more in common with a landscaper or a horticulturist than an arborist, that's all I'm saying. Trees grow above the ground as much as they do in the ground and to see the whole picture, you have to climb... and dig.
[/ QUOTE ]
Arboriculture is a niche of horticulture. I'll agree that it climbing helps to be well rounded in the profession, but I do not see it as a litmus test. I think Gilman and Coder have the right to call themselves Arborist. If you want to parse it as research arborist, so be it.
I am happy to have as many intelligent and thoughtful people take up the cause as possible. I encourage college kids in the conservation program I am in to look into the cert.
Tom, I think you have traveled enough to be called a tree bum
WOW!!!!
I am glad that I'm not the only person having a challenge coming up with a definition.
Yes, my eyes are glazed over at the moment. When I have more time, I am going to go throught this and attempt to come up with something.
I'll then post it for opinions.
Well...after I put Blinky on ignore.
(just kidding ya Blink)
I am glad that I'm not the only person having a challenge coming up with a definition.
Yes, my eyes are glazed over at the moment. When I have more time, I am going to go throught this and attempt to come up with something.
I'll then post it for opinions.
Well...after I put Blinky on ignore.
(just kidding ya Blink)
And here is the frustration, what do those of us who work in trees, with trees, around trees, about trees but do not specialize in climbing, call ourselves? I spent a great deal of time last night trying to come up with a title that didn't include arborist. But I don't see why I should give up what I am.
I will tell you that I can probably predict a tree's reaction better than a great many of the "climbers" out there. I know what a good TIP is, and the pros and cons of various ones. I know when David is going to have to redirect to gain access throughout the tree...or if he will have to come down and reshoot the TIP. I can tell when a tree is going to be a problem or not and what those problems will entail. I can predict which way a tree will fall or if there are circumstances that are going to create a compromise. I can tell a hazardous tree, and to what degree it is hazardous. I can tell you if the tree will be brittle to climb or more forgiving....all from the ground before David even ascends. Yes, as a climber, he will discover the hidden aspects that were not discernable from the ground and that is vitally important for a complete assessment.
David has taught me to climb and I do prune trees. But I would never call myself a climber, not being of a proficiency or caliber that that title brings to my mind.
I share Northwinds frustration of seeing people who have no problems going up into the canopy, are talented climbers or possess a bucket truck or some manner of lift and yet the results of their work clearly show they have no clue what they are doing once they get there. And yet they can call themselves arborists.
Those of us who work with trees but are not climbers are not horticulturalists, agronomists, or foresters...all of those titles are taken as well. We are far different than landscapers and gardeners.
In searching for classes to further my knowledge, it is actually difficult to find something on a college level specifically geared towards arboriculture as a degree. It is far easier to find horticulture, agronomy and forestry. But whereas some of the topics cross over, their information and perspective on trees is limited or very different.
The requirements for the BCMA required a broad knowledge of many topics, incorporated from those fields as well, but as they relate specifically to trees.
So for now I will keep my arborist title. Blinky disagrees with that, and that is fine. He and I have come to terms with that. I respect his passion for trees as well.
Sylvia
I will tell you that I can probably predict a tree's reaction better than a great many of the "climbers" out there. I know what a good TIP is, and the pros and cons of various ones. I know when David is going to have to redirect to gain access throughout the tree...or if he will have to come down and reshoot the TIP. I can tell when a tree is going to be a problem or not and what those problems will entail. I can predict which way a tree will fall or if there are circumstances that are going to create a compromise. I can tell a hazardous tree, and to what degree it is hazardous. I can tell you if the tree will be brittle to climb or more forgiving....all from the ground before David even ascends. Yes, as a climber, he will discover the hidden aspects that were not discernable from the ground and that is vitally important for a complete assessment.
David has taught me to climb and I do prune trees. But I would never call myself a climber, not being of a proficiency or caliber that that title brings to my mind.
I share Northwinds frustration of seeing people who have no problems going up into the canopy, are talented climbers or possess a bucket truck or some manner of lift and yet the results of their work clearly show they have no clue what they are doing once they get there. And yet they can call themselves arborists.
Those of us who work with trees but are not climbers are not horticulturalists, agronomists, or foresters...all of those titles are taken as well. We are far different than landscapers and gardeners.
In searching for classes to further my knowledge, it is actually difficult to find something on a college level specifically geared towards arboriculture as a degree. It is far easier to find horticulture, agronomy and forestry. But whereas some of the topics cross over, their information and perspective on trees is limited or very different.
The requirements for the BCMA required a broad knowledge of many topics, incorporated from those fields as well, but as they relate specifically to trees.
So for now I will keep my arborist title. Blinky disagrees with that, and that is fine. He and I have come to terms with that. I respect his passion for trees as well.
Sylvia
- Location
- Chapel Hill, NC
Done Sylvia, I'm a pack rat, thanks for letting me know.
I see Eric E must have posted something but since I have him on ignore I'll just assume it was his usual drivel about being mentally challenged and having glazed over eyes.
I see Eric E must have posted something but since I have him on ignore I'll just assume it was his usual drivel about being mentally challenged and having glazed over eyes.
