Arbor Operations
– Arborist Toowoomba

An arborist (also known as a tree surgeon or tree doctor) is someone who practices the cultivation and management of trees, shrubs, and other woody plants. They keep trees healthy and attractive by identifying areas of disease and decay, and diagnosing nutritional or structural problems. Once issues are identified, they make the tree healthier through pruning and cleaning.

Common practical tasks for arborists include:

• Tree trimming and pruning
• Tree removal
• Palm cleaning
• Stump grinding (removal)
• Tree mulching

Arborists can also plant new recommended trees, identify hazards, identify and treat parasite infestations, try to prevent animals from preying on the tree, and remove invasive vegetation. When an arborist completes a tree consultation, there is an option to receive a detailed report with recommended actions.

An arborist is not the same as a tree lopper, who might indiscriminately chop tree branches for aesthetic improvement, but not understand the impact on the tree’s health (weakening, vulnerability to pests, etc.). Arborists are educated in the science of arboriculture, using their knowledge to help improve a tree’s vitality. Tree loppers tend to be cheaper at first, however they are more expensive in the long run.Arborists are highly qualified practitioners of their trade—experts at assessing the condition of trees and understanding how to give them the opportunity for a long and healthy life.

An arborist makes use of the following equipment to complete their work:

• A single or moving rope system to climb the tree, including a harness
• Steel toe-capped boots
• A chainsaw to prune
• A chipper knife
• A safety helmet
• Chainsaw chaps/pants
• Ear protection—chainsaws are loud!
• Eye protection to protect against flying pieces of wood
• Sunscreen
• A ground-penetrating radar, to assess the tree’s root structure

Up to date, modern equipment is critical for the safety of arborists.

Working as an arborist is dangerous, with many hazards such as falling, broken equipment, injury from flying objects, noise and UV exposure, stinging animals, and working close to power lines. The job has high safety standards for this reason. Arborists are required to complete qualifications that teach them the strict safety standards of the job, with at least a Certificate III in arboriculture.

A risk assessment is completed for every job, with hazards including the weather, condition of the tree, proximity of power lines, musculoskeletal injuries, and more. Equipment must also be regularly checked and maintained, to ensure its safety for the job. Finally, an emergency plan is needed in the event that something goes wrong.

Trees can become dangerous when severely damaged by disease, which can affect its structural integrity, and cause branches to fall. Signs of an unhealthy tree include excessive broken branches, leaning, a “bare” look with fewer leaves, fungi growth, and more. A qualified arborist can assess the health of your tree to determine whether it’s safe.

The tree will need to be pruned, which encourages it to grow in another direction. This is different to lopping, which doesn’t take the tree’s health into consideration.

Stumps are removed with a stump grinder, which slowly grinds the wood into smaller pieces.

Yes. In the unlikely event that something goes wrong, we’re Quality Assurance Accredited, with full insurance covering a public liability of $20 million.

Keep the area clear and contact a professional arborist to assess the damage.

We’ll remove everything for you and leave your property in the same condition it was found.