Tree arborists near you

A certified arborist is a tree care specialist who has extensive training and has passed a comprehensive exam to receive their certification. They’re knowledgeable in tree health, maintenance and safety, which allows them to properly care for trees. Note that arborists generally only work with trees, not landscaping, flower beds or other gardening tasks.

You should consider hiring a certified arborist for the following tasks:

• Pruning and trimming: Arborists can make sure to prune trees correctly, ensuring good growth habits while preventing damage.

• Diagnosis and treatment: If you have sick or diseased trees, an arborist can diagnose the problem and recommend a treatment. In some cases, they can help you save a dying tree. In other cases, removal may be necessary for trees that cannot be saved or diseases that can spread.

• Evaluations: Arborists can evaluate your trees — even those that appear healthy — and point out any potential problems or safety concerns. If you want to plant new trees, they can also offer advice on good species and where to plant them.

• Storm damage: Arborists can trim and remove trees damaged by storms, and they can also do a quick evaluation of trees that appear undamaged to ensure that there are no cracks or other hidden issues that the storm may have caused.

• Before construction: If you’re planning a major construction or excavation project near existing trees, it’s smart to call in an arborist beforehand so they can evaluate any impact the future project may have on the trees.

An arborist is a tree care specialist whose services typically include:

• Tree planting: Trees are expensive and can be more complicated to keep alive if planted incorrectly. An arborist helps ensure the tree will thrive after planting.

• Pruning and trimming: Young trees especially need more pruning and shaping to manage their growth, but even more established trees benefit from being pruned.

• Cabling or bracing: These are means of installing hardware to support damaged or weak tree limbs or a partially broken tree.

• Pest and disease management: An arborist will be able to identify and treat pests and diseases common to your area.

• Tree removal: When a tree dies or is no longer safe, an arborist is certified to remove it safely.

Speak to arborists near you about their services. Some arborists have specializations while others can perform all the services listed above.

When looking for a certified and reliable arborist, make sure you complete the following steps:

• Verify their license and insurance: Look for certification from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), which helps ensure the arborist has the necessary knowledge and skills. Some states may also have state-specific licensing requirements, so do your research. A qualified arborist should also have liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage in case of accidents on the job.

• Get several estimates: The estimate should include a detailed breakdown of the scope of work, including tree trimming, removal, stump grinding or any additional services. It should also specify the estimated time frame, labor costs, equipment fees and disposal charges.

• Read their reviews: Red flags may include vague or negative reviews mentioning poor communication, unprofessional behavior or incomplete work. Positive signals include detailed reviews that praise the arborist's efficiency, expertise and safety practices.

• Look at their portfolios: The portfolio should showcase their experience with similar tree care tasks, including before-and-after photos of tree trimming, pruning or removal. Pay attention to the quality of their work and whether they’ve handled trees of similar size, type and complexity to your project.

For more tips, visit Thumbtack’s Smart Hiring page. 

National average costs for tree services vary widely. For example, tree removal costs around $722 to $2,068,* according to Thumbtack data. Meanwhile, national average prices for trimming or pruning ranges from around $436 to $1,221.*

There are several factors that might impact the cost of this project, including: 

• Tree size and type: Larger trees and certain species like hardwoods usually require more time and labor to trim and remove.

• Accessibility: Power lines, buildings and tight spaces can all affect the cost since the arborist will need to take special precautions to avoid damage.

• Complexity: Trees that need a large amount of trimming or that have unusual growth patterns may cost more.

• Diseases: An arborist near you may charge more for specialized treatment on diseased trees or for the removal of diseased wood.

• Seasons: Arborists may charge more during peak times, such as spring or fall.

• Local regulations: You may need a permit to trim or remove a tree in your area, which can add to the total cost of this project.

You might be able to save money on your project with these tips: 

• Scheduling: If possible, hire an arborist in off-peak times. They may cut you a deal so that they can keep their bookings full.

• Trim multiple trees: Rather than calling an arborist for one tree at a time, consider having all of your trees and shrubs handled at once. The initial cost will be higher, but the arborist will be able to charge less overall since they won’t have to haul equipment or do other tasks multiple times.

• Maintenance: Make sure to have your trees evaluated and maintained yearly so that your arborist can catch problems and correct them before they become large, expensive jobs.

*Data on file at Thumbtack. For a personalized cost estimate, request a quote from a professional.

Some of the biggest benefits of hiring an arborist instead of a landscaper (or DIY-ing this task) include the following:

• Accurate tree disease diagnosis: Arborists are tree doctors who keep trees alive and thriving by diagnosing disease and prescribing treatment plans. 

• New tree planting and care: An arborist can offer species advice and/or tree planting services to ensure the long term health of new trees.

• Safe tree removal: Tree removal can be dangerous. A licensed, bonded arborist near you will have the equipment and know-how to get the job done safely and efficiently. 

• Long-term savings: Falling limbs from poorly maintained trees can cause serious damage to your property. Hiring an arborist can save you money by keeping trees healthily maintained, so you can avoid the costs of damage or tree removal. 

Arborists are professionals who specialize in tree care and maintenance. They are sometimes referred to as “tree doctors” or “tree surgeons,” but there are differences you should know:

• Tree doctors and arborists: Arborists are tree doctors/surgeons with extensive training in tree biology. They must be certified by the International Society of Arboriculture and can diagnose tree diseases and create treatment plans. Services like tree trimming, tree removal and stump grinding/removal services are usually offered by “tree surgeons” or tree trimming services. 

• Arborists vs. landscapers: Landscapers specialize in plant installation, mulching, lawn installation and maintenance, while arborists are certified tree experts. For general landscaping needs, a landscaper will do. But to diagnose sick trees or offer tree maintenance advice and services, consult a local arborist.