- Location
- Chapel Hill, NC
Always a pleasure Eric.
- Location
- Chapel Hill, NC
OK, I concede... no actually, I changed my my mind. I received this by PM from someone I respect and I can think of no counter argument... mainly because it's the same basic argument I'm using, that is, no other title covers it.
[ QUOTE ]
I work with trees. I work IN trees. I deal with their problems and try to help homeowners come up with solutions, educate them to help avoid the problems in the first place. I promote trees, I love trees. So I can’t forgo calling myself an arborist, there just isn’t any other title that expresses the passion adequately.
[/ QUOTE ]
I just can't argue with that. Anybody who can sincerely make that statement is an arborist in my book from now on.
[ QUOTE ]
I work with trees. I work IN trees. I deal with their problems and try to help homeowners come up with solutions, educate them to help avoid the problems in the first place. I promote trees, I love trees. So I can’t forgo calling myself an arborist, there just isn’t any other title that expresses the passion adequately.
[/ QUOTE ]
I just can't argue with that. Anybody who can sincerely make that statement is an arborist in my book from now on.
OK, I've sifted through this thread and pulled out the following quotes that I am trying to use as a FAQ answer to "What is an Arborist?":
"an individual who is trained in the art and science of planting, caring for, and maintaining individual trees." boreality
"An arborist is an individual that cares for trees and the owners of those trees."
flyingsquirrel25
"A qualified arborist is one who has demonstrated proficiency in and knowledge of the care of individual trees, generally in a residential or urban setting. Their comprehensive knowledge should include proper planting techniques, individual care and maintenance, or removal of residential/urban trees. They should understand the complex interaction of trees and their surrounding landscape and how they impact the people involved with them, being able to offer sound advice and practical solutions."
Sylvia
"an arborist is someone who studies, researches and works with trees."
"Abor being the tree part and the ist being the study or research of, or the dedication of one's life to the pursuit of."
"a level of knowledge, commitment and ability greater and deeper than that of simply a technician."
Rfwoodvt
"a person that studies and works with trees, including, but not limited to proper care of trees, starting at selection and installation, growth, health, disease processes, treatments, and evaluation."
Southsoundtree
"An arborist combines a wide set of practical skills with a fairly wide base of knowledge involving physics, plant biology, mechanics,"
Blinky
"An arborist is more or less a specialist or one who is trained for tree care, and provides tree care. Pruning, consulting, nutrition, irritation, planning and possibly planting."
"based on their understanding and knowledge of trees." Mdvaden
This is what I've come up with so far:
An Arborist is a person…
"an individual who is trained in the art and science of planting, caring for, and maintaining individual trees." boreality
"An arborist is an individual that cares for trees and the owners of those trees."
flyingsquirrel25
"A qualified arborist is one who has demonstrated proficiency in and knowledge of the care of individual trees, generally in a residential or urban setting. Their comprehensive knowledge should include proper planting techniques, individual care and maintenance, or removal of residential/urban trees. They should understand the complex interaction of trees and their surrounding landscape and how they impact the people involved with them, being able to offer sound advice and practical solutions."
Sylvia
"an arborist is someone who studies, researches and works with trees."
"Abor being the tree part and the ist being the study or research of, or the dedication of one's life to the pursuit of."
"a level of knowledge, commitment and ability greater and deeper than that of simply a technician."
Rfwoodvt
"a person that studies and works with trees, including, but not limited to proper care of trees, starting at selection and installation, growth, health, disease processes, treatments, and evaluation."
Southsoundtree
"An arborist combines a wide set of practical skills with a fairly wide base of knowledge involving physics, plant biology, mechanics,"
Blinky
"An arborist is more or less a specialist or one who is trained for tree care, and provides tree care. Pruning, consulting, nutrition, irritation, planning and possibly planting."
"based on their understanding and knowledge of trees." Mdvaden
This is what I've come up with so far:
An Arborist is a person…
robinia
Participating member
- Location
- Ontario, Canada
Wow,
I missed alot here...
At the risk of a derail:
I came to terms with the very broad all encompassing definition of an "arborist" along time ago, as far as climber or not. One thing I can NOT get on board with is a non-climber being an effective risk assessor. This is likely to set the whole argument off again, but I really can't see how you can assess, understand, and FEEL the true health and stability of a tree until you've consistently trusted you LIFE to it.
Of course I can see the irony here. The arborist-hacks out there doing all the nasty work would then be better risk assessors than the very educated and credited professionals...
Another whole bee's nest.
I missed alot here...
At the risk of a derail:
I came to terms with the very broad all encompassing definition of an "arborist" along time ago, as far as climber or not. One thing I can NOT get on board with is a non-climber being an effective risk assessor. This is likely to set the whole argument off again, but I really can't see how you can assess, understand, and FEEL the true health and stability of a tree until you've consistently trusted you LIFE to it.
Of course I can see the irony here. The arborist-hacks out there doing all the nasty work would then be better risk assessors than the very educated and credited professionals...
Another whole bee's nest.
treehumper
Carpal tunnel level member
- Location
- Ridgefield, NJ
Ok, there are plenty of well worded definitions so I'm going to look at this another way.
Eric, what is the point of the FAQ page on YOUR website? (Rhetorical question)
For any website, given that they are, for a business anyway, a marketing tool, the answer is a means of addressing the most common questions that the visitor usually has with answers that will not only answer the questions in a fundamental manner but highlight the advantages the host company has over it competitors. In short, another opportunity to sell your services without being too overt.
The definition you want will need to cause the visitor to think in terms that strengthen your company's image and brand. So, be sure that the definition of "arborist" is one that describes you and your people and underscores the fact that they will come across others that call themselves arborist but are in no way as qualified and skilled or better fit the definition than you.
Eric, what is the point of the FAQ page on YOUR website? (Rhetorical question)
For any website, given that they are, for a business anyway, a marketing tool, the answer is a means of addressing the most common questions that the visitor usually has with answers that will not only answer the questions in a fundamental manner but highlight the advantages the host company has over it competitors. In short, another opportunity to sell your services without being too overt.
The definition you want will need to cause the visitor to think in terms that strengthen your company's image and brand. So, be sure that the definition of "arborist" is one that describes you and your people and underscores the fact that they will come across others that call themselves arborist but are in no way as qualified and skilled or better fit the definition than you.
evo
Been here much more than a while
- Location
- My Island, WA
Eric E, I'm actually very surprised that I'm doing this but I believe in the following quote there is a spell check error.
I be live it's irrigation not irritation. Gave me a laugh
"An arborist is more or less a specialist or one who is trained for tree care, and provides tree care. Pruning, consulting, nutrition, irritation, planning and possibly planting."
I be live it's irrigation not irritation. Gave me a laugh
"An arborist is more or less a specialist or one who is trained for tree care, and provides tree care. Pruning, consulting, nutrition, irritation, planning and possibly planting."
- Location
- Longmont, CO
I think it is reasonable to agree that many can be qualified, but not have certifications.
Before I was a C.A. I used to get phone calls often where the customer would ask, "Are you an arborist?" At the time I wasn't, but I knew what they were asking me. I'd say, "Yes. I'm an arborist. I'm not a "certified" arborist, yet. I'm studying for my exam. Is that okay?"
Every one was fine with that answer.
I will say this. The certification keeps me motivated to continue to learn. That is one of my personal benefits...
Before I was a C.A. I used to get phone calls often where the customer would ask, "Are you an arborist?" At the time I wasn't, but I knew what they were asking me. I'd say, "Yes. I'm an arborist. I'm not a "certified" arborist, yet. I'm studying for my exam. Is that okay?"
Every one was fine with that answer.
I will say this. The certification keeps me motivated to continue to learn. That is one of my personal benefits...
The_Archdruid
Participating member
I'm still impressed with Blinky's original instincts, if not the answer. The part about the digging and climbing and leaving some blood in the canopy . . . And I respect Sylvia's position too; but it seems she demonstrates her own experience with those same practical aspects, thus moving her closer in agreement with him. (You don't have to be the best climber/rigging expert/shovel handler, you just have to know what it consists of)
So, an arborist is an individual dedicated to the science and practice of tree care.
So, an arborist is an individual dedicated to the science and practice of tree care.
Gerald_Beranek
New member
- Location
- Ft. Bragg, Ca.
This thread is all quibble. "An arborist is a treeguy", plain and simple.
Well, if you have to explain the meaning of the word to people that don't know any different, anyway.
Otherwise carry on.
Well, if you have to explain the meaning of the word to people that don't know any different, anyway.
Otherwise carry on.
- Location
- Devonport Tassie
Arborist : An individual with competence to cultivate , care and maintain trees for amenity or utility purposes (Draper & Richards, 2009, p. 10).
Draper, D. B., & Richards, P. A. (2009). Dictionary for managing trees in urban environments. Collingwood, Victoria: CSIRO Publishing
Thats right Gerry .....a tree guy!!
Draper, D. B., & Richards, P. A. (2009). Dictionary for managing trees in urban environments. Collingwood, Victoria: CSIRO Publishing
Thats right Gerry .....a tree guy!!
- Location
- MKE, WI
[ QUOTE ]
This thread is all quibble. "An arborist is a treeguy", plain and simple.
[/ QUOTE ]
I have to quibble with that Jerry, there are a lot of guys out there who work with trees that cannot be called arborists. On the udder hand, I object to the idea that climbers only can be arborists. To me an arborist is a tradesman, or professional who strives to learn more about what he does. A plain tree guy has a job he goes to and does the same thing he did the year before.
A trades corollary could be carpenter vs handyman.
This thread is all quibble. "An arborist is a treeguy", plain and simple.
[/ QUOTE ]
I have to quibble with that Jerry, there are a lot of guys out there who work with trees that cannot be called arborists. On the udder hand, I object to the idea that climbers only can be arborists. To me an arborist is a tradesman, or professional who strives to learn more about what he does. A plain tree guy has a job he goes to and does the same thing he did the year before.
A trades corollary could be carpenter vs handyman.
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