A dendrologist studies trees from an academic perspective while an arborist works with living trees, specializing in their growth and care. Both have important roles to play when it comes to tree care, but it's important to understand the differences between them if you are looking for help for your trees.
Dendrology is generally considered to be a branch of systematic botany or forestry and is primarily concerned with the taxonomy of woody species. Historically, dendrology also encompassed the natural history of the woody species in a given area, but such studies are now more properly ascribed to the field of ecology.
ISA Board Certified Master Arborist
This credential is the highest level of certification offered by ISA, which recognizes ISA Certified Arborists at the pinnacle of their profession. In addition to passing an extensive scenario-based exam, candidates must adhere to a Board-Certified Master Arborist Code of Ethics.
An arborist is a trained professional who specializes in the care of trees. They are experts in the science of tree biology and have the knowledge and skills to provide proper tree care.
Dendrology is a branch of botany that specializes in the characterization and identification of woody plants, while botany is the study of all types of general plants.
Botanists are scientists who study plants. They are also known as plant scientists, plant biologists or 'phytologists'.
An arborist is a specialist who dedicates their career to the care of trees. They have an extensive amount of knowledge about the biological needs of trees and how to manage their health and wellbeing. They are also experienced in the processes of properly pruning, trimming and removing trees.
The terms tree surgeon and arborist (or arboriculturalist) are often used interchangeably, but they are subtly different professions. A very simple way of describing the difference is that tree surgeons know where to cut a tree, whereas arborists know why.
If the exam is sponsored by an ISA chapter or associate organization, the fee is $170 USD for members and $280 USD for nonmembers. For those who elect the computer-based testing option, there is a computer-based testing administrative fee of $125 USD in addition to the exam fee.
For example, arborists in states like California and Rhode Island earn upwards of $50,000 annually. This is because of higher demand and cost of living.
Tree Care Industry Shifts. While these demographics indeed reflect tree care as a male-dominated profession, the arboriculture industry is evolving to include women arborists. Melanie's forward momentum in her arboriculture career reflects this.
Becoming a dendrologist typically requires the completion of a doctoral degree program in forestry or another related field such as plant biology, ecology or environmental science. Many programs also offer certificates in specific areas of study such as forestry management, urban forestry or forest pathology.
Dendrochronology - The Study of Tree Rings.
The cost of arborist services can seem high, but it's important to remember that these are skilled professionals who have years of training and experience. They also have to cover the cost of their equipment, liability insurance, and other overhead costs.
$69,000 is the 75th percentile. Salaries above this are outliers. $88,000 is the 90th percentile. Salaries above this are outliers.
One of the biggest differences between different types of tree service experts is the level and depth of education. While anyone can technically label themselves an “arborist,” only tree experts with the proper training and qualifications can call themselves ISA Certified.
Eligibility requirements can be met through a combination of education and practical arboricultural experience, including completion of accredited degree programs or a two or four-year degree with specific arboriculture courses combined with practical experience.
The highest paying types of arborists are tree trimmer, landscape crew leader, and irrigation technician.
To become an ISA Certified Arborist®, one must have at least 3 years of documentable experience in the tree industry (or a combination of formal education and practical arboriculture experience) and must pass the ISA Certified Arborist® Exam with at least a 76% or higher.
Downside: Climbing trees with chainsaws and lowering multiton limbs to the ground doesn't leave a lot of room for error. On average, nearly six arborists die each month in the U.S., usually the victims of falling or being struck by errant branches or equipment.
While some aspects of this work are done on the ground or in an office, much of it is done by arborists who perform tree services and who climb the trees with ropes, harnesses and other equipment. Lifts and cranes may be used too. The work of all arborists is not the same.
Tree removal can be expensive. Consider hiring an arborist when your tree is dead or dying, an unacceptable risk, causing an obstruction, crowding other trees, or located in an area where there's new construction.