Arborist or landscaping crew?

[zephyr]

I have some large, overgrown shrubs that are tree-like. And I have some small trees that need pruning. I would appreciate a recommendation for a landscaping crew that’s affordable and efficient. Wondering at what point you get an arborist versus a landscaper crew to do this sort of work. Thanks.

Share This

[anonyme]

Please – when it comes to trees, always hire an arborist. Do you know what kind of trees you have? Landscapers “prune” trees as if they were large shrubs, and they are not the same animal at all. Do you want your shrubs to maintain a natural, tree-like shape, or do you want them sheared? Very few plants are actually suited for hedging/shearing, but it’s the quick and dirty (cheap) solution, which is why it’s so prevalent. Most landscapers will tell you that they are expert pruners; what they mean is that they will shear any plant you point them toward into a blob that may or may not recover from the damage.
You might try checking the Plant Amnesty website. They maintain a list of arborists, and also landscapers/gardeners who are trained pruners.

Share This

[zephyr]

Thanks, anonyme. Yes, I understand this totally. I will be watching the work like a hawk. It will be precise and limited in scope.

Share This

[Diana]

Anonyme, I take exception to the comments you have posted. They are generalized and group landscapers into a category that is all inclusive. This is a profession and a trade that offers a variety of services and different skill levels. There are landscaping companies with expertly trained and skilled employees and they adhere to a high code of ethics and professionalism. I am proud to be the owner of such a company that just celebrated it’s 25th year in business. There are others out there. We are expert pruners, trained by the best, continuing education for all, serious about our profession, and know our stuff. Tree pruning included. We know when it is beyond our scope and refer ISA arborists without hesitation when necessary. Generalized assumptions and comments do nothing to educate the public and insults those who are committed to their trade and profession. In honor of Labor Day we are taking the day off.

Share This

[anonyme]

Diana, you can take exception all you like, but if what you say about your own company is true, then you ARE an exception – not the rule. There is also a difference between gardeners and landscapers, although sometimes the line is blurred. It sounds like you may employ the former. I know some garden maintenance companies have a few trained people on their crew, so it’s important to know who you’re getting.

I stand by my caution; most mow & blow crews simply don’t have the credentials to do tree work. If your company is truly an exception, I wonder that you didn’t post contact info for the OP – and prove it.

Share This

[zephyr]

Still looking for a landscape crew or arborist recommendation. Thanks.

• This reply was modified 8 years, 7 months ago by zephyr.

Share This

[maddy]

I recommend Devonshire Landscapes – 206-851-3885 – in West Seattle. They have a website.
For tree pruning- Grun Tree Care LLC – 206-321-1600 – in West Seattle with a website. Both do excellent work and are very skilled at what they do. Grun Tree Care prunes both trees & shrubs.

• This reply was modified 8 years, 7 months ago by maddy.

Share This

[zephyr]

Thanks, Maddy. I appreciate it.

Share This

[Diana]

Zephyr, we would be pleased to meet with you and take a look at the pruning you need done. http://www.northwestbotanicals.com. For work that requires an arborist we second the recommendation for Grun Tree Care. Diana

Share This

[zephyr]

Thank you, Diana. I will give you a call. And yes, I did call Grun yesterday and left a message.

Share This

[Author]

Posts