Arborist Information

What is Arborist?

Arborist is different from tree lopper.

Arborist is a trained and experienced professional in the practice of arboriculture. Arborist specialises in the care of trees with knowledges about the needs of trees and are trained and equipped to provide proper care.

Arborist is one of occupations listed under Skills Priority List (June 2021), Occupations in national shortage, with strong future demand, by Australian Government, National Skills Commission. (Source: https://www.nationalskillscommission.gov.au. Accessed on 10/6/22)

As a consumer, it is important to understand that all tree service providers are not necessarily operated by qualified Arborist. Qualified Arborist do not hack down trees. Qualified Arborist can assess and consider tree’s health, form, safety, ecological & environmental situations, legislations and other factors and decide whether or not tree removal is required. Qualified Arborist has extensive knowledge and techniques to carry out correct tree works and can give correct advice.

As published by The Australian Arbor Age April/May 2022 issue page 39, it would be beneficial to engage an AQF Level 5 Arborist at most times; however AQF Level 3 arborists can determine whether a tree has defects or has an imminent failure or threat.

Many of our past customers told us that they can watch peacefully how our arborist works with trees, they have never seen anyone does tree work like Nick, and some of them even commentated that Nick’s pruning is an art, and as you can imagine, this is one of many reasons that we have many repeat customers. Arborist does not just cut down any trees. Arborist knows the trees and work with trees to bring out their best. Arborist removes trees when it is considered needed depending on situation and assessment.

Arborist at NJPS Tree Service can offer both practical tree work and level 5 consultation from practical point of view.

What is Level 3 & Level 5 Arborist?

You have heard about Level 3 or Level 5 Arborist when you dealt with council or other authorities, or when you were looking for Arborist to carry out your project. But do you know what these levels mean? Like all trades and professionals, there are different level of qualification for Arborist. Practicing Arborist can undertake practical operations in tree care such as professional pruning and removal and must be qualified and hold minimum AQF (Australian Qualification Framework) Level 3 in Arboriculture (Certificate III in Arboriculture). Consulting Arborist have the experience and education to provide diverse, specialised arboricultural services in a consulting arborist capacity and must be qualified and hold AQF (Australian Qualification Framework) Level 5 in Arboriculture (Diploma in Arboriculture). (Source: Queensland Arboricultural Association https://qaa.net.au & Arboriculture Australia https://trees.org.au. Accessed June 2022) Level 5 Arborist holds the highest level of qualification which anyone in the arborist industry can obtain. Level 5 Arborists are fully knowledgeable and highly qualified when it comes to tree related works.

Arborist at NJPS Tree Service, Nick, is an owner operator, and holds both AQF Level 5 and AQF Level 3. Nick has been a practicing arborist at trade level for many years and has also educated himself to become a consulting arborist. During this time, he has undertaken both practical arborist works and arboricultural assessment, consulting and reports in Brisbane and surrounding regions. He has practically worked on and assessed various types of trees in different circumstances every day on site. Nick is a qualified member of Queensland Arboricultural Association. It is very hard to find a good Arborist who can perform practical work professionally at high skill level and also can offer a comprehensive advice as a consulting Arborist, which is based on his extensive practical knowledge and experience.

Hiring an arborist is a decision that should not be taken lightly

Arboriculture Australia says “Hiring an arborist is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Proper tree care is an investment that can lead to substantial returns. Well cared-for trees are attractive and can add considerable value to your property. Poorly maintained trees can be a significant liability. Pruning or removing trees, especially large specimens, can be dangerous work. Tree work should be done only by those trained and equipped to work safely in trees.” (Source: Arboriculture Australia https://arboriculture.org.au/about-trees/why-hire-an-arborist. Accessed 10/6/22)

Arborist should be able to assess and determine the type of pruning required to maintain or improve tree’s health, appearance and safety. There are many different pruning techniques depending on situation, conditions, location, structure, possible risk and hazard and so forth. Tree removal is a last resort, however an Arborist can assess the situation and conditions of the tree and can help to decide whether a tree is required to be removed. Arborist can also advice if the tree should be removed and replaced by a more suitable tree for a particular location or situation. Additionally, Arborist can assess tree’s health and offer tree care and maintenance plan to control and manage any existing issues. Arborist can consult and offer expert services about tree related legislations.

You may want to consider these when hiring Arborist