FAQs

1. How is Arbor Roots different from other tree services?
2. What is ISA?
3. Why is a Certified Arborist important?
4. Why is a Certified Tree Worker/Climber Specialist important?
5. I have a Pine tree. Should I worry about Pine beetle?
6. Why is my tree turning yellow in the summer?
7. Why is my tree dying?
8. How do I know if my tree was pruned correctly?
9. Should I seal a wound in my tree using tree paint or other types of fillers?

How is Arbor Roots different from other tree services?

Arbor Roots was founded in 2011 when four arborists joined together to form a company that cared about the preservation of trees and wished to treat them in the most ethical manner possible. Each member brings a unique talent from competition climbing, plant health care knowledge, and in-depth knowledge about plant pathology and physiology. Arbor Roots is dedicated to proper diagnosis and treatment of your trees. We are driven by our passion for trees and not just major production. We take the time to asses and manage each plant individually and give the proper care at the proper time. Our arborists wish to build relationships with our clients and their trees.

What is ISA?

Founded in 1924 the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) has served the tree care industry for more than 80 years as a scientific and educational non-profit organization. Its mission statement:

"Through research, technology, and education promote the professional practice of arboriculture and foster a greater public awareness of the benefits of trees."

Although the US main headquarters is located in Illinois, the ISA has over 20,000 members nationally with international chapters in Australia, New Zealand, UK, Asia, South America, and Europe. Using the certified number, one can verify a Certified Arborist or a Certified Tree Worker Climber Specialist in a specific area through the ISA website.

Why is a Certified Arborist important?

In order to be eligible to become a certified arborist, you must first have a minimum of three years experience in the field and/or a degree in Arboriculture. The Certified Arborist Examination comprises and tests candidates’ knowledge in the following twelve categories of arboriculture:

1. Biology
2. Tree Identification and selection
3. Soil and water
4. Risk Assessment
5. Tree nutrition and fertilization
6. Plant Health Care
7. Installation and Establishment
8. Pruning
9. Cabling, Bracing and Lightning Protection
10. Problem diagnosis
11. Construction and Preservation
12. Safe Work Practices

Why is a Certified Tree Worker/Climber Specialist important?

Having a Certified Tree Worker/ClimberSpecialist is important because unlike in the Certified Arborist exam, a Certified Tree Worker (CTW) requires climbers to pass a skills test portion in the tree, ensuring that your actual climbing meets certain criteria set forth by the ISA standard. In addition the the field test and written exam a CTW must also complete a EHAP/ Aerial Rescue Requirement, become certified in CPR, and prove to have critical knowledge and understanding in power line and lightning safety.

I have a Pine tree. Should I worry about Pine beetle?

Yes. In general if you have one, you should worry about the growing pine beetle problem. However, it is important to know that depending on where you live your pine tree might be suffering from different types of beetles besides just the pine beetle that you hear about in the news (such as the Ips beetle and Turpentine beetle) because all three beetles attack different parts of a tree but affect it in the same ways. It is important to consult with a certified arborist about which beetle you have (sometimes all three) and what the best options are for treatment. It is important to know that Pine beetles and Turpentine beetles attack the trunk of the tree and Ips beetle attacks the tops and branches of the tree.

Why is my tree turning yellow in the summer?

Finding the leaves of your tree yellowing in summer can be disheartening. There can be several causes for this but figuring out just what is wrong quickly can mean the difference in the longevity of the tree. It is best to consult with a Certified Arborist. Sometimes it is a simple solution and no cause for concern, but finding out the answer quickly can be crucial. One of the most common general causes for a tree turning yellow too quickly is a problem called chlorosis. Chlorosis is defined as a condition in which leaves produce insufficient chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is responsible for the green color of leaves, therefore a tree that is chlorotic has premature yellow leaves (in summer). Some examples of chlorosis are specific mineral deficiencies in the soil, such as iron or magnesium, poor drainage (waterlogged roots), damaged and/or compacted roots, or exposure to sulfurous dioxide. Fortunately, for some of these problems there exists an easy and inexpensive remedy. When possible we can educate homeowners how to fix problems like iron deficiency by themselves.

Why is my tree dying?

Different types of trees can suffer specific problems that can be cause for an unhealthy appearance, or even death. A tree will start to die from a multitude of different problems if it does not have enough stored energy to defend itself. Some of the basic general problems that can cause a tree to become unhealthy are:

• Improper Planting: the roots need oxygen to survive, if a tree is not planted properly (too deep) from the beginning the roots will not be able to develop, which is a major cause of an unhealthy appearance or death of a tree at a younger age. Sometimes one may not notice the results of a tree that was planted too deep for several years. One rule to remember is, “Plant it high and it wont die, plant it low it wont grow.” Another reason trees die with improper planting is that they can be left inside the wire basket with burlap wrap, even though the burlap sack is bio degradable, the wire is not and this causes roots to circle or girdle around the tree, causing death.
• Root Problems: Roots are one of the most complex thing we deal with, because its the area of the tree that you cant see. Roots need oxygen to survive and can be compromised with several issues such as compaction of soil, landscaping, and backfill around trees. Other problems include cutting of roots for projects such as irrigation systems, building of driveways, sidewalks, porches and retaining walls.
• Water Needs: All trees need a lot of water. Though summer watering is the most important, watering your trees through the winter especially in the Colorado region is important. The roots develop all year long because our soil will consistently thaw and freeze through the winter.
• Insect Problems: The types of insects that can attack your tree will vary greatly from species to species. They can range all the way from foliar insects, like aphids, leaf hopper, leaf miners and scale to boring insects, like pine beetle, Ips beetle, and lilac ash bore. Any insect that is attacking can deplete the energy of your tree, leaving it even more vulnerable, but boring insects can eventually cause death. To help you decide what treatment is necessary, its best to consult with a Certified Arborist to best determine what type of insect you have and what to do about it.
• Physical Damage: From lightning strikes, car crashes, storms, improper pruning (heading), or even lawn mower damage, physical damage to a tree can cause death because it allows major pockets of decay to attack the tree in a weakened state and if the tree does not have enough stored energy to compartmentalize (seal off its wound) it can start to decline.

How do I know if my tree was pruned correctly?

“Topping” a tree, “heading”, “lolly popping”, and “lion tailing” are all terms that loosely describe the improper pruning techniques that unfortunately are practiced by many general or landscaping tree services. To learn about proper pruning techniques used by skilled Certified Arborists and Arbor Roots please see our pruning page listed under our services. It will explain how our climbing skills combined with proper pruning cuts are absolutely the best choice to make for the health of your tree. Under no circumstances should you see a ladder used in tree care – it is both dangerous and ineffective!

Should I seal a wound in my tree using tree paint or other types of fillers?

No. Although this an old and widely believed practice, we have since learned that applying tree paint of any other type of filler to a wound of a tree will interrupt its natural sealing process (compartmentalization) and actually cause more harm.