Are you looking to start a career as an arborist? JC Tree Services are currently looking for a trainee arborist to work full time on the Gold Coast. See the job listing for more information.
In technical terms, an arborist might more accurately be called an arboriculturist. But in a nutshell, it’s really all about trees.
It might make more sense to call them a “tree doctor”, but that doesn’t quite encapsulate it either. That’s because an arborist is more like an overall “tree guru”. If there’s a tree or a tree issue, or even something related to any woody plant, shrub or bush at all, the arborist will know exactly what to do.
The arborist has studied (and continues to study) the cultivation of all sorts of trees and woody plants and provides services that determine what actions are appropriate for their management.
What Does An Arborist Do?
- Sustainability and preservation – Developing care plans that promote long-term tree health.
- Planting and transplanting – Selecting suitable species for the location and relocating trees to new sites.
- Tree removal – Safely cutting down trees that are dead, diseased, hazardous, or obstructing property use.
- Identifying plant species – Recognising tree and shrub types to provide accurate care recommendations.
- Hazards and risks – Assessing trees for potential dangers, such as falling branches or structural instability.
- Site assessing – Inspecting landscapes to determine soil quality, drainage, and tree placement.
- Management and pruning – Shaping and maintaining trees to improve structure, health, and safety.
- Hedge trimming and shaping – Maintaining hedges for neat appearance, controlled growth, and plant vitality.
- Tree reports – Preparing assessments for councils, development approvals, or insurance purposes.
How Do Arborists Do Their Job?
As mentioned above, an arborist is a trained and experienced specialist who carries out a range of commercial services relating to trees and woody plants. Let’s explore in more detail:
Consultation: This area of an arborist’s job is wide-ranging. Tree consultation may involve:
- Recommending trees for planting
- Diagnosing diseases and advising about treatment
- Identifying hazards
- Identifying permissions
- Writing official reports for councils
Planting: Arborists approach planting trees with precision, starting with soil preparation and testing to ensure the environment can support healthy growth. They assess pH levels to determine whether the soil is too acidic or alkaline for certain species, test for drainage to prevent root rot, and check nutrient content to identify any deficiencies that need to be corrected before planting. Based on these findings, arborists move to tree selection. They will match species to the site’s specific climate, rainfall patterns, frost tolerance, and soil type.
In Australian conditions, for example, they may recommend drought-tolerant natives for dry inland areas or species with strong wind resistance for coastal zones. This tailored approach ensures that each tree not only survives but thrives in its location for decades.
Transplanting: An arborist will also ensure trees remain healthy after replanting. This process involves identifying which roots to preserve and which can be pruned, as well as conducting soil testing and treatment at the new location if needed. Not all trees are suitable for transplantation, and your local arborist can provide advice on whether it is the right option.
Tree removal: Tree removal begins with a site assessment, where the arborist evaluates the tree’s stability, nearby structures, and potential hazards. As part of determining the reasons for tree removal, they consider factors such as disease, structural damage, or interference with property. They then decide on the safest method, whether dismantling the tree in sections from the top down using ropes and rigging. Arborists also factor in how seasonal conditions, such as caring for trees in winter, can affect both the removal process and the tree’s overall health.
Stump grinding: Removing a tree is one thing, but removing the stump and the roots are all distinct procedures. Stump removal begins after the tree has been cut down, with the arborist using a stump grinder to break down the wood below ground level. This machine reduces the stump into mulch, preventing regrowth and freeing the area for replanting or landscaping. If roots are likely to regenerate, they will dig them out manually or with excavation tools.
Tree pruning: Pruning is an underestimated art, but experts will know what to do to keep the tree healthy and safe for those around it. They remove branches to manage diseases without causing further damage, and when branches are large, they properly secure and lower the limbs.
Gold Coast Arborist Experts – Find the Right One for You
Before you hire an arborist, especially for large jobs, you want to have confidence in their ability to complete the job safely and effectively. So check the following things first.
- Check their certification. JC Trees have level 3 & level 5 Arborists on the team.
- Check references and reviews. See our google map listing for Arborist reviews.
- Check membership of professional organisations. JC Trees are Queensland Aboriculture Association members.
- Ask for a copy of their insurance cover
JC Tree Services, the leading Gold Coast arborists will do site evaluations for free before carrying out any work. Want to know more about arboriculture? Have a tree problem? Get in touch with Jez on 0418 451 814, because like all highly skilled arborists, he always sees the wood for the trees.
Are you looking to start a career as a Gold Coast arborist? JC Tree Services is currently looking for a trainee arborist to work full- time with the team. See the job listing for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What precautions are taken when removing trees near power lines or underground utilities?
This includes coordinating with the electricity company to temporarily shut off power if necessary, maintaining safe clearance distances, and using insulated equipment. For underground utilities like water, gas, or telecommunications, arborists request a Dial Before You Dig service to map exact utility locations.
Can tree removal affect the stability of nearby trees or soil?
Yes. Large tree removals can change how surrounding trees interact with wind and sunlight. Roots from the removed tree may have been intertwined with those of neighbouring trees, and their removal can destabilise the soil structure. Arborists assess this risk beforehand, sometimes recommending root barrier installation, soil reinforcement, or staged removal to minimise sudden changes to the ecosystem.
How is debris from a removed tree recycled or repurposed instead of going to landfill?
Large branches and trunks are cut into firewood or milled into timber for furniture or construction. Smaller branches and foliage are run through wood chippers to produce mulch, which can be used on-site or sold for landscaping projects.
