Arborist or not... You decide.

[treeman82]

I am just flipping through a local green industry business directory and trade journal that I picked up this past January at the local trade show. I will not name any names here, but this is what is advertised by one company (to other contractors). "Pruning, Shaping, and Topping * Cabling and Rod Bracing * Seasoned Firewood * Vista and Land Clearings * Wood Chips and Mulching * Evergreen Screenings * Snow Plowing * Holiday Tree Decorating" In the lower right hand corner of the ad there is the ISA certified arborist logo thing. I thought that Topping is not allowed anymore? Also when I was in Dr. Ryan's intro to arb class last fall he was advocating vista PRUNING and not clearing. Maybe I am off my rocker here, but is this guy an arborist? and if so how did he ever pass the ISA test?

 

[Kevin]

I`m not an arborist but I think an individual has the right to choose what they want done with their property.
I don`t see a problem advising someone against topping but the customer should have the final word.

 

[DDM]

I'll go out on Topping estimates and Actually 7 out of 10 times i can pursade them into a pruning. The other 3 i'll turn down. I have a nice horror tree picture book that i made up that shows several topping jobs and what the effects were.
Most of the pictures were taken right after the big green trucks rolled thru!

If you dont show up to try to educate the customer Jo Blo down the road will
drive thru Chop'N'top em. Also I have never actually found a prune customer that knew spikes were bad for the tree.
Every one has told me every tree man they ever used wore spikes!