Services

An arborist is a specialist in the care of individual trees. Arborists are knowledgeable about the needs of trees and are trained and equipped to provide proper care. 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 trees, can be dangerous work. Tree work should be done only by those trained and equipped to work safely in trees.

What Is a Certified Arborist?

An arborist by definition is an individual who is trained in the art and science of planting, caring for, and maintaining individual trees. ISA arborist certification is a nongovernmental, voluntary process by which individuals can document their base of knowledge. It operates without mandate of law and is an internal, self-regulating device administered by the International Society of Arboriculture. Certification provides a measurable assessment of an individual’s knowledge and competence required to provide proper tree care. Certification is not a measure of standards of practice. Certification can attest to the tree knowledge of an individual but cannot guarantee or ensure quality performance. Certified Arborists are individuals who have achieved a level of knowledge in the art and science of tree care through experience and by passing a comprehensive examination developed by some of the nation’s leading experts on tree care. Certified Arborists must also continue their education to maintain their certification. Therefore, they are more likely to be up to date on the latest techniques in arboriculture.

Arborist Services are therefore necessarily provided specialized, certified, experienced individuals.

Be an Informed Consumer

One of the best methods to use in choosing an arborist is to educate yourself on some of the basic principles of tree care.
*This brochure is one in a series published by the International Society of Arboriculture as part of its Consumer Information Program.

Services That Arborists Can Provide

Pruning

  • An arborist can determine the type of pruning necessary to maintain or improve the health, appearance, and safety of trees. These techniques include:
  • Eliminating branches that rub each other
  • Removing limbs that interfere with wires, building facades, gutters, roofs, chimneys, or windows, or that obstruct streets or sidewalks
  • Removing dead or weak limbs that pose a hazard or may lead to decay
  • Removing diseased or insect-infested limbs
  • Creating better structure to lessen wind resistance and reduce the potential for storm damage
  • Training young trees
  • Removing limbs damaged by adverse weather conditions
  • Removing branches, or thinning, to increase light penetration
  • Improving the shape or silhouette of the tree

Removal

  • Although tree removal is a last resort, there are circumstances when it is necessary. An arborist can help decide whether a tree should be removed. Arborists have the skills and equipment to safely and efficiently remove trees. Removal is recommended when the tree
  • Is dead or dying
  • Is considered irreparably hazardous
  • Is causing an obstruction that is impossible to correct through pruning
  • Is crowding and causing harm to other trees
  • Is to be replaced by a more suitable specimen
  • Is located in an area where new construction requires removal

Emergency Tree Care

Selecting the Right Arborist for the Job

When selecting an arborist:

  • Check for membership in professional organizations such as the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), or the American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA). Such membership demonstrates a willingness on the part of the arborist to stay up to date on the latest techniques and information.
  • Check for ISA arborist certification. Certified Arborists are experienced professionals who have passed an extensive examination covering all aspects of tree care.
  • Ask for proof of insurance and then phone the insurance company if you are not satisfied. A reputable arborist carries personal and property damage insurance as well as workers compensation insurance. Many home owners have had to pay out large amounts of money for damages caused by uninsured individuals claiming to be tree experts. You could be held responsible for damages and injuries that occur as a result of the job.
  • Check for necessary permits and licenses. Some governmental agencies require contractors to apply for permits and/or to apply for a license before they are able to work. Be sure they comply with any local, state, provincial, or national laws that govern their work.
  • Ask for references to find out where the company has done work similar to the work you are requesting. Don’t hesitate to check references or visit other work sites where the company or individual has done tree work. Remember, tree care is a substantial, long-lasting investment; you would not buy a car without a test drive!
  • Get more than one estimate, unless you know and are comfortable with the arborist. You may have to pay for the estimates, and it will take more time, but it will be worth the investment.
  • Don’t always accept the low bid. You should examine the credentials and the written specifications of the firms that submitted bids and determine the best combination of price, work to be done, skill, and professionalism to protect your substantial investment.
  • Be wary of individuals who go door to door and offer bargains for performing tree work. Most reputable companies are too busy to solicit work in this manner. Improper tree care can take many years to correct itself and, in some cases, it can never be corrected. Are you willing to take that risk with your valuable investment?
  • Keep in mind that good arborists will perform only accepted practices. For example, practices such as topping a tree, removing an excessive amount of live wood, using climbing spikes on trees that are not being removed, and removing or disfiguring living trees without just cause are unnecessary.
  • Get it in writing. Most reputable arborists have their clients sign a contract. Be sure to read the contract carefully. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, such as
  • When will the work be started and completed?—Who will be responsible for clean-up?—Is this the total price?—If I would like more to be done, what is your hourly rate?

Be an Informed Consumer

One of the best methods to use in choosing an arborist is to educate yourself on some of the basic principles of tree care.

*This brochure is one in a series published by the International Society of Arboriculture as part of its Consumer Information Program.

See Why Our Customers Have Trusted Us For Over 30 Years!

Stacy Green Client

Arbor Care Piekarski & Sons, Inc. recently cut down a oak tree in our back yard in a very complicated spot right in between our fence and retaining wall and not far from a brand new deck we built last year leaving little to no room for error. They got the tree down with absolutely no damages and got it done a lot quicker than we thought but also very safe and efficiently. The crew of guys work very well with one another and could tell that they knew their jobs well and had a-lot of experience! We called a lot of different tree companies to get quotes and they were by far the best price and didn't seem intimidated by the job like other tree companies were. If we ever need any tree work done in the future we will definitely be calling Arbor Care Piekarski & Sons again and would highly recommend !
Jordan Liverett Client

Piekarski Tree did an exceptional job with multiple stump removals in my front yard. The crew did a great job, and left no mess. They are very knowledgeable about what they do, and I’ll be using them again in the future for tree removals. If you need any tree work done, do yourself a favor and go with the best!
Scott Krgsheld Client

Great company. They did what was quoted and removed my tree and no mess remaining. The guys were on time and very respectful of my and my neighbors property. If I could give more stars I would. Thank you!
Joseph Poradzisz Client

Tree trimming service was efficiently completed to my satisfaction, including cleanup of the area. I'm well pleased with the crew's workmanship, and pleasant attitude.
Matt Lamb Designation

They did a great job of trimming a large tree that overhangs our garage. Great job trimming and cleaning up the site. I would definitely use them in the future.
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Arbor Care Piekarski & Sons is a family owned and operated company that has been serving Lansing IL & the South Suburbs of Chicago and Northwest Indiana for over 20 years

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