Even in college, separation between the various 'branches' of horticulture was obvious. Although I never conformed to my own group, or any other for that matter, I knew what groups I did not want to be identified with. For example, landscape designers were not actually considered horticulturist so much as they were considered drafting nerds. Floral designers, . . . need I say more? (I still can't believe how many actually studied that.) Arborists were the worst; slovenly primates who enjoyed swinging from trees.

Then, in the summer of 1988, I wanted to do an internship here in the Santa Clara Valley; and the only one available was with a tree service. Although the men I spent that summer with conformed splendidly to the stereotype, they were among the most dedicated of horticultural professionals I have ever worked and continue to work with. None of them were ‘hackers’, which is to arborists what ‘mow, blow and go’ gardeners are to landscape maintenance gardeners.

The arboricultural industries are unfortunately attractive to many who are not exactly career oriented. Dedicated arborists who have studied the most contemporary arboricultural procedures and spend their career improving their techniques are more common than one would think. However, there are many hackers in the industry who have acquired a pick-up and a chain saw and claim to be arborists.

Although less may initially be spent for work performed by less qualified 'arborists', the expense of repairing the damage or of removing unsalvageable trees is almost always greater than what was saved by not securing the services of qualified arborists. (Damage to trees may not be immediately evident, but may ‘evolve’ as victim trees respond to improper arboricultural procedures.)

Reputation is very important when selecting an arborist or tree service. The best have likely been in business for many years and have many satisfied clients who would recommend them and continue to procure their services. Blair Glenn of Saratoga Tree Service for example, has been serving some of his clients since 1974; but that is somewhat extreme. It is usually better to consider recommendations from friends, neighbors and other horticultural professionals. (Many arborists may recommend other proficient colleagues who have not been in business long enough to have gained a reputation.)

Certification with the International Society of Arboriculture (as a Certified Arborist) is an indication that an arborist takes his career and industry seriously. To become certified, an arborist must demonstrate his arboricultural knowledge and experience by passing the initial certification examination. Certification must then be maintained by periodic attendance to various functions of the International Society of Arboriculture, including lectures, workshops and seminars.

Hackers typically lack such commitment and are very often not specialized. For example, they may advertise that they do fences, decks, concrete, brickwork, irrigation, etc. I actually see this quite often. Unless the individual is very versatile and very talented, this should be an indication that he is not sufficiently proficient at arboriculture to be dedicated to it as a career. This is also demonstrated by advertisement of procedures that are not arboriculturally or horticulturally correct, such as ‘topping’. This most barbaric procedure has always been deplorable among real arborists.

Mature trees are the most prominent features of a landscape and a substantial investment within the corresponding property. Maintenance and pruning of trees is therefore something that should not be compromised or trusted to hackers. An excellent form of credential would be to hire a Certified Arborist through the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). I also am a Certified Arborist.