Many tree companies overlook the beautiful finish that an excellent hedge trimmer may offer in comparison to a powered chain saw. As an arborist who owns a tree and landscaping company, I have found that this tool comes in handy more often than not. When describing the tools that are part of a tree trimming operation, a hedge trimmer is not the one that most arborists would mention. Many pieces of equipment are part of the tree crew’s arsenal. You have chainsaws, wood chippers, pole pruners, pole saws, and even a stump grinder. There is a saying that says that when you have a hammer, everything looks like a nail. I have seen many tree surgeons try to complete specific jobs with a chain saw that could have been done better and faster with a hedge trimmer, I think all of us have been guilty of this at some point in our career. I have found that for proper tree trimming and tree removal services, the chainsaws with adequate handsaws, will suffice. The hedge trimmer should bu used when attention to detail is impeccable. Certain tree species grow well as hedges like the ligustrum, ficus, and the willow, like the one in the link below. https://amzn.to/2LUFWxB
Developing tree species into beautiful hedges is a way to use natural elements to accomplish transitions between spaces or to block off unwanted views or create a friendly screen between neighbors instead of using fencing or block walls. I venture to say that the proper use of the hedge trimmer has contributed to many increased property values enriching the aesthetic appeal of many communities. There is plenty of curb appeal that can be accomplished by the use of proper landscape edging and proper hedge use throughout a landscape. When mentioning the hedge trimmer, the first thing that most of us think of is a landscaping company, but as an arborist or tree surgeon, I think it fits in well as a specialty tool that we can adequately use in the right place.
There are also times when a particular tree can be rounded over with a much more cleaner look if it had completed with a hedge trimmer than a chainsaw. A fellow with a chainsaw that offers himself as a tree topper or a tree company that still provides tree topping is an operation that should send up a red flag. The distinction between rounding over and topping is as follows.
There are ethical guidelines that, as certified arborists, we abide by, there are numerous amount of tree service companies that unscrupulously advertise themselves as having a certified arborist on staff. It is your right as a paying customer to make sure you have one overseeing the work on your property. A professional certified arborist always carries their industry issued card on hand and not just a number conveniently advertised on their business card. You should be able to cross-reference the name of the card to their government-issued ID. With so many imposters, I wish more people would ask to see my credentials instead of just taking my word. When I use my credit card at a store, I always at ease when they ask to see my ID; it gives me a sense of security. I would feel as good if more people would ask to see my credentials. If this is too confrontational for your style, you can also check their number on the association’s website, www.isa-arbor.org. If you feel hesitant doing this, just imagine that they hack your trees, and your property value suffers because of it. If having a great landscaping design will improve your property value by up to twenty percent, what can having your trees improperly pruned do to the value of your property? There is too much at stake here for you to cross your fingers and hope they know what they are doing. Having the credentials of a certified arborist means we have met the industry guidelines and have passed our industry exam that is governed by our professional peers. Many times people associate professionalism with the price they will have to pay. Certain times paying a higher price upfront for the expertise will allow you as the property owner to be at peace, knowing that the job will get done correctly. It also means that you will have the presence of a professional from the industry, making the correct calls.