Do you know what an arborist is? You might have heard from gardeners and landscapers. And even maybe tree surgeons. But what an arborist actually is, can be unclear for many people. They are often considered similar to tree surgeons. And although there are many similarities. There can be important differences too. Find out all about it here!
Tree Surgeon or Arborist?
Firstly it is important to look at the differences and similarities between a tree surgeon and an arborist. And there are actually many more similarities than they are different! To the point that many people confuse the two. Or even use both names to describe the same.
What it comes down to, is their specific study or qualification. In general, an arborist would care for the whole tree and its health. As they will study the function and structure of trees. Whereas a tree surgeon will be more practically skilled and can specifically diagnose diseases and issues.
However, both tasks and duties heavily cross over and most people who consider themselves to be an arborist could also be a tree surgeon. And vice versa.
Why Hire An Arborist
Now that we know what an arborist is, it is important to know why you should consider hiring one. Most arborists or tree surgeons will not be employed full time within a private household. But rather work part-time or take on jobs as being self-employed.
But simply, anyone who has any trees in their garden or on their land, should at some stage consider hiring an arborist. If you own the land, it will be your responsibility to make sure your trees are healthy. And that they also do not pose a threat to anyone or anything!
Tree health is extremely important, especially when the seasons change. An unhealthy tree could be unstable, and an unexpected gush of wind could knock it over or rip off branches. With potentially very dangerous damage as a consequence.
So making sure your trees are healthy and safe is of paramount importance. Any diseases should be diagnosed and picked up on so they can be fixed as soon as possible. So that any accidents can be prohibited. And your trees can keep growing and blossoming beautifully. So that you can enjoy them at any season.
Who To Hire
When starting to look to hire someone to help out with your trees or garden, you have a couple of options.
Self-hiring
Firstly, you can try to self-hire. This means that nobody will help you in the process from initial selection through to interview and potential trial stage. This option may work for some people. However, do not underestimate how much work it is to find a suitable person to hire. You will have to create a job spec. Post it in the relevant places in the hope you will reach suited candidates. Then you will have to go through every single applicant to make sure you are not missing anyone who could be good. You also probably want to make sure that they have an up to date DBS.
And make sure you are critical in this process! Even if it is someone who will only do ad hoc or parttime work for you. They will still be working near you and your family, on your land. So you want to make sure these candidates are who they say they are. Reference checking is a must here, as well as thorough interviews.
Use An Agency
Another option is for you to use a professional recruitment agency. You will pay an agency fee for their work, but it can be really worth it. A good agency will take all the hassle, time and stress away from you.
They will have a vetted selection of candidates already on their books. So it can really speed up the process and make it a lot more efficient for you too. Meaning that only the right candidate CVs will be sent to you for consideration. So that all you have to worry about is whether the person might match with your household and the job.
It is a really worthwhile route to consider. You make sure you get the best quality candidates to choose from. And all the support through the recruitment process, even up to job offer and contract stages.
How can Polo & Tweed help?
Are you ready to hire someone like an arborist, or perhaps a gardener? We can help! Domestic household staff is what we live and breathe – including gardeners, landscapers, tree surgeons and arborists. Polo & Tweed are here take all the stress away from the process to find a new arborist for you. All of our candidates are fully vetted and checked. So we will be able to find the right people for you with ease. Why not contact us now to see how we can help